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Should you’re like most owners, you most likely do not take into consideration your water heater fairly often. However when it stops working, it may be a serious inconvenience. Should you’re not ready, changing a water heater is usually a expensive and time-consuming course of. Nevertheless, should you’re keen to place in a little bit little bit of effort, it can save you your self some huge cash by doing it your self.
Changing a fuel water heater just isn’t as tough as it might appear. Nevertheless, you will need to take the required precautions to make sure that the job is finished safely. Earlier than you start, you will want to collect some provides. These embrace a brand new water heater, a fuel line, a water line, a drain line, and some instruments. After getting gathered your provides, you’ll be able to start the method of changing your previous water heater.
Step one is to show off the fuel and water provide to your previous water heater. Subsequent, you will want to disconnect the fuel line, the water line, and the drain line. As soon as the previous water heater is disconnected, you’ll be able to take away it from its location. Watch out to not harm the ground or partitions if you end up eradicating the previous water heater. As soon as the previous water heater is eliminated, you’ll be able to set up the brand new water heater.
Security Precautions
Shut Off Fuel and Water Provides
Earlier than starting any work in your fuel water heater, it’s essential to make sure that each the fuel and water provides are turned off. This can forestall fuel leaks and flooding.
- For the fuel provide, find the primary fuel line shut-off valve. This valve is often positioned close to the fuel meter or on the facet of your house. Flip the valve clockwise to close off the fuel.
- For the water provide, flip off the chilly water provide valve to the water heater. This valve is normally positioned close to the highest of the unit.
Further Issues:
- Put on gloves and eye safety whereas working with fuel and water traces.
- Use a flashlight to examine darkish areas for leaks.
- Should you scent fuel, go away the realm instantly and name your fuel firm. Don’t try to repair the leak your self.
- If you’re not sure about any step within the course of, contact a professional plumber for help.
Vent the Water Heater
Earlier than disconnecting the water heater from the fuel provide, it’s important to vent the unit. This can launch any residual fuel contained in the water heater, minimizing the chance of an explosion.
- Open all sizzling water taps in your house to permit air to movement by the system.
- Mild a match or lighter and maintain it close to the fuel inlet on the water heater.
- If the flame ignites instantly, the water heater just isn’t correctly vented. Flip off all sizzling water taps and wait 10-Quarter-hour earlier than making an attempt to relight the pilot mild.
- If the flame doesn’t ignite, the water heater is correctly vented.
Shutting Off Fuel and Water
Shutting Off the Fuel
Step one in altering out a fuel water heater is to close off the fuel provide. To do that, find the fuel shut-off valve in your water heater. The valve is often positioned close to the underside of the water heater and might be both a pink or yellow lever. Flip the lever perpendicular to the fuel line to close off the fuel. Should you can’t find the fuel shut-off valve, contact a professional plumber.
Shutting Off the Water
The subsequent step is to close off the water provide to the water heater. To do that, find the 2 water shut-off valves which can be related to the water heater. The valves might be positioned on the chilly water inlet pipe and the recent water outlet pipe. Flip each valves clockwise to close off the water provide.
Draining the Water Heater
As soon as the fuel and water provides have been shut off, it’s essential to drain the water heater. To do that, connect a hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater. Open the drain valve and permit the water to empty right into a bucket or drain pan. As soon as the water heater is empty, shut the drain valve.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the fuel shut-off valve in your water heater. |
| 2 | Flip the fuel shut-off valve lever perpendicular to the fuel line to close off the fuel. |
| 3 | Find the 2 water shut-off valves which can be related to the water heater. |
| 4 | Flip each water shut-off valves clockwise to close off the water provide. |
| 5 | Connect a hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater. |
| 6 | Open the drain valve and permit the water to empty right into a bucket or drain pan. |
| 7 | As soon as the water heater is empty, shut the drain valve. |
Draining the Water Heater
Step 1: Flip off the fuel provide. The fuel shutoff valve is normally positioned close to the underside of the water heater. Flip the valve clockwise to shut it.
Step 2: Flip off the water provide. There are normally two water provide traces related to the water heater: a chilly water inlet pipe and a sizzling water outlet pipe. Flip the valves on each pipes clockwise to shut them.
Step 3: Open the stress reduction valve. The stress reduction valve is positioned close to the highest of the water heater. Carry the lever on the valve to open it.
Step 4: Join a backyard hose to the drain valve. The drain valve is positioned close to the underside of the water heater. Connect one finish of the backyard hose to the drain valve and the opposite finish to a bucket or drain.
