Simple Ways to Install a Water Heater

1. Simple Ways to Install a Water Heater A water heater has many uses. Generally a water heater allows a family to bathe, wash clothes, boil water, and cook with hot water. During the winter time, particularly places like Woodbridge, water heaters are very important. Although calling the experts is usually your safest route to installing a new water heater, there are a few simple ways that anybody can go about the job. Turn off the Water and Gas Supply One of the first steps in installing a new water heater is to make sure the power to the water and gas supply is turned off to avoid unnecessary leakage. After that the cold water valve must be turned off, and the tank drained with a garden hose. Then, turn on a hot water faucet to allow air into the system. Disconnect the Gas and Water Lines Using a specialized wrench, unscrew the bolts that are connected to the water and gas lines. If the gas pipe is galvanized, the best way to disconnect the lines is to cut them at the center where both lines connect. Another way to remove a galvanized pipe is to spray a lubricant on the outside of the corroded pipe. Then place a tight grip on the pipe with one or in some cases two wrenches and turn the pipe counter-clockwise. Remove the Gas Exhaust From The Flue Hat Remove the screws connecting to the vent of a water heater. This can be done using a simple screwdriver. Once everything connected to the old water heater is taken off, the old water heater should be replaced with a new one. Install the Heat Trap Fittings Insert the heat trap fittings into both pipes that are attached to the new water heater. Attach the blue-coded fitting to the cold water inlet on the water heater. Next you attach the red-coded fitting to the hot water inlet on the water heater. For the hot water the arrow must be facing away from the water heater, while the cold water inlet must be facing the water heater. Make sure the pipes are tightened using a pair of pliers.

2. Install Water Line Connections The easiest way to install the water line connections is to measure and cut the water line to the correct length. The next step would be to reconnect the water line. Connect Gas Supply Line Clean the threads connected to the water heater. Then connect the new lines to the pipes that extend from the wall. As you assemble the pipes, make sure the pipes are a tight fit using a wrench or a pair of pliers. Next, install the pipe that connects the new lines together or the union pipe. When this is done, open the gas valve and turn the water on. Test the Gas Line for Leaks Apply soap and water to each gas line. Turn on the gas and check for bubbles. If the gas line has bubbles then there’s a leak. Tighten the line and try again. Light the Pilot Find the gas heater valve on the water heater. Turn the valve off and remove the access panel to the water heater. Turn the gas heater valve to pilot and press the button. If the lighting has to be done manually the safest way is to use an all-purpose lighter. Afterwards, press and hold the reset button. Turn the Control Knob On The final step to installing a new water heater is to turn the water heater on and make sure it’s working properly. The best water heater setting is from 120 to 140 degrees. Installing a new water heater is not difficult, but it does take time and patience. If all this sounds like too much, don’t hesitate – give your favorite Woodbridge plumber a call and they can take care of it for you. Articles Source : http://www.legacyhomepdx.com/simple-ways-to-install-a-water-heater/