The lucky homeowners may be able to go up to 15 years without having their water heater replaced. When it comes time to replace your water heater, you need to know the signs so that the installation goes smoothly.
What are the steps to replacing your water heater? The following are some signs that it is time to replace your hot water heater.
Hot Water Heater Replacement Signs
The following are common signs that a water heater is failing and should be replaced:
Unreliable hot water: Sudden drops in temperature, lack or fluctuation of water temperature.
Noises: The loud noises of the tank can range from rumbling and banging to violent knocking.
Energy Bills Increase: You are experiencing unusually high energy bills, and it is not because of major weather changes.
Rusty Water: Hot water coming from your faucets is a rusty yellow or red color.
Visible Corrosion: Any sign of corrosion or rust can indicate that your water heater is failing. If corrosion is present on the water line or the unit, this could be a sign of a potentially dangerous rupture.
Water Leakage: Water leaks begin to appear and become more severe around the hot-water heater tank.
Be on the lookout when your water heater reaches a decade old. Don’t let a burst heater cause a water flood. In an emergency, replacing a water heater can lead to rushed schedules and decisions. If you had more time, you may have selected a different type of water heater from the one you chose.
How to Install a Hot-Water Heater
Installing gas and electric water heaters is very similar. The old heater must be removed first, then the new heater installed and connected, and finally it is tested. This is an overview of how to install gas and electric heaters.
How to Install a Natural Gas Water heater
The water in the tank must be drained and gas shut off. The vent pipe from the vent hood is removed, and hot and cold water pipes are cut with a tube cutter.
The pressure and temperature relief valves are inserted in the tank. The copper discharge pipe and copper adapters will be soldered. The assemblies are screwed into the cold-water intake and hot-water outlet ports. Local codes might require nipples with a plastic coating to protect against galvanic or hard water corrosion.
The water lines are then soldered in place. Copper slip couplings are used to connect the old tubing with the new tubing of the water heater (45-degree elbows may be used to connect offset lines). Fitting the vent over the draft hood, and anchoring it with metal screws is how you reconnect it. Next, the gas line must be connected.
Next, fill the tank. To do this, close the drain valve and turn on the main shutoff. Open the cold water valve on the water heater. Turn on a nearby hot-water faucet. Check for leaks in all fittings and joints. The water heater must be inspected for gas and back-drafting. The pilot light should be lit according to the instructions of the manufacturer and the temperature set to 120 degrees.
How to Install an Electric Water Heater
Drain the tank and turn off the unit’s power at the main circuit breaker panel. Disconnect the wires at the screw terminals, and then wire the heater in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the old wires do not reach the new heater, mount a metal box on the wall or ceiling and run the wiring to it. Install a shut-off switch within easy sight.
To ensure the best results and safety, let an electrician handle the installation.
How to Install a Tankless Hot Water Heater
The tank must be removed and the gas lines installed or upgraded. The tankless water heater can be mounted either inside or out.
It will require insulation on the pipes if installed outdoors. We also recommend an insulated box to protect the unit from the cold. The heaters can also be turned on to protect the unit if temperatures drop too low. It will need ventilation shafts if it’s installed indoors.
The unit is now connected to electricity and gas, and the water and gas lines are then attached. Water and exhaust vent are checked. The unit’s hot water is tested and a few faucets are run to make sure it works.
It can be hazardous to install anything that has gas lines. It is always recommended that a plumber be hired to install tankless heaters.
The cost of installing a hot water heater
Installation costs for a Gas Hot Water Installation in Matakana vary by brand, state, and type. Installing a tankless externally-mounted unit is more expensive than installing one internally. Electric water heaters tend to be less expensive than those powered by propane or natural gas. The bigger the tank, the more money you’ll spend.
You should also consider the cost of disposing of your old water heater, and installing an exhaust vent, expansion tanks, drain pans, or earthquake strapping. The cost of mounting the unit onto a shelf, stand or platform will also increase. You will also need to purchase pipe fittings and valves.
A permit is also required, as well as labor costs (professional installations can take three hours). You’ll also need to pay for natural gas pipes if you plan on installing tankless water heaters or bringing in natural gas piping.
Installation costs for a standard 50-gallon natural gas or electric water heater will range from $1,600 to $3,000 Prices are also affected by the efficiency of the unit and extras such as shelves, expansion tanks, fittings, etc.
Installation costs for a natural gas tankless heater will range from $3,500 up to $5,500. Installation is more expensive, but the expected lifespan of this tankless water heater is about double that of a standard gas water heater.