Step 5: Open the drain valve. Fastidiously open the drain valve by turning it counterclockwise. The water will start to empty out of the water heater and into the bucket or drain.
Step 6: Shut the drain valve when the water heater is empty. As soon as all the water has drained out of the water heater, shut the drain valve by turning it clockwise.
Step 7: Shut the stress reduction valve. Shut the stress reduction valve by pushing down on the lever.
Step 8: Flip the water provide again on. Open the valves on each the chilly water inlet pipe and the recent water outlet pipe to show the water provide again on.
Step 9: Flip the fuel provide again on. Flip the fuel shutoff valve counterclockwise to open it and switch the fuel provide again on.
Disconnecting the Fuel Line
Earlier than you’ll be able to take away your previous fuel water heater, it’s essential to disconnect the fuel line. This can be a comparatively easy course of, however it’s essential to comply with all security precautions to keep away from any accidents.
Listed below are the steps on how you can disconnect the fuel line:
- Flip off the fuel provide to the water heater.
- Find the fuel line to the water heater and loosen the becoming that connects the road to the water heater.
- Utilizing a wrench, disconnect the fuel line from the becoming.
- Plug the open finish of the fuel line to forestall fuel from escaping.
- Take away the fuel line from the water heater.
- Flip off the chilly water provide valve to the water heater.
- Open the recent water fixture closest to the water heater.
- Place a bucket or bowl underneath the fixture to catch the water.
- Open the chilly water provide valve slowly.
- Let the water run till all the air has been faraway from the road and water flows steadily from the fixture.
- Shut the recent water fixture.
- Flip the chilly water provide valve again on.
- Repeat steps 2-7 for every sizzling water fixture in your house.
- New fuel water heater
- Pipe wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Fuel leak detector
- Security glasses
- Fuel: Flip off the fuel provide to the previous water heater.
- Water: Shut off the water provide to the water heater.
- Electrical energy: Flip off the electrical energy to the water heater.
- Open the drain valve on the backside of the water heater utilizing a screwdriver or pliers.
- Let the water drain fully.
- Use the pipe wrench to disconnect the chilly water inlet pipe and the recent water outlet pipe from the water heater.
- Cap the open pipes to forestall water leakage.
- Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the fuel line from the fuel valve on the water heater.
- Cap the open fuel line to forestall fuel leakage.
- Use a pipe wrench to loosen the anchor straps or bolts holding the water heater in place.
- Fastidiously slide the water heater out of its compartment.
- Place the brand new water heater within the compartment and join the anchor straps or bolts.
- Reconnect the chilly water inlet pipe and the recent water outlet pipe to the brand new water heater utilizing plumber’s tape.
- Join the fuel line to the fuel valve on the brand new water heater utilizing plumber’s tape.
- Tighten the connection securely utilizing an adjustable wrench.
- Activate the fuel provide to the water heater.
- Activate the water provide to the water heater.
- Test for any leaks on the pipe and fuel connections utilizing a fuel leak detector.
- Mild the water heater in line with the producer’s directions.
- Let the water heater run for a couple of minutes to purge any air from the system.
- Open the recent water faucet at a sink and let the water run till it’s sizzling.
| Security Precautions |
|---|
| At all times flip off the fuel provide earlier than disconnecting the fuel line. |
| Use a wrench to loosen the becoming that connects the fuel line to the water heater. |
| Don’t use your fingers to disconnect the fuel line. |
| Plug the open finish of the fuel line to forestall fuel from escaping. |
| By no means smoke or use open flames close to the fuel line. |
Eradicating the Outdated Water Heater
1. Flip Off Fuel and Water Provide:
Find the fuel shut-off valve close to the underside of the heater and switch it clockwise to “off.” Subsequent, find the chilly water provide valve on the prime of the heater and switch it clockwise to “off.”
2. Disconnect Fuel Line:
Use a wrench to detach the fuel line from the fuel inlet valve on the water heater. Watch out to seal the open finish of the fuel line with a cap or plug to forestall leaks.
3. Disconnect Water Strains:
Use a pipe wrench to disconnect each the cold and warm water traces from the water heater. Place a bucket or container beneath the connections to catch any residual water.
4. Drain Water Heater:
Connect a hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater and direct it right into a drain. Open the valve to empty all of the water from the tank.
5. Take away Energy From Water Heater:
If the water heater is electrical, flip off the circuit breaker or fuse that provides energy to it. For fuel water heaters, merely flip off the fuel provide and go away {the electrical} connections intact.
