I have basic to moderate plumbing skills. I'm wondering if I can replace it myself. Other than disconnecting gas line & water in/out lines, drain old heater, replace, make sure it's level, and reconnect everything, am I leaving out ANYTHING? Don't want to start it unless I'm pretty sure I can finish. Please don't leave out ANYTHING! Thanks.
2007-03-05 20:01:31 · 11 answers · asked by Critical Mass 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
P.S. It's the standard stand-up 40 gallon gas water heater. My experienece includes installing a pedestal sink and installing shutoff valves where there were none before.
2007-03-05 20:27:55 · update #1
As far as paying $100 to have it installed, in my other home two years ago, I paid $850 to have one installed. They called it an "emergency call" because we needed it within 24 hours. The way I see it, half of that was labor/service call!
2007-03-05 20:37:11 · update #2
Hi there CM,
Just had our hot water system go kaput last week and was dealing with the same dillema.
If you are replacing the hot water system with exactly the same unit as previously, I think it should not be a problem. The only chance you will be taking is that some warranties become void when not installed by a qualified plumber.
Another concern when installing a hot water system is whether your existing pipework can handle the output capacity and the heat of the water from the hot water system. Be aware that continuous hot water units require special piping and electrical connections.
Without knowing more about your unit or how qualified you are in plumbing, I'd recommed you just replace the old hot water system with the same model/brand as possible. That's the safest and most economical option.
Turn off the water and the electrical system.
Drain the unit - let it cool down.
Disconnect the electrical system.
REconnect new unit with electrical system.
REconnect piping and make sure you allow time for seals to dry.
IT seems quite simplified but I should be able to give you more advice if I know what type of hot water system you're installing.
But if in doubt, better be safe than sorry and get a professional to do the job. IT may cost more but at least you won't have to risk your life!!
Good luck mate!
kwoat
2007-03-05 20:19:00 · answer #1 · answered by kwoat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make every attempt to get the new one the same height as the old one. You can live with a shorter one, but a taller one will cause you you trouble venting it. The vent pipe must run up hill from the heater to the flue.
You will find it a lot easier if you purchase a couple of flex hook up pipes at the time you buy the heater. Also get some tape or pipe dope for the joints.
With your know how the biggest chore will be draining the old water heater. It will probably have a bunch of crap at the bottom and will have stopped up the drain. If it close to a floor drain that is good, but if you have to connect a hose and run several feet to the drain, this is when you get wet. How to poke a wire in the drain valve and get the water in to the hose offers a problem. I have plugged the outlet and attached a hose to the inlet and turned the old heater over on its side, that will get most of the water out.
2007-03-10 01:58:31 · answer #2 · answered by George O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As the homeowner you can install the water heater your self. You can get a permit from your local jurisdiction(small charge) and they will inspect it relieving you of concerns for the work you did. If you can find a plumber to replace it for 100 bucks then I need the number so I can call him to work for me. If you can buy a new gas valve and burner assy for 30 bucks please send me the contact info cause I am paying way too much! Someone suggested a water heater hook up kit, these are very handy and simplify the installation. If the unit has to be raised to conform to present code then there may be some additional plumbing to tackle. I would call the local building official and ask if a permit is required(often they will waive it for a homeowner and still stop by to check it out for you) ask them also about any requirements that they expect for your project.
2007-03-06 14:38:24 · answer #3 · answered by oreos40 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do whatever you want but here's the deal.
Most states have laws governing "gas line connections" which PROHIBIT homeowners from installation of anything regarding the gas line. Oh yeah, you could do it because no one sees you in the basement but if that thing blows up the block because you screwed up, I don't want to be in your shoes! Lawsuits and criminal charges for SURE! (if you survive)
Then, there's the home sale down the road that requires a home inspection before ANY financial institution lends money to the purchaser! If it isn't up to code, you will get to do it all over!
That $100 might be money well spent!
2007-03-06 09:03:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have a handle on th job. When you go to get your new heater, you may also want to buy an installation kit. This will include flexible water lines to help you fit the new one to the old water lines, just in case they don't line up or they are a little taller or shorter than the old one.
2007-03-06 07:30:26 · answer #5 · answered by Fordman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Seems like everyone has forgotten the local building codes. Houston, for instance, now requires new water heaters to be 18 inches off the floor.
Check your local building codes and I think you will see that replacing a water heater needs to be done by a licensed plumber or electrician as the case may be.
2007-03-06 12:57:13 · answer #6 · answered by jim_elkins 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i second kwoat but would also like to add that i recently replaced mine. did it myself its not that hard i would recomend having a budy there to help with the lifting and i learnd while at lowes talking with one of the reps there that the codes have changed recently in the U.S. you cant have the tank hard plumbed in to the house you have to use a water heater connector
. i am shure that it has a different name cant thank of it now. it is a hose that gose between the heater and the house line and acts as a shock absorber for thangs like expansion from heating and lines being turned on and off.
also like to say that as long as the tank itsef isant leaking you can just replace the thermostat or burner i thank that any major home improvment store would sell them. might be cheaper and easier
(this is just my opinion i could be rong)
2007-03-06 06:14:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why replace it, Why not fix it.
Lets assume its not leaking.
Then go to an Appliance Parts store and buy that whole valve assembly for the bottom. That costs about $30. And it goes in in minutes with an ordinary large crescent wrench.
2007-03-06 10:19:45 · answer #8 · answered by James M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree, save the headache and worry have it installed. plus get one of those tankless water heaters. they heat the water as it goes through. no tank to leak, or worry about busting.
2007-03-06 04:13:45 · answer #9 · answered by dumbdumb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
save the headache - pay the $100 to have it installed
2007-03-06 04:06:21 · answer #10 · answered by tomkat1528 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