Do you know how to properly install a water heater? If not, you’re not alone – and that’s why we put together this blog post! Installing a water heater can be intimidating for many homeowners, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will cover all the necessary steps associated with installing a new water heater so that you can avoid common mistakes and end up with a smooth-running plumbing system. Whether you are just starting or attempting this project for the first time, our tips will help make sure your installation goes off without any problems.

Choosing the Wrong Water Heater – Know Your Home’s Needs

Installing a water heater incorrectly can be a costly mistake. Before embarking on the installation process, it is important to take into account your home’s needs and make sure you are choosing the right kind of water heater for your unique situation. Consider factors such as Your home’s square footage, how many people use hot water in your home, what type of fuel powers the heater, and what type of tank will best meet your needs (gas or electric). You should also consider potential cost savings associated with different types of water heaters before selecting which one is right for you. Taking these steps will help you avoid the common pitfalls that come with installing the wrong water heater.

Overlooking the Installation Code Requirements

Installing a water heater without taking into account local code requirements can lead to costly and potentially dangerous errors. Failing to adhere to installation specifications such as those outlined by the manufacturer can result in faulty operations, hazardous situations, or system damage. Homeowners need to research local and state requirements as well as inspection standards before embarking on their installation project. Doing so may help prevent common mistakes such as performing work beyond the scope of the permit authorized, using improper materials and connections, or making incorrect measurements. Educating oneself ahead of time is of paramount importance when it comes to successful water heater installations.

Skipping Professional Help – Hire a Professional Plumber

When installing a water heater, do not feel tempted to cut corners and attempt to do the job yourself. Even if you are experienced in DIY projects, attempting to install a water heater can be a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and tools. By skipping professional help, you may be setting yourself up for failure which could cost you more in the long run than what it would have cost to hire a professional. Hire a qualified plumber who knows how to properly adjust and size the components of the heater according to local building codes. Not only will they ensure that the job is done right the first time but they can also provide expert advice on heating systems and energy efficiency options.

Not Taking Time for Research – Compare Models and Make an Informed Decision

Taking the time to understand the different models of water heaters and their features is an essential step when you decide to install one. Putting in some additional effort to compare models, read reviews, and do research can make you an informed consumer. This will allow you to pick the water heater that matches your needs and will be long-lasting, efficient, and cost-effective. Choosing a water heater without doing proper research may lead to unexpected issues of compatibility with your existing plumbing system, delaying installation and even increasing bills due to energy inefficiency. Make sure you take your time researching different types before investing in one.

Neglecting Maintenance and Inspections – Keep Your Water Heater in Good Working Condition

Owning a water heater comes with the responsibility of properly maintaining and inspecting it regularly. Neglecting this important duty can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing system and can be very costly in terms of time and money. To ensure that your water heater is up-to-date and running as smoothly as possible, have it professionally inspected once a year and make sure to change the tank’s anode rod every three to five years. Failing to follow recommended maintenance routines may mean you miss out on subtle signs that something needs attention, or worse, cause permanent damage. With thoughtful upkeep, your water heater should provide safe hot water for many years to come.

Ignoring Safety Precautions – Use Caution When Installing a Water Heater

Installing a water heater can be a dangerous task, and it is essential to take safety precautions. It is important to wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves when dealing with gas or electricity. Research should be done to ensure that the water heater being installed is the correct type for the household’s needs and there must also be enough space around it. Before attempting any work, it is also advised to check local plumbing codes which may require permits and additional safety measures. Ignoring these steps when installing a water heater can not only cause damage in a single home – it could have catastrophic consequences across entire neighborhoods. By taking time to properly research safety procedures and double-check them against professional standards, homeowners can help keep themselves, their family members, and their neighbors safe from harm.

In conclusion, installing a water heater can be a difficult task, but it is important to make sure that it is done correctly to avoid any major issues. Taking the time to research and understand the different components involved in your particular installation will eliminate many of the common mistakes that come with this type of project; be sure to consider all types of appliances, code requirements, as well as safety measures before getting started. Hiring a professional plumber and taking their advice seriously can greatly reduce your chances of running into problems. Regular maintenance and inspections should also be conducted on your water heater to ensure that it remains operational for years to come. By following these simple steps and being aware of the pitfalls of installing a water heater, you can easily upgrade your home without having any unwelcome surprises.

Looking for a new water heater for your home? Contact the Experts at Pathmaker Plumbing in Charlotte, NC.

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March 22, 2023

Life could become complicated if something should go wrong with your water heater, especially during the winter. One of the mistakes that most homeowners make when it comes to water heater repair is that they try to postpone their call to a plumber as long as possible thinking that the problem will disappear on its own. However, this does not happen even on your luckiest day. If there is an issue with your new tankless water heaters installation or with the operations of your equipment then you need to call your plumber at the earliest possible time.

