The hot water to the home is supplied by a water heater.When water begins to leak from the bottom of the water heater, it is time to replace it.corroding and wear within the tank is a sign of leaking.Some hot water heaters can stay in good shape for 20 to 20 years.If there is a leaking water heat, replace it as soon as possible to avoid flooding.
Step 1: It's a good idea to know when your water heating needs to be replaced.
Water heaters last between 8 and 15 years.It's a good chance that your water heater will need to be replaced if it has stopped working.If you notice water dripping from the bottom of your tank or sitting in a rusty pool beneath it, this means that the steel tank has rusted through.The tank will need to be replaced because it is not fixable.If you are having problems with insufficient or no hot water, you may need to have your heater fixed.If you don't know what the problem is, call a professional.
Step 2: Your local plumbing inspector can help.
It's a good idea to call your local plumbing inspector to find out the specific requirements for your area and if you need to get a permit before you replace your heater.It is a good idea to give a description of the materials you intend to use for the new water heater.The plumbing inspector can give you feedback on your installation.You can request a local plumbing or electrical inspector to check out your work if you are concerned about safety.
Step 3: Use your tools and materials.
A number of tools and materials are needed to replace a water heater.If you have everything lined up and ready to go before you start, you can save yourself time and frustration.Although the exact items will vary, the following guide should help: a screwdriver, pipe wrench, tube cutter, wire stripper, electrical tape, carpenter's level, tape measure, rags and safety glasses.New gas (or electric) water heater, water and gas piping, fittings, solder, pressure relief valve, discharge pipe, pipe thread compound, vent pipe and connectors.
Step 4: The gas supply has to be turned off.
The first thing to do is turn off the gas.You can turn the valve by hand or use a wrench.The valve handle should be at the right angle when the gas is off.Make sure the pilot light is out.It's a good idea to smell for the presence of gas.Turn off the circuit breaker if you're replacing an electric heating appliance.
Step 5: The tank needs to be emptied.
The cold water supply line has a shutoff valve.The lowest floor of the house is where the hot water faucet is.It will make the tank lighter.Slowly open the drain valve by connecting a hose to it.Allow the water to run off into a drain.The water may be very hot.
Step 6: Take out the gas and water lines.
The next step is to connect the gas and water lines.There is a gas line at the union or flare fitting.To remove the pipe from the gas control valve, use a pipe wrench.Simply disconnected the electrical service if you have an electric water heater.The hot and cold water lines need to be disconnected.If the pipes are soldered into place, you will need to cut them with a tubing cutter or hacksaw.Make sure the cuts are straight.Remove the screws that connect the water heater to the vent.The vent pipe should be pushed to one side.
Step 7: The old tank can be removed and discarded.
Carefully remove the old tank from the way now that it has been disconnected.Older water heaters are very heavy and may need some help doing this.Renting an appliance dolly will help you bring the old and new water heaters up in the basement.It's a good idea to dispose of the old water heater safely.Instructions on how to recycle a water heater can be found on the local waste management department's website.Most states prohibit the dumping of appliances in dumps or landfills.
Step 8: Put the new water heating system in place.
Move the new water heaters into position after wiping up pooled water from the floor.The plumbing locations should be lined up with the appropriate pipes.If you use a carpenter's level, you can make sure the heater is sitting straight.If necessary, use wooden shims to adjust the level.
Step 9: Attach the temperature and pressure relief valve.
Wrap a couple of layers of Teflon tape around the threads of the new temperature and pressure relief valve and use a pipe wrench or pliers to screw it into place.Attach the drain pipe.
Step 10: Attach the pipes.
Attach a new accessory to each of the six inch lengths of copper pipe.You don't want to put a heat source too close to the tank if you sell the pipes at the work surface.Attach the hot water output and cold water input at the top of the tank using pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.Plastic lined nipples are required by some local plumbing codes.This is important in hard water areas.
Step 11: The hot and cold water lines are connected.
To connect the hot and cold water lines, cut or extend the old pipes.To prevent electrolysis, solder the two edges of the pipe together.You can connect the old and new pipes using pieces of flexible copper pipes or 45 degree elbows.
Step 12: Attach the vent back to it's former position.
Place the vent pipe above the draft hood on the water heater.Use sheet metal screws to hold it in place.
Step 13: The gas line has to be connected.
Before you reassemble the gas line, you should clean the threaded ends of the pipes with a wire brush and rag.Attach the first nipple to the gas valve with two pipe wrench and reassemble the rest.The last connection should connect the new line to the old.You can turn on the gas supply valve once this is connected.The power lines and ground wire should be connected to the junction box.
Step 14: Look for leaks.
You can check for leaks by soaking a sponge in soapy water and holding it against each newly connected joint.There will be soap bubbles on the surface of the sponge if there is a leak.You will need to tighten or connect the joints if this happens.If there are no bubbles, the joints are secure and you can turn on the power and water.
Step 15: The tank needs to be filled.
To refill the tank, turn on the main water supply and the cold water valve.At first the water may not come out, or it may splutter.When a full flow of water is flowing from the faucet, the tank has been filled.
Step 16: The power should be turned on.
Setting the control knob to "on" will allow you to turn on the new water heater.The temperature should be between 120 and 130 degrees.Resetting the circuit breaker in the power panel is the best way to turn on the water heater's power.