6 Common Mistakes of DIY Water Heater Installation
As a result of the abundance of knowledge that is readily available on the internet in these modern times, an increasing number of homeowners are learning how to undertake home repair projects on their own rather than hiring a professional. The do-it-yourself strategy provides several advantages, including the potential to save money. However, there are situations when taking shortcuts can wind up costing you more money.
A licensed plumber is the only person who should tackle certain plumbing operations, such as installing a tank water heater because they have the necessary training, experience, and equipment to do so safely. When installing a water heater themselves, many homeowners make a variety of errors, some of which include selecting the incorrect tank size, installing the water heater in an improper location, selecting the wrong materials, and failing to comply with applicable building requirements.
Don’t make these mistakes installing your tank water heater
1. Choosing the wrong size
If your new water heater isn’t properly installed, it could be doomed to fail before it’s even had a chance to heat even a single gallon of water. Tank water heater capacities typically lie between 30 and 80 gallons. The number of people in your home, as well as how much hot water you need, will determine the ideal size. Infrequent access to hot water is a common problem that can be exacerbated by purchasing a water heater that is too small for your needs. However, if the tank is too big, you’ll be spending unnecessary money on heating water every month.
2. Installing it in a dangerous location
It is critical that you position your water heater in an area that is risk-free, convenient, and maximizes its energy efficiency. There are certain locations, such as storage closets, attics, and beneath floors, that may not be permitted or restricted for the installation of a tank water heater, depending on the codes in your area. Because newer kinds of water heaters are better insulated and wider than previous ones, you cannot assume that the same location will work when you are replacing an older unit with a newer one. A skilled plumber will check to see that your water heater has sufficient access and area for optimal ventilation before installing it.
3. Forgetting to put a drain pan under the tank
It is highly recommended (and sometimes even essential) that a drain pan be placed underneath a tank water heater to catch any water that may discharge or leak from the device. The drain pan needs to be made of materials that are resistant to corrosion, have a height of at least 1.5 inches, and a width that is at least 2 inches wider than the water heater’s diameter. Your future risk of water damage can be increased if you either do not install the drain pipe or use a size that is not appropriate for the job.
4. Improper setup of the pressure relief valve
If the pressure or temperature inside the tank rises to unsafe levels, the pressure relief valve will open, allowing water to escape the container. You face the risk of your water heater bursting or even exploding if the valve and the release tube are not placed correctly.
5. Poor material selection and connections
Inadequate training and understanding during the installation of a water heater can potentially lead to unfavorable outcomes. For instance, it is vital to select the appropriate kind (and size) of pipes, refrain from combining different metals, make use of effective soldering processes, and route the plumbing in a certain manner. Any mistake on your part can render the equipment’s warranty null and void, reduce the performance and efficiency of the water heater, or cause the entire system to crash.
6. Not getting a permit or following codes
When people engage in do-it-yourself projects, they frequently believe that they are exempt from permits and building rules; however, this is not the case at all. There is a good reason why these guidelines have been established, and missing these processes can be dangerous as well as expensive. If you hire a qualified plumber, he or she will ensure that the installation of your water heater is carried out correctly.
