We guess all houses in big cities and small towns have water heaters. There are two major types the ones with a tank and the ones without it. We would like to focus on the latter option, which is a tankless water heater. It has become popular in the USA not that long ago. While it was popular in Europe and other regions of the globe, Americans did not want to use it frequently.
Everything has changed due to the green movement. Today, we can see a tankless water heater in millions of houses across the country. It is safe, environmentally friendly, economic, and durable. That is why we have decided to devote this article to this home appliance. We would like to explain how to install a tankless water heater.
Special Warning!
Before we begin to explain the process of installation, we would like to warn you. If you are not an expert and doubt your ability to install a tankless water heater or any other similar device, turn to professional installation service. You may make a serious mistake, which may lead to an accident that may harm your health or the health of other members of your family. Be careful!
How to Install a Gas Unit?
All tankless water heaters can be divided after their fuel sources. Gas heaters are among the most popular ones. Therefore, we would like to explain how to install a gas tankless water heater. You should know that all gas units have different needs in comparison to electric analogs. For example, you will need larger diameter gas supply lines, stainless steel flue from II to IV category, and so on. You should define all the tools before you start the work.
Begin with turning off the line, which leads water to your house. Disconnect supply line from old water heater. Mind that some amount of water will be left in the line after it is disconnected. Be sure to take a bucket under the water bib and wait until it gets from the system entirely. You should also disconnect heat sources from the old water heater. Be sure to close the supply valve for gas. Double-check the position of on and off. It is very important for your safety!
Remove the old water heater from its previous parking place. Check the laws of your area to be sure you dispose of it correctly. Always have all the necessary tools close at hand. Define the required place where you will connect your tankless gas water heater. Clear the area around it. Be sure to comply with all state and local building codes. Check the instructions of the manufacturer of your model and mount it on the wall carefully.
The next step is to hook all the connections. You should install ventilation ducting. Get a special stainless steel flue for this procedure. Start with the water supply line. Hook up a gas supply line from the stub at the wall and lead it to a new heater. Be sure you open the valve so that its handle was in the same position as the line.
The next thing to do is to light the pilot on the gas water heater. Be sure you follow the directions of the manufacturer. You should know that different manufacturers may have different instructions, and so you ought to study and fulfill them carefully for your safety! This is it! After you finish all the manipulations, you may use your shower and enjoy warm or
hot water as you like.
Additional tip: In case you have hard water, put to use a water softener. Thus, you minimize the possible damage to your unit for a long period of time. Be sure to clean it from time to time.
How to Install an Electric Unit?
Another popular tankless water heater uses electricity. Therefore, we will also show how to install it too. First of all, be sure to read the instruction and have all the necessary tools close at hand. In the next 2 or 3 hours, you will be busy with the installation process of the tankless water heater. You are to turn off all circuit breakers. This is one of the most important and compulsory steps that will surely save your life. Turn off the water supply line. Do not forget about this simple, but vital step. Otherwise, you risk flooding your house.
You should drain and disconnect the old heater. Here are the steps to follow:
? Unscrew the connecting pipes;
? Get the wiring out;
? Get rid of the old wall mounting brackets.
Be sure to fulfill these steps carefully. While you do them, you risk damaging the pipes. The next step is the removal of the front cover. Use an appropriate screwdriver and remove the front cover carefully. When you remove all the screws, be sure to keep them in one place to never lose them. They are vital because you will place them back later.
Fulfill the process slowly because you may damage one of the cables connected to the main unit. The next step is to mount the heater. Choose the place reasonably. Make sure it is located in a place that will not be covered by anything, and you will be able to easily access it. Connect the pipes. Its vital to use a stainless steel flexible pipe. Be sure all the connections are detachable because you will have to clean them regularly in the future.
Install a special flow valve. Thus, youll be able to disconnect only the water flow, instead of the entire household. Install a pressure valve (if its required). You should also:
? bleed the hot water system,
? check electrical connections,
? re-attach cover,
? turn on circuit breakers,
? check temperature and water outlets.
Summing Up
It is not that hard to install a tankless water heater. By following our plain instructions, you may do it yourself. Nonetheless, we still recommend turning to an installation service if you are not professional and are not sure whether you can do everything currently. Stay safe!
