Installing any piece of machinery yourself can be tricky, let alone a system that’s responsible for heating the water you use every day.
The water heater installation process doesn’t have to be difficult; however, there are several different things that you need to get right. If you don’t focus on each specific aspect, you will wind up with a water heater that doesn’t work right – or at all.
And, don’t forget, your water heater installation has to comply with local building specifications and regulations, too!
If you do decide to bravely forge ahead into perhaps a place where no one in your household has gone before, you’ll want to start by considering the following:
– Is your home located in an earthquake-prone area? If so, you’ll need to put straps around the tank. You will also need to be sure to contact your local building department to find out exactly what specifications are required – and if you are required to do anything else to meet local standards.
– Is the new tank a different height than the old one? If it is, you’ll need to use flexible pipe connectors for the water inlet or outlet.
– What type of climate do you live in? If your area is particularly cold, it can affect where you physically put your water heater.
– What’s the solar resource?
– What safety concerns are there? In rare cases, water heaters can explode. If you want to make sure that you don’t fall victim to an explosion, you’ll have to make safety a top priority.
Answering these questions is just the tip of the iceberg. In order to see what your specific water heater needs, consult your owner’s manual, your manufacturer and/or a contractor to learn about all of the variables that you’ll need to consider before you perform your water heater installation.
But if you can handle a water heater installation all by yourself, it’s the way to go!
Hiring a professional to tackle your home’s water heater installation can cost you anywhere from $200 to $700. The bigger or more complex your water heater is, the more your installation will cost. And, if you have any “special” requirements – like a variety of local regulations that you have to follow or unique spacing issues – it can drive up the cost even more.
Before you pick an expert to do your water heater installation, do your homework. Talk to a few different contractors and compare their prices. And, the more you know about the installation process itself, the higher your chances of not being “snowballed” by a dishonest installer just trying to make a quick buck.
A water heater installation can seem like a big job, and it is. It is not, however, an impossible one. Whether you seek the help of a professional in attempting the task or decide to go it alone, be sure to account for all factors that could influence the cost and eventual outcome of the job. It can seem like a lot of work, but once you’re done, you will have a piece of equipment in place that will provide you with something you’ve probably taken for granted – hot water. Nice, hot, water!