Sometimes homeowners give into the temptation and try to handle their own water heater repairs. Is it a good idea to attempt DIY water heater repairs? Before we could answer this question, first we should try to understand why people attempt DIY water heater repairs. Firstly, it could be to save some money and secondly to get the issue fixed faster without having to wait for the local plumber to visit you. Does your attempt to resolve the water heater replacement or repair issue really help the situation and help you achieve the intended goals? Unless you are a qualified technician, the odds are that your attempt is only likely to make things worse. Rather than saving money, you could end up spending more money on rectifying the issue. Added to that, you will also be delaying the whole process of getting your water heater fixed when you aggravate the issue.

Therefore, it is best to find a reliable plumber in your area, establish long-term association with the plumbing company so that whenever there should be a problem, you could get their quick service. Regardless of whether it is a minor repair, replacement or new installation, it is important to call a certified technician. When you try to repair your water heater yourself, you could break a component or you could damage the insulation or the entire water line. It is not safe to attempt a DIY repair. Moreover, you could also be ending up with liability issues and problems with the insurance companies when something goes wrong. In case of mishaps, you cannot make valid insurance claims if you do not use a licensed plumber.

You need to be mindful of all these risks before you attempt any DIY efforts on water heater repair, replacement or installation. Try to screen your local plumbers, identify the most reputed and competitively priced plumber so that you could call them up as soon as you notice that something is not alright with your water heater. Giving timely attention to water heater repairs will save you from unnecessary hassles and it will also help you keep the bills low.

Do not wait for things to go wrong to shortlist your preferred water heater installation or repair company because during such times, you will be under great pressure and you will not have time to review multiple service providers and to pick the best service provider.

Learn more about water heater repair at Pathmaker Plumbing  or call (704) 733-7507.

August 13, 2015

A cursory search of Google will tell you that the average lifespan of a water heater is 8-11 years. While one shouldn’t believe everything that’s stated on the internet there is some truth to this statement. But only some. When I first started my plumbing career in the 90’s I remember removing water heaters that were installed in the 1950s and 60s.

Some of those were still heating water the day I removed them. I don’t see water heaters that are still working 30 or 40 years later anymore. Very rarely will I find one that is still kicking after 20 years. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Much to the chagrin of conventional wisdom water heater manufacturers haven’t cheapened the quality of the units produced these days. They really do still “make ‘em like they used to”. With the constant threat of lawsuits these days they may even be making them better. But the problem doesn’t lie in how modern water heaters are made. The problem lies with how they are installed and maintained, or more appropriately, how they aren’t installed and maintained. There are five layers of protection water heaters have against failure and leakage.

The first two are provided by the manufacturer

First, is the anode rod. The anode rod is a long piece of metal that runs almost the full length of the water heater and its job is to disintegrate from the reactive materials and electric current in the water BEFORE your tank does. In most areas and for many water conditions they last about five years before they are completely depleted. If you read the manual that comes with your water heater you will see the manufacturer recommend that the anode be inspected at least annually for deterioration.

Second is the glass lining. Just imagine the inside of your water heater tank being glazed like a piece of pottery. This is a similar process for protecting the steel of your tank. Once the anode rod deteriorates, this glass lining is the only thing preventing the tank from rusting out. On its own, this lining doesn’t last very long.

The other layers of protection are provided by the installer of the water heater and mandated by most plumbing codes.

The primary one is from proper piping connection. Dielectric unions provide a buffer zone between the steel of the water heater tank and the copper piping which connects the tank to the rest of the plumbing system. When steel and copper are connected and water run through them they begin to share electrons at a rapid rate. We refer to this sharing of electronic bonds as corrosion. Dielectric unions/connections are often overlooked or ignored by installers to the detriment of the water heaters longevity.

The fourth layer of protection is also provided by your water heater installer. In many scenarios a water heater is required to have a thermal expansion tank. If you have a pressure reducing valve, or a back check valve at your meter (most municipalities do) you are required by code to have a thermal expansion tank. This device gives a safe place for the extra volume created by heating water to go. Without this device, every time the water heater turns on to reheat the stored water, it will produce excess pressure/volume which is a stress on the water heater, water piping, and fixtures attached to it (toilets, washing machine hoses, ice maker, etc.).

The fifth layer of protection is provided by you, the operator of the heater. Again, referring to that handy manual which the manufacturer provided you will find all water heaters should be flushed out and drained to remove build up and sediment at least annually. Some manufacturers recommend this every six months! This not only keeps the water heater at full heating capacity, it also prevents minerals and deposits from attaching to the inside of the tank and solidifying causing future damage.Unfortunately most of the water heaters I see these days are improperly installed. BIg box stores and do it yourselfers just don’t have the know how of a licensed professional. As a result a water heater that should be running for 15 to 20 years is dead and gone in only ten. Just because its heating water and not leaking does NOT ensure a plumbing fixture is installed correctly, especially a water heater. The manufacturer recommendations and the municipal codes are there to not only keep people safe but also to ensure they get the full benefit of a properly installed unit.

Learn more about Charlotte NC plumbing services at Pathmaker Plumbing – 704-733-7507.

March 18, 2014