Replacing a gas water heater can seem like an intimidating task. You may have heard horror stories of exploding water heaters or be concerned because you’re not familiar with the installation process. But we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor.
With the right knowledge and steps you can easily replace your old gas water heater, no hazardous explosions or blown fuses necessary. We’ll walk you through the process, from selecting the right gas water heater for your needs, to making sure the installation is done correctly and safely.
So let’s get started and learn how to replace a gas water heater!
Introduction
Replacing a gas water heater can seem daunting, but if done correctly, it’s an easy and relatively inexpensive process. Gas water heaters are an essential part of every home’s plumbing system and must be replaced every eight to twelve years. Replacing your water heater will not only provide you with hot, running water, but it will lower your heating bill and improve your home’s indoor air quality.
In this article, we will discuss the necessary steps and tips you need to know when replacing a gas water heater.
Safety First
Before you begin the process of replacing your gas water heater, there are certain safety precautions you must take.
Turn off the Gas
First and foremost, you must turn off the gas to the unit. This will help prevent accidental explosion or fire from occurring. To do this, locate the main gas shutoff valve, which should be near the water heater.
Turn this valve counter-clockwise until it is fully closed. You should also locate the pilot light valve and turn it off.
Turn off the Water Supply
You’ll also need to turn off the water supply to the water heater. This is typically found near the unit and is used to control the water that is used to fill the tank.
It should have a knob or lever. Turn this knob or lever to the “off” position.
Shut off the Electrical power
Shutting off the electrical power is a crucial step in the process.
Locate the breaker panel and turn the breaker to the off position. This will reduce the risk of shock or electrocution when handling the unit.
Removing the Old Unit
Once you have taken the necessary safety precautions, the first step is to remove the old unit.
Remove the Piping
The first step is to remove the piping from the old water heater. This will require you to use a wrench and disconnect the water lines, as well as the gas line. You may also need to unscrew any mounting brackets that are holding the unit in place.
Remove the Tank
Once the piping has been disconnected, you can remove the tank itself. Most tanks have a bracket or handle attached to the top. Use this to lift the tank off the floor. If the tank is too heavy to lift, you can rent a lifting device from your local hardware store. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper lifting and transporting of the tank.
Dispose of the Unit
Once the tank has been removed, you should dispose of it properly. Contact your local waste disposal services for the appropriate way of disposing of the old tank. In many cases, they will pick up the unit for you.
Installing the New Unit
Once the old unit has been removed, it’s time to install the new one.
Position the Unit
Position the new unit in the space where the old one was located. It should be placed on a level surface, such as the floor or a platform. If the surface is not level, use shims to level it.
Reconnect the Piping
Once the unit is in place, it is time to reconnect the piping. Ensure that all connectors are tight and use a wrench to tighten them if necessary.
Fill the Tank
Next, you’ll need to fill the tank with water. You can do this by either filling it manually or connecting a garden hose to the water supply line and letting the water run until it is full.
Adjust the Temperature
Once the tank is full, adjust the temperature to ensure the water will be hot enough to suit your needs.
Turn on the Power and Gas
Finally, turn on the power and gas to the unit. The pilot light should ignite. Once the pilot light is on, the unit is ready for use.
Conclusion
Replacing a gas water heater is a relatively simple process, if done correctly. Once the process is complete, you’ll have hot water again and your heating bills should be lower. Be sure to follow all safety precautions and contact a professional if you have any doubts. Citation URL:https://www. homeadvisor. com/r/water-heater-replacement/ https://www. lowes. com/n/how-to/gas-water-heater-installation https://www. bobvila. com/articles/how-to-replace-a-water-heater/
