Installing a new hot water system is a serious undertaking that involves gas, high voltage electricity, and plumbing. Understanding how to install a water heater correctly is essential for safety, system longevity, and peace of mind.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the process, focusing on the expertise required to ensure your installation meets all safety codes. We prioritize helpful, step-by-step instructions to make this complex project understandable for any homeowner.
What is a Water Heater?
A water heater is a tank or tankless unit that heats water for your home. It uses gas, electricity, or solar power to warm cold water and store it until you need it. Most homes have tank-style heaters that hold 30 to 80 gallons of hot water. Tankless models heat water on demand without storage.
Water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. When yours stops working well, you’ll need to replace it. Signs include rusty water, strange noises, leaks, or not enough hot water for your family’s needs.
Before You Begin: Safety and Preparation
Safety comes first when you install a new hot water heater. You’re working with water, electricity, and possibly gas. One mistake can cause floods, fires, or explosions.
Check Local Codes and Permits
Most cities require permits for water heater installed projects. Call your local building department before you start. A permit costs $50 to $200 but ensures an inspector checks your work. This protects you and future buyers if you sell your home.
Some areas have strict rules about venting, earthquake straps, and drain pan requirements. Breaking these rules can void your warranty or cause insurance problems later.
Turn Off Utilities
Before removing your old unit, shut off the water supply at the main valve. For electric heaters, turn off power at the breaker box. For gas models, close the gas shut-off valve. Test with a voltage tester to confirm power is off.
Drain the old tank completely by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve. Let all water flow out before disconnecting any pipes.
Prepare Your Workspace
Clear the area around your water heater. You need at least 6 inches of space on all sides for proper airflow. Remove anything flammable nearby. Lay down tarps or cardboard to protect your floor from water and debris.
Essential Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Having the right gear makes the job easier and safer. Here’s what you need for hot water installation:
Tools:
- Pipe wrenches (two)
- Adjustable wrenches
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Tubing cutter
- Level
- Tape measure
- Voltage tester
- MAPP torch (for soldering)
- Hacksaw
- Safety glasses and gloves
Materials:
- New water heater
- Pipe thread sealant tape
- Flexible water supply lines
- Gas flex line (for gas heaters)
- Discharge pipe
- Temperature and pressure relief valve
- Drain pan (if required by code)
- Earthquake straps (if required)
- Lead-free solder
- Wire nuts (for electric)
- Dielectric unions
Buy your materials based on your heater type. Gas and electric models need different supplies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install a Water Heater
Follow these steps carefully. Take your time and double-check each connection.
Step 1: Remove the Old Water Heater
Start by draining the old tank. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom. Run the hose outside or to a floor drain. Open the valve and let all water empty out. This takes 20 to 30 minutes.Next, disconnect the water lines. Use two pipe wrenches to loosen the connections at the top of the tank. For gas heaters, disconnect the gas line at the union fitting. For electric models, remove the access panel and disconnect the wires.Cart away the old tank. Get help if needed. A full 50-gallon tank weighs over 400 pounds when empty.
Step 2: Prepare the Installation Area
Clean the floor where the new heater will sit. Check that it’s level. Use plastic shims if needed to level the unit.Install a drain pan under the tank if your local code requires it. The pan catches leaks and protects your floor. Connect a drain line from the pan to a floor drain or outside.For earthquake-prone areas, install wall straps. These metal bands wrap around the tank and bolt to wall studs. They prevent the heater from tipping during a quake.
Step 3: Position the New Water Heater
Carefully move your new heater into place. Make sure the access panel faces outward for easy maintenance later. Leave enough clearance around all sides.Use a level on multiple sides of the tank. Adjust with shims until perfectly level. An unlevel heater wears out faster and may leak.
Step 4: Install Heat Trap Fittings
Heat trap fittings prevent hot water from flowing back into cold pipes. They save energy and money. These fittings have arrows showing the correct direction.Wrap pipe thread sealant tape around the threads. Install the blue-coded fitting on the cold water inlet with the arrow pointing into the tank. Put the red fitting on the hot water outlet with the arrow pointing away from the tank.Tighten with pipe wrenches. Don’t overtighten or you’ll crack the fittings.
