Water heaters are important home furnishings and serve to provide hot water for the home. When the bottom of the water heater has leaked, it is time to replace the water heater. A leak indicates that the tank is rusted and worn. Most water heaters last at least 10 years, and some are still good for up to 20 years. Replace the water heater as soon as you notice a leak to avoid flooding and additional cleaning efforts.
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Method 1 of 3: Planning and Preparing for Water Heater Replacement
Step 1. Know when the water heater needs to be replaced
Water heaters usually last for 8 to 15 years. If your water heater stops working, it will most likely need to be replaced.
- If you notice water dripping from the bottom of the tank or rusty puddles underneath, this means that the steel tank has completely rusted. This kind of damage cannot be repaired and the tank needs to be replaced.
- However, if you are experiencing problems such as not getting hot water or even not hot at all, then maybe your water heater just needs to be repaired, not replaced. If you are not sure what the problem is, then contact a professional plumber.
Step 2. Call the nearest plumbing inspector
Plumbing rules vary from region to region, so it would be a good idea to contact your local plumbing inspector to find out the specific year requirements in your area as well as whether you need a permit to replace the water heater.
- It would also be a good idea to provide a description of the new water heater and the materials you will use to install it. The plumbing inspector will provide useful feedback or suggestions that will assist you in the installation.
- If this is your first time replacing a water heater and you are concerned about safety, you can ask your nearest plumber or electrician to check the state of your installation.
Step 3. Gather equipment and materials
You will need quite a lot of equipment and materials to replace the water heater. You can save time and avoid frustration if you have all the things you need and are ready to go before you start the installation. While the items required vary depending on the type of water heater, this guide should help:
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Equipment:
Screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, hose cutter, cable stripper/cutter, electrical tape, pipe tape, flat brush, tape measure, duster and safety goggles.
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Material:
New gas (or electric) water heaters, water and gas pipes, tightening nuts, solder, pressure relief valves, exhaust pipes, pipe thread mixes, ventilation pipes and connectors.
Method 2 of 3: Removing the Old Water Heater
Step 1. Turn off the gas source
The first step that must be done is to turn off the gas source. You can do this by closing the gas valve by hand or an adjustable wrench.
- When the gas has been shut off, the valve should be at a right angle to the pipe. Check the pilot flame to make sure that the gas is off. Smell to make sure there is no gas before proceeding.
- If you are replacing an electric heater, then remove the fuse or turn off the circuit breaker to disconnect the electricity from the water heater.
Step 2. Drain the tank
Stop the water source by closing the cold water source faucet valve.
- Start draining the tank by opening the hot water tap on the bottom floor of the house. This will lighten the tank making it easier to move.
- Connect the hose to the tank drain valve and open the valve slowly. Drain the water into the nearest drain or bucket.
- Be aware that the water may be hot.
Step 3. Cut off the gas and water flow
When the tank has been drained, the next step is to cut off the flow of gas and water.
- Use two wrenches to cut off gas flow at the coupling nut or flare fitting. Then, use the pipe wrench to remove the pipe from the gas control valve. If you are using an electric water heater, simply disconnect the power.
- Disconnect hot and cold water. If the pipe has been soldered, then you need to cut it with a hose cutter or hacksaw. Make sure the cut is as straight as possible.
- Remove the vent from the water heater by removing the screw that connects the two. Push the vent pipe to one side.
Step 4. Remove and dispose of the old tank
Once the old tank has been removed, move the tank by sliding it carefully.
- You may need help doing this, as old water heaters are usually filled with sediment that weighs down on them. If your water heater is in the basement, then consider hiring the help of a tool carrier to help you lower the new heater and raise the old one.
- Dispose of old water heaters safely and legally. Contact your local waste management agency or sanitation agency for instructions on recycling your water heater. Many state laws prohibit water heaters from being dumped in landfills or landfills.
Method 3 of 3: Installing a New Water Heater
Step 1. Set the water heater in place
Clean up any standing water on the floor, then move the new water heater into position.
- Rotate the water heater so that the pipe fitting is in the correct position with the appropriate pipe.
- Use a flat brush to ensure that the water heater lies flat. Use a wooden wedge to adjust the level if needed.
Step 2. Install the temperature and pressure relief valve
Wrap the threads of the temperature and pressure relief valve with Teflon tape (included with the water heater) and use a pipe wrench or pliers to lock it firmly in place. Install the drain pipe.
Step 3. Install the pipe assembly
Take a 1.9 cm long bronze pipe and attach a new adapter to each pipe.
- Secure the connection of the pipe and adapter by soldering them together. Do this in a work area away from the water heater, as you will need to keep the heat source away from the tank.
- Connect the adapters to the hot water inlet and hot water inlet above the tank with pipe fitting mix or Teflon plaster.
- Some local plumbing regulations also require you to attach a plastic valve to each bottom of the pipe assembly. This is done to prevent galvanic corrosion, which is important in areas with high lime water.
Step 4. Connect the hot and cold water lines
To connect hot and cold water lines, cut or lengthen the old pipe to connect with the newly connected pipe.
- Secure the connection of the two pipes by soldering the ends of them with a copper joint or dielectric fuse.
- If you can't make the old pipe and new pipe fit properly, then connect the two with flexible pipe pieces or 45 degree copper elbows.
Step 5. Reinstall the vent
Take the vent pipe and position it just above the hood of the water heater design. Use 1 cm mild steel screws to lock it securely.
Step 6. Connect the gas line
Before you reattach the gas line, clean the threaded ends of the pipes with a wire brush and rag, then apply a small amount of jointing compound to each end.
- Use two pipe wrenches to screw the first valve into the gas valve, then continue the process of reinstalling the rest of the connectors.
- The last thing that should be connected should be the connecting link that connects the new line with the old line. Once the two lines are connected, you can open the gas valve.
- To connect the electric heater to a power source, reconnect the power line and ground wire with the cable junction box.
Step 7. Check for leaks
You can check for leaks by soaking the sponge in soapy water (made with dish soap), then pressing the sponge against the connection point of the water heater pipe.
- If there is a leak, soap bubbles will form on the surface of the sponge. If this happens, you will need to tighten or reconnect the pipe joints, or contact a professional plumber.
- If bubbles don't appear, the pipe is properly connected and you can open the water supply and power source.
Step 8. Refill the tank
Turn on the main water source and open the cold water valve to start filling the tank. Turn on the hot water tap-- at first, the water may not come out, or the water will gush from the faucet. When the water has flowed smoothly from the faucet, the tank has been refilled.
Step 9. Turn on the water heater power again
You can turn on the water heater by turning on the pilot flame and setting the knob to "on". Set the temperature in the range between 43 to 54 degrees Celsius.
If the water heater is electric, turn it on by reinstalling the fuse or reconnecting the circuit breaker on the power panel
Tips
- Be careful when draining the tank. The tank water can be quite hot, and can burn the skin.
- Contact a plumber or electrician if you are having trouble removing the old tank or installing a new tank.
