Your water heater is one of the most vital, essential appliances in your home. It supplies hot water for bathing, cleaning, and cooking, all of which are crucial aspects of healthy living and good hygiene. When your water heater needs to be replaced, it’s equally important to know what to expect during the water heater installation process.
Common Problems that Can Create a Need for Water Heater Installation
The best reason to need water heater installation services is because you’re building a brand-new home or renovating one in preparation for moving in and getting settled. Any other circumstances are irritating in a best-case scenario and potentially devastating in a catastrophic one. There are a handful of problems you should be aware of that can create a need for full replacement, though.
Should you spot a leak originating from your water heater, it’s important to immediately turn off the water supply and call a plumber. This can lead to water damage in the surrounding area and an increased electricity hazard risk.
Sediment can also build up inside your water heater, reducing its efficiency and, in extreme cases, damaging it beyond repair. Sediment can be cleaned yourself by draining the water heater and flushing it with a garden hose, but it’s not advised for inexperienced homeowners in the interest of avoiding potentially damaging mistakes. If your water heater has been damaged by sediment already, flushing it can be a messy task that almost certainly will not revive your appliance.
How Water Heater Installation Works
In most cases, the entire water heater installation process takes a few hours to complete. The kind of water heater you have, the type you’ve chosen to replace it with, and issues unique to your home that add complexity can affect this timeline, though. Once you and a qualified plumbing expert have determined your water heater needs to be replaced, and you’ve chosen your next model, here’s what you should expect to come next.
First, your plumber will completely disconnect the old water heater and remove it from your home. Next, they’ll install the new water heater and connect it to your home’s plumbing system, then test the unit to be sure it’s working properly. Once the new water heater installation process is complete, professional plumbers will clean up the installation area so you can continue life with hot water access, and peace of mind restored.
After the water heater installation, your plumber will also give you instructions on how to care for the appliance and provide warranty information. Following these instructions can help you prolong the life of your water heater considerably, but making sure your new appliance comes with a strong warranty is of vital importance.
Why Water Heater Installation Isn’t a DIY-Friendly Project
As a homeowner, it’s only natural to want to take responsibility and pride in your home, and to want to care for it yourself whenever possible. Unless you have extensive plumbing and electrical experience, water heater installation isn’t the wisest choice for a do-it-yourself project. It’s a highly complex process that requires specialized skills and knowledge. Even if you have some light plumbing and electrical experience, chances are you don’t have the expertise necessary to safely and correctly install a new water heater.
Improper installation can create the potential for a host of problems and safety hazards, from gas leaks and electrical fires to the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. The appliances themselves can be surprisingly heavy and difficult to physically move, which adds another layer of health and safety risks. For these reasons and many more, it’s always best to work with a qualified and reputable professional with the skills, tools, and experience necessary to do the job safely and correctly. Maxwell Plumbing & Heating, LLC, can help you get the job done right the first time, and as quickly as possible. Call or contact us to learn more.
