Can You Install Your Own Hot Water Heater

Water heater installation codes even if you ve worked with plumbing and gas lines in the past play it safe and contact your local department of inspections.

Can you install your own hot water heater.

Problems installing a water heater will at a minimum cause some frustration but can also become dangerous. Your homeowner s insurance may cover water damage but that may be negated if the policy requires a licensed plumber to install a water heater as many policies do. Many water heater companies such as ao smith will only approve a warranty claim if the water heater was installed by a qualified professional. Choose a location for the new water heater that will allow you to vent it to the outside easily.

You ve just installed your water heater without the help of a professional. A new water heater will cost from 250 to 500 depending on the size efficiency and warranty. I have good experience and general knowledge electrical engineer degree decades of taking everything apart haha but it definitely helps the confidence knowing other people like me can install the water heater on their own. Align the water heater to ensure easy access to the burner and controls.

Build a platform with 2 x 4 inch pieces of lumber that will allow you to mount the new tankless water heater about four inches from the wall. Most residential water heaters cost 150 to 400 for either gas or electric plus 200 to 450 if you have a plumber install it. By installing the water heater yourself you can pocket the extra money or put it into another home improvement project. Installation costs and labor plumbers typically charge 45 to 65 an hour and can usually install a water heater in a day or in 6 8 hours.

Mount the tankless water heater securely to the platform. Use a carpenter s level and plastic shims to level the water heater as needed. Also water heater warranties of many manufacturers will be voided if the installation is not done by a licensed plumber. Building jurisdictions in nearly all cities and counties require a permit to replace an existing water heater.

More expensive gas water heaters with special venting systems also are available. Gives you a sense of accomplishment. Now you re ready to begin installing the gas water heater. The process wasn t the easiest but it works perfectly and you now have hot water again.

Once you make the purchase though the old water heater must be safely removed and the new one installed. The materials you ll need for the installation depend on your situation and local codes. Codes have changed so the installation of a new water heater should meet current codes for safety purposes. My water heater is leaking and beyond repair and leaning towards installing new one myself.

Great article thanks for your story. In the case of gas or propane even a minor leak caused by a loose connection could cause a hazard. If a water heater is installed improperly there are many things that can go wrong.