The useful life of a warm h2o water heater replacement unit is around twelve years, so sooner or later all it will need to be replaced. Here are some tips to help ensure that your new warm h2o heating unit will safely provide warm h2o for many years and help you prevent costly and dangerous mistakes. 

 

Comply with all local developing codes in effect when installing the new devices. You should obtain a developing permit and have the new installation inspected, but this is seldom done. A qualified and licensed plumbing technician should know and adhere to local developing codes.

Replace the old devices with one that is the same physical style, if possible. This will make installing the new devices much easier. You will prevent or reduce the need to change the location of tube, power, fuel, and release relationships.




 

Install the temperature and pressure relief device (T&P) release tube so that it flows down toward the release point. The T&P device is situated on the top or the side of the warm h2o heating unit. It is usually steel shaded with a silver shaded handle on top. The T&P device is an important safety device. The release tube must flow down over its entire run so that if the T&P device leaks, you will know that it's defective and needs to be replaced.

Install at least ¾ inch size tube for the T&P release tube and do not change the tube size over its run. Use tube that is rated for warm h2o such as birdwatcher or CPVC. Terminate the tube no more than six inches wide above the floor or ground and in a secure house so that someone is not burned if the T&P device opens. Do not link the tube directly into the house's drainage pipe joints. Leave at least a one inch an air gap between the release tube and the termination point. Missing and improperly installed T&P release pipe joints are a common problem.

Place the warm h2o heating unit in a drop pan made for this purpose if the device is situated inside the house, and especially if it is in the attic. Use a drain tube on the drop pan to the outside, especially if the device is in the attic or some other place where a flow could cause damage.

Replace the old versatile gas plug, if there is one. Gas relationships are versatile corrugated pipe joints that are usually silver, steel, or yellow shaded. They are usually about twelve to 18 inches wide long. Gas plug manufacturers do not recommend reusing old gas relationships.

Replace the cold h2o shutoff device, particularly if it is an old checkpoint device. Gate valves usually have a wheel type handle and look like garden hose valves. Gate valves may seize open and will not close or they may flow with age. It is less expensive to restore an inexpensive checkpoint device with a better quality ball device while the plumbing technician is there to set up the new devices.

Replace the versatile h2o relationships, if used to plug the warm h2o heating unit to the plumbing pipe joints. Water relationships are versatile corrugated birdwatcher pipe joints. They are not used on all devices. Changing h2o relationships is not required, but replacing them is inexpensive insurance against problems. In places with aggressive h2o, such as Florida, you should always substitute these relationships. Do not bend h2o relationships so much that you reduce the connector's size.

Connect the gas release to the draft hood and to other release sections with three sheet metal screws. Vents that become loose or disconnected can flow deadly carbon monoxide into the house.

Use dielectric accessories when connecting birdwatcher tube to steel warm h2o heating unit relationships. Without these special accessories, the relationships may corrode and flow.

Raise the gas burner or the lower heating element on an electric warm h2o heating unit at least 18 inches wide above the floor if the device is in the garage. This helps prevent igniting gasoline vapors that might be in the garage.

Secure the device to the house frame if you are situated in a seismic risk area such as California.

Water heaters can provide may years of secure and effective service when properly installed. By using these tips you can ensure a secure installation and you can prevent costly correction of mistakes when you sell your house.