Step 5: Connect Water Lines
Measure and cut new copper pipes or install flexible water supply lines. Flexible lines are easier for beginners. They bend around obstacles and don’t require soldering.Connect the cold water line to the inlet valve. Connect the hot water line to the outlet. Use two wrenches to tighten connections. One wrench holds the fitting while the other turns the nut.Install a new shut-off valve on the cold water line if the old one is worn. This valve lets you turn off water to the heater without shutting off your whole house.
Step 6: Install Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
The T&P valve is a safety device. It releases pressure if the tank gets too hot or pressure builds too high. Your new heater may have one pre-installed. If not, install it in the opening on the side or top of the tank.Wrap the threads with sealant tape. Screw in the valve and tighten with a wrench. Attach a discharge pipe that runs down to 6 inches above the floor. Never cap or plug this pipe.
Step 7: Connect Gas Line (For Gas Heaters)
Use a new flexible gas connector. Never reuse old gas lines. Connect one end to the gas control valve on the heater. Connect the other end to your home’s gas supply pipe.Use pipe dope or gas-rated thread sealant on all connections. Tighten with wrenches. Test for leaks by brushing soapy water on all connections. Turn on the gas slightly. If bubbles form, you have a leak. Tighten more or replace the connector.Install a drip leg below the gas connection. This catches any debris in the gas line before it reaches your heater.
Step 8: Connect Electric Wiring (For Electric Heaters)
Turn off power at the breaker box. Remove the access cover on top of the heater. Connect the wires using wire nuts. Match black to black, white to white, and green or bare copper to the ground screw.Follow the wiring diagram on the heater. Don’t guess. Wrong wiring can damage the heating elements or cause fires. Tuck wires neatly into the compartment and replace the cover.
Step 9: Fill the Tank
Open the cold water supply valve. Open hot water faucets throughout your home. This lets air escape as the tank fills. Water will sputter and spit at first. When water flows steadily, close the faucets.Check all connections for leaks as the tank fills. Tighten any dripping joints right away. Let the tank fill completely before turning on power or gas.
Step 10: Turn On and Test
For gas heaters, light the pilot following the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn the gas control to the desired temperature. Most people set it to 120°F. This prevents scalding and saves energy.For electric heaters, turn on the breaker. The heater will take 2 to 3 hours to heat the water fully.Wait 30 minutes, then check for leaks again. Test the T&P valve by lifting the lever. Water should flow from the discharge pipe. If nothing happens, the valve is bad and needs replacement.
You can read about: How to Install Tankless Water Heater
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Heater?
Costs vary based on heater type, size, and if you DIY or hire a pro.
DIY Installation Costs:
- 40-gallon electric heater: $400 to $800
- 40-gallon gas heater: $500 to $1,000
- 50-gallon electric heater: $500 to $900
- 50-gallon gas heater: $600 to $1,200
- Tools and materials: $50 to $200 (if you don’t own them)
- Permit: $50 to $200
Total DIY cost: $500 to $1,400
Professional Installation Costs:
- Basic installation: $800 to $1,500
- Complex installation (moving location, upgrading to code): $1,500 to $3,000
- Tankless water heater: $1,800 to $4,500
Derks Plumbing offers competitive pricing for Water Heater Installation in Eagle Rock. We include permits, disposal of your old unit, and a warranty on our work.
Hiring a pro costs more upfront but saves you time and stress. Pros finish in 2 to 4 hours versus a full day for most DIYers. You also get guaranteed code compliance and insurance coverage if something goes wrong.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Even careful DIYers make these errors. Learn from others’ mistakes to avoid problems.
Wrong Size Heater
Don’t guess on tank size. A 40-gallon tank works for 2 to 3 people. A 50-gallon serves 3 to 4 people. Larger families need 60 to 80 gallons. Too small means cold showers. Too large wastes energy heating unused water.
Poor Venting (Gas Heaters)
Gas heaters produce toxic fumes. They need proper venting to the outside. Never use single-wall vent pipe inside your home. Use double-wall B-vent pipe. Make sure the pipe slopes upward and has no gaps or holes.