6. Disconnect Flue Pipe:
Take away the screws or bolts that join the flue pipe to the water heater. Help the flue pipe with one hand whereas rigorously pulling it off with the opposite. Be aware the orientation of the pipe so you’ll be able to re-install it appropriately later.
**Particular Issues for Double-Wall Venting:** In case your water heater has double-wall venting, you will want to:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a. | Unclip the internal flue pipe from the outer pipe. |
| b. | Fastidiously pull the internal flue pipe out of the water heater. |
| c. | Disconnect the outer flue pipe from the vent cap or chimney. |
Putting in the New Water Heater
Security Precautions
* Shut off the fuel provide valve.
* Flip off the electrical energy to the water heater.
* Drain the water from the tank by opening the drain valve.
Step 1: Take away the Outdated Water Heater
* Disconnect the fuel line and water provide traces.
* Unscrew the mounting bolts that safe the water heater to the wall or ground.
* Slide the water heater out of its area.
Step 2: Put together the New Water Heater
* Wrap the threads of the fuel line and water provide traces with Teflon tape.
* Join the fuel line and water provide traces to the brand new water heater.
* Safe the mounting bolts that may maintain the water heater in place.
Step 3: Set up the New Water Heater
* Slide the brand new water heater into its area.
* Tighten the mounting bolts.
* Join the fuel line and water provide traces to the corresponding valves.
Step 4: Activate the Water Provide
* Slowly open the chilly water provide valve to fill the tank.
* Test for leaks across the connections.
Step 5: Activate the Fuel Provide
* Activate the fuel provide valve.
* Mild the pilot mild in line with the producer’s directions.
Step 6: Alter the Temperature
* Alter the thermostat to the specified temperature.
* Permit the water heater to achieve the specified temperature earlier than utilizing sizzling water.
Step 7: Last Checks
* Test the next for leaks:
| Part | Test Level |
|---|---|
| Fuel line | Connections to the water heater and fuel provide valve |
| Water provide traces | Connections to the water heater and chilly water provide |
| Drain valve | Securely closed |
* Test the pilot mild to make sure it’s lit and steady.
* Verify that the water heater is working correctly and offering sizzling water.
Filling and Bleeding the Water Heater
After you have put in the water heater, you may must fill it with chilly water earlier than you’ll be able to activate the fuel. Open the chilly water provide valve and the recent water fixture closest to the water heater. This can permit air to flee because the water fills the tank. Flip off the recent water fixture as soon as water begins to movement steadily.
Subsequent, flip off the chilly water provide valve and open the recent water fixture once more. This can permit any remaining air to flee. Shut the recent water fixture and activate the chilly water provide valve once more. Repeat this course of till water flows steadily from the recent water fixture with none air bubbles.
As soon as the water heater is full, test for any leaks. Should you discover any leaks, tighten the connections and re-test the system.
Bleeding the Sizzling Water Strains
After the water heater is crammed, you could must bleed the recent water traces to take away any trapped air. That is particularly essential should you’ve changed the previous water heater with a brand new one.
To bleed the recent water traces:
As soon as you have bled all the sizzling water traces, your new water heater is able to use.
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | For tightening and loosening nuts and bolts |
| Bucket or bowl | For catching water when bleeding the recent water traces |
| Flashlight | For illuminating darkish areas when working |
| Degree | For making certain that the water heater is degree |
| Plumber’s tape | For sealing connections and stopping leaks |
| Screwdriver | For tightening and loosening screws |
| Wrench | For tightening and loosening nuts and bolts |
How one can Change Out a Fuel Water Heater
Instruments and Supplies You will Want:
Security First:
Step 1: Drain the Water Heater
Step 2: Disconnect Pipes
Step 3: Disconnect Fuel Line
Step 4: Take away Outdated Water Heater
Step 5: Set up New Water Heater
Step 6: Reconnect Fuel Line
Step 7: Activate Fuel and Water
Step 8: Check and Flush
Folks Additionally Ask
### How do I do know if my fuel water heater is dangerous?
Indicators of a nasty fuel water heater embrace:
* No sizzling water
* Lukewarm water
* Leaking water
* Rust or corrosion
* Unusual noises
How a lot does it value to interchange a fuel water heater?
The associated fee to interchange a fuel water heater sometimes ranges from $900 to $1,700, together with labor and supplies.
How lengthy does it take to interchange a fuel water heater?
Changing a fuel water heater normally takes 4-6 hours, relying on the complexity of the set up.
Can I substitute a fuel water heater myself?
Whereas changing a fuel water heater is feasible as a DIY challenge, it is suggested to rent a licensed plumber for protected and correct set up.
