Mistakes To Avoid When Installing A Water Heater
No matter the make and size of your brand-new water heater, when installing a water heater, there are various mistakes you might accidentally make during the installation process. Hence, here’s a quick summary of heater installation mistakes to avoid for the best possible results.
Buying the Wrong Size of Water Heater
This is arguably one of the most common mistakes when homeowners attempt to install their new water heater themselves. The importance of choosing the correct size of water heater for your needs cannot be overstated – not only does the best-fit model save you initial and operating costs, but it also ensures that you’ll always have access to hot water when you need it. In contrast, heater models of the wrong size can waste time, money, and water to fulfil the same water needs. Thus, if you have any doubts when deciding on the water heater system, it’s always best to consult a trusted water heater professional for advice.
Soldering Fittings on Top of the Water Heater
Another common installation mistake occurs when fittings are soldered too close to the tank of your water heater. The heat from the soldering process can compromise your water heater’s function as it can melt various plastic fittings and damage important components. Thus, to avoid this unintended outcome, it is best to unscrew the nipples and then solder on the fittings safely away from the water heater.
Using the Wrong Metal Pipes with the Heater
Your water heater tank should be of the same metal as the pipes in your house to ensure compatibility – for example, if the pipes in your house are made of copper, your water heater should have a tank made of copper or brass. However, if your house pipes are made from galvanized steel, it is best to use a dielectric union to prevent pipes from coming into contact; this prevents the creation of an electric and corrosive charge that weakens the pipes and causes leaks.
Installing the Temperature and Pressure Overflow Valve Incorrectly
Most water heaters today have a T&P (temperature and pressure) overflow valve to release heat or pressure from inside the water heater. If this crucial valve is installed incorrectly, your heater’s water tank may explode one day, causing boiling hot water to spurt out everywhere. To safely divert dangerous discharge, you can connect a threaded drain tube to your T&P valve and route this tube to the floor.
Conducting a Dry Firing
No matter what type of water heater you own, dry firing your heater can crack its tank and severely damage the whole heater. Here’s what you need to do in order to safely use your freshly installed heater: purge all the air out of the tank by opening the hot water faucet until water flows out uninterrupted. This is a sign that the heater is completely filled with water, meaning that it is now safe to turn the water heater on.
If you’d like to learn more about safely installing water heaters, Water Heating Direct is here to help! Get in touch with us today to learn more about our range of water heaters and how our solution-driven professionals can further assist you.