One should be aware of how to replace the water heater unit, but first, you should know when to replace the heater. Leakages in the system are one such indication for the replacement.
Those who love to take a bath in hot water will know the value of the water heater system. Now you may notice that right amount of water is not delivered to you or the water is not rightly warm. So if you come across any such conditions, then it indicates that the heater unit needs to be replaced.
Now talking about the replacement, it is not an easy task to do since you have to make a note of different components of the system. And then, continue with the replacement task.
How to Replace a Water Heater?
The main steps to be followed for the replacement task include three processes. The first process completely deals with the planning portion.
The second process is the replacement of the old heater unit, and then finally will get the new water heaters installed.
Planning and all the Preparation
The usual lifetime of any water heater system is around 8 to 15 years. If you find that water heater has passed that time limit, then you have to be all set as the replacement will take around two days work. First, you will have to understand the system parts. And then inspect the system, for other internal or external damages here.
Also, if you find the rust formation within the unit or anywhere around it, then it is confirmed that the filter needs to be replaced as soon as possible. After checking the problem, the next step which includes here is the understanding of the instruments required for doing this replacement work.
Now if you don’t find any issues which we have discussed, then chances are that you will have to get the fix done. And in this case, the heater unit need not be replaced. Instead, you have to do the right kind of fixes. You must learn about how to drain a water heater to increase its longevity.
If you are not able to understand the problem rightly, then you could contact your plumber or manufacturer to get the issues solved for your water heater.
Remove the Old Water Heater
To get started here, turn off the gas supply initially. Check for any smell of the gas around before proceeding. If you are dealing with the electric system, then remove the fuse and cut all the power which is supplied to the heater system.
Next, you will be required to turn the water supply off, and for this, you have to work on the shut-off valve which stops the cold water supply. Now slowly drain the tank, by opening the hot water faucet. This will ultimately help you with easily moving the system.
Then you have to disconnect the gas and the water line, and also the hot and cold water lines here. In the case of soldering, you have to carefully cut the pipes using a hacksaw or a tubing cutter. Next, you have to disconnect the vent from the water heater. Then finally push the vent pipe to one side.
Read – What to do with Old Water Heater | All Possible Options
In this manner, you have rightly disconnected all the parts of the water heater. There are many Types of Water Heater and you can use this procedure on them. The only thing left to do in this step is to slowly slide the tank from the main system. Then contact any waste management agency to understand how to recycle this old water heater tank.
Get the New Water Heater Installed
Place the new water heater perfectly. If you find any pool of water lying on the floor, wipe it off nicely. Make sure that the surrounding is dry. You can take advantage of a carpenter’s leveler to set the heater system straight.
The next task is to install the temperature and pressure relief valve. After this, you need to attach the pipe assemblies. The system has got many attachments related to the pipes, and it mainly covers the inlet and the outlet pipes.
Make all the connections which are present between the hot and the cold water lines. You will be required to perform soldering between the ends of the pipes. This is mainly done to prevent the process of electrolysis.
Finally, reattach the vent, connect the gas line. Check for any leaks in the system, if everything is good then refill the tank (source). Turn the Power On, and get started!
Read More – What Size Water Heater Do I Need | Water Heater Sizes
Hope this step-by-step guide helped you in understanding How to Replace a Water Heater. If you have got any queries related to the replacement procedure, then feel free to post your question in the comment section below.
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