How to install a WaterHeater in Los Angeles
So you’ve spent time suffering through lukewarm or cold showers. You’ve grinned and bared it because not replacing that sad, failing water heater is so much easier than buying a new one.
Maybe you even convinced yourself that a cold shower actually helps wake you up in the morning.
But deep down you know the truth. It’s time to move on.
But what about water heater installation? How do you handle that?
If you’re handy or aspire to be, you may look at this as a cool DIY project. The fact is water heater installation, while not a breeze, is doable if you have a little time and skill (and are generally comfortable around things like gas and open flames).
To guide you along, here are some general tips on how to handle your water heater installation.
This is not necessarily a definitive manual, but the steps listed here should help you through the process, if you want to attempt this on your own.
Unbox
The first thing you want to do is unbox your new water heater. This is your kid-on-Christmas-morning moment. It’s exciting. Take it all in.
You may want to cut the box open at the bottom to ensure that any parts or hoses don’t come tumbling out on top of you.
Place heater on the stand
The next thing to do is place the heater on the stand correctly. If it’s too heavy or awkward to maneuver on your own, get someone to help you (nobody wants to experience the clang and panic of a knocked-over tank, or worse, a screwed up back).
Once this is done, line up the spouts with the corresponding pipes to make sure the heater is now safely in place.
Fasten metal straps
The next step is to fasten the metal straps around the tank. Obviously you’ll need the right screws and tools to complete this task.
If there are sections of the strap that can’t be fastened because something on the tank gets in the way, wait until that part is handled later in the installation process, and then finish fastening the belt.
Install nipples
Yes, it’s time for the nipples. Take the nipples that should’ve been included with your water heater, and screw them in to the top of the tank. You may want to wrap the ends in Teflon tape first.
After you’ve done this, fasten the nipples to the hoses over the tank.
The next stage in the water heater installation process is to take the air hose cap, and put it on top of the tank. Look for the corresponding holes, and wedge the cap in.
You may need a little elbow grease to get the cap in (but no need to go Rocky Balboa on it). Then connect the vent to the cap.
Gas line and overflow pipe
After you’ve attached the gas line, and made any necessary modifications to the overflow pipe, it’s time to install it. Connect the overflow pipe to the input spigot, and turn on the water (located at the top of the of the tank).
You’ll hear the water running, and can start dreaming about a future full of hot showers.
Gas
To get the gas going, you first need to turn the gas knob to “pilot.” After a few minutes, push the ignitor button and you’ll see a flame.
Set the dial to your desired temperature, and check all your work.
If you need a little more detail on your water heater installation, or decide you want to call in a professional, contact Frisket Plumbing.