If you have an old hot water heater that you need to replace, it is helpful to understand how the process will work for removing your old system and putting your new hot water system in place even if you plan on hiring a professional for the work. Understanding how the process works will give you a better idea of the work involved, how long the job should take and how much it may end up costing you.
#1 Turn Off Everything
The first thing that will happen is the gas to the water heater will be turned off if it uses gas to heat with. Then, both water intake valves will be shut off. Finally, the power will be turned off to the water heater.
#2 Drain The Tank
Next, the tank will need to be drained. Depending on how your water heater is set up, a hose can be set up to run outside and drain your tank. If that is not possible, the water will need to be drained into a bucket and taken outside and emptied each time the bucket gets full. If this is the case, the process will be more involved and will likely take more time.
#3 Disconnect The Water Lines
Once the water is drained from the tank, the water lines going into the tank will need to be disconnected. They may have to be unscrewed if they are galvanized pipes. If they do not screw into the water heater, you may need to cut the water pipes off with a tube cutter. You may also need to remove the vent to get to the water lines.
#4 Remove Old Water Heater
Next, the old water heater will need to be removed. It can be pushed to the side or you can have it taken outside and hauled away. Then, the new water heater will need to be brought into the area.
#5 Setting Up The New Water Heater
Setting up the new water heater will be a multiple step process. First, new pressure and temperature relief valves will need to be attached to the water heater as well as a discharge pipe. The water lines will need to be screwed onto the new water heater or solder onto the water heater if you had to cut the lines. Then the vent for the water heat will need to be screwed back in place. Finally, the gas line will need to be connected to the water heater.
#6 Starting The Water Heater
Once the water heater is set-up, it will need to be started and tested. You'll want to make sure that there are not any leaks and you'll need to light the pilot light to get the water heated. You'll also need to make sure that you turn on the water again to your heater.
If you don't want to install a new water heater yourself, you can hire a professional like Central Florida Water Treatment Inc. to install and set it up for you.
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