If your water heater is old or damaged and you are thinking of buying a new one, one of the questions you may be asking yourself is how to install it. You could be wondering about the pros and cons of installing the water heater yourself versus getting a professional plumber to install it.
As an avid DIYer, you know the benefits of handling maintenance issues in your home yourself. Doing things by yourself saves money and builds confidence. Being handy around the house also helps to reduce the impact of problems on your family.
But not all problems in the home should be DIY-ed. As a homeowner, Keyrenter New England says knowing the limits of your abilities is essential. If the risk outweighs the benefits of solving a specific issue that something can go wrong with the DIY, it makes no sense to do it yourself.
There are problems in the home that are best left to professionals. Examples of such issues are gas leaks in the home, electrical problems, and water meter installation. You should never DIY these issues because of the dangers associated with them.
What mistakes do homeowners make when installing a water heater by themselves?
Common mistakes in DIY hot water installation
Buying the wrong water heater size
Failing to size the water heater properly will result in insufficient hot water (if the unit is too small) or wasted energy (if the water heater is too large). A typical 2 ½ bath home needs a 50-gallon water heater. If the household takes many baths, that number can go up to 60 or 80 gallons.
Soldering the fittings on top of the water heater
Directly applying heat to the top of a water heater during installation can cause the plastic components of the water heater (such as the dip tube) to melt. Pipes should be prepped and soldered away from the water heater to prevent damage from direct heat.
Wrong installation of the discharge tube
The discharge tube must be installed within six inches of the floor. This ensures that if the T&P valve opens suddenly due to excessive temperature or pressure inside the tank, the hot water from the water heater can be discharged safely without burning bystanders.
Dry firing
Turning your water heater on prematurely will damage the heating element inside the unit or crack the tank. This often happens when the circuit breaker is turned on before the tank fills with water and the heating element completely submerges.
Why you should hire a professional plumber for water heater installations
Product knowledge
Professional plumbers consider many things before recommending the best water heater for your home. In addition to the size of your home, they think of how to maximize energy efficiency and minimize the maintenance cost of the system. Hiring a professional plumber helps you avoid problems that will cost you in the future.
Guaranteed safety
The wrong water heater installation will expose your family to avoidable dangers. For instance,, ensuring a sufficient wind stream for proper venting is vital when installing gas water heaters. If this is not done, the result is a buildup of carbon monoxide – a deadly but odorless gas – inside the home.
The wrong gas water heater installation often causes carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, there is the risk of lethal electric shocks when working with water heaters, mainly if leaks, flooding, or spraying occur.
Meeting local code requirements
There are several layers of local code requirements when installing a water heater. These requirements differ according to the type of water heater installed and the location. In addition to permits – most localities require a permit for water heater installations – there are safety standards, plumbing guidelines, and ventilation standards. Professional plumbers understand these requirements and can help you avoid fines and other issues.
Protect your warranty/insurance
Most new water heaters will come with some form of warranty. This warranty may only apply to the water heater itself or include the accessories that come with the unit. Regardless of the type of warranty, manufacturers will only honor a contract if a professional plumber installs the unit.
The warranty is voided if the water heater is installed by someone who is not an expert. Furthermore, if the water heater malfunctions and your home is damaged. As a result, your insurer can refuse to honor any claims you make if they find that an expert did not install the appliance.
Long-term cost savings
A water heater installed by a local plumber will work more efficiently and last longer. The incidences of problems affecting the unit’s efficiency are significantly reduced. Having an expert install and maintain the water heater and its associated systems eliminates the possibility of premature appliance replacement. You also lower the cost of maintaining your water heater.