No Expansion Tank
Closed plumbing systems need expansion tanks. When water heats, it expands. Without somewhere to go, pressure builds and can damage pipes or the heater. Check if your home has a pressure-reducing valve. If yes, add an expansion tank to the cold water line.
Overtightening Fittings
Plastic and brass fittings crack easily. Tighten until snug, then add one-quarter turn. That’s enough. Overtightening causes leaks, not prevents them.
Wrong Temperature Setting
Setting the thermostat above 120°F wastes energy and risks burns. Kids and elderly people are especially at risk. The ideal temp is 120°F. This kills bacteria but won’t scald skin.
Forgetting Earthquake Straps
If you live in a quake zone, straps are required by code. They prevent the heater from falling and rupturing gas lines. This single step can prevent house fires after earthquakes.
When to Hire a Professional
Some situations require professional plumbing for water heater projects:
Complex Installations
Moving the heater to a new location means running new pipes, gas lines, and venting. This is complex work that needs permits and inspections. One mistake can cause major damage.
Gas Line Work
Working with gas is dangerous. If you smell gas, can’t get connections tight, or don’t understand the gas code, call a pro. Gas leaks cause explosions and poisoning.
Electrical Upgrades
If your home’s electrical panel can’t handle a new electric heater, you need an electrician. They can add a new circuit or upgrade your panel safely.
Code Compliance Issues
Older homes often need upgrades to meet current codes. This might include new venting systems, earthquake straps, or drain pans. A pro knows what’s required in your area.
Warranty Protection
Some manufacturers require professional installation to honor the warranty. Check your warranty terms before you start. A DIY install might void your protection.
Time and Stress
If you’re busy, not handy, or just want peace of mind, hiring a pro makes sense. You get guaranteed results without spending your whole weekend on the project.
Find Local Water Heater Professionals
If you decide to hire help, choose carefully. Get quotes from at least three contractors. Check licenses, insurance, and reviews.
Questions to Ask:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you pull permits?
- What’s included in your price?
- Do you offer a warranty on labor?
- How long will the job take?
- Do you remove and dispose of the old heater?
Derks Plumbing brings years of hands-on experience to water heater installations in Eagle Rock. Our team manages every step of the process from securing permits to complete cleanup so you don’t have to worry about a thing. All of our technicians are licensed, background-checked, and fully trained to work with every major water heater brand. We also offer same-day emergency service and competitive pricing on all hot water system installation projects.
Conclusion
Successfully installing a water heater requires much more than just connecting pipes; it demands strict adherence to safety protocol and local building codes. While a basic replacement can be completed by a capable homeowner, the risks associated with gas, electricity, and water pressure mean professional expertise is often the safest and most cost-effective long-term choice. Prioritizing safety and code compliance protects your investment and, most importantly, your family. If you are in the Eagle Rock area and need guaranteed, professional service, contact today with Derks Plumbing for an expert consultation.
FAQs
Q: Do I need an expansion tank for my water heater?
If your home has a check valve or backflow preventer on the main water line, your system is considered closed. In this case, yes, an expansion tank is legally required in most jurisdictions to prevent dangerous pressure buildup.
Q: How often should I flush my new water heater?
You should flush your water heater tank at least once a year. This prevents sediment buildup, which reduces the unit’s efficiency and lifespan. Flushing is key to keeping your water heater installed unit running optimally.
Q: Can I use my old gas line connector for the new unit?
Most plumbing codes require a new, certified flexible gas connector whenever a new appliance is installed. Never reuse an old one, as they can weaken over time and risk a leak.
Q: What size water heater do I need for a family of four?
For a traditional tank unit, a household of four typically requires a 50-gallon tank to meet peak hot water demand. For tankless, you need a unit rated for 8 to 10 gallons per minute (GPM).
Q: Is it cheaper to install an electric or gas water heater?
Gas units typically cost more upfront because they require expensive venting and gas line connections. Electric units are cheaper to install but can cost more to operate depending on your local energy prices. The overall installation for water heater price will depend on your existing infrastructure.
