article

Replacing Your Water Heater

By Bluehammer Admin

Hot water is a luxury we all take for granted until it goes cold. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace your Water Heater.

Signs That You Need a New Water Heater

There are 2 major signs that you need to replace your water heater. One is that you have little to no hot water and the second is that there is a large puddle of water under your water heater. If that's the case read on!

Cost Factors in Replacing Your Water Heater

No doubt the biggest factor in the project cost of replacing your water heater is the cost of the appliance itself. However, unlike some other appliance replacements, labor is also a factor. Water heaters come in all types and sizes. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your water heater.

  • Removal of the old water heater
  • Delivery and installation of the new water heater
  • Re-routing of plumbing (if applicable) and the accompanying material costs
  • Hauling away and disposing of the old water heater

Types of Water Heaters

Since most water heaters last between 9-12 years, choosing the right water heater is important from both a hot water and cost efficiency angle. Below are some of the most common types.

  • Storage Tank Water HeaterThis the most popular water heater in use today. Water is stored and heated in the insulated tank by either an electric coil or gas.
  • Tankless Water HeaterTankless water heaters heat the water as it passes through the coils heating it on demand. They come in both electric and gas varieties although the electric model might require you to upgrade your electrical panel due to the draw.
  • Heat Pump Water HeaterHeat pumps use heat from the air to warm the water. These types of water heaters work better in warm environments and need extra space to function properly.
  • Solar Water HeaterSolar water heaters are roof mounted and use solar energy to heat water in the tank.

Removing a Tank Water Heater

Since water heaters use higher voltage electricity or gas, it is recommended that you consult a professional plumber for removal or installation. Below steps to removing your existing tank water heater.

  • Turn off your power, gas and waterDepending on whether you have an electric or gas water heater you will need to turn off the gas. You will also need to turn off your main water valve.
  • Drain the old water heaterFirst open all the hot water faucets in the house. Then connect a garden hose to your water heater and open and drain the tank completely.
  • Disconnect the plumbingThis will require either cutting of pipes or if it has connections simply unscrewing them.
  • Disconnect the electricalIf your water is electric you will need to unscrew the electrical panel on the unit and disconnect the wiring.
  • Remove the water heaterSome appliances are heavy so make sure you have help lifting and moving the water heater.

Installing a Tank Water Heater

Once again, since water heaters use higher voltage electricity or gas, it is recommended that you consult a professional plumber for removal or installation. Below steps for installing your existing tank water heater.

  • Place your new water heaterPlace the water heater where it goes. If you live in a state that requires the water heater to be strapped, make sure to strap it in.
  • Connect the plumbingIf you bought the same size water heater and it had connectors already then simply re-connect the plumbing. If you cut your pipes you will need to re-plumb the assembly.
  • Connect the electricalIf your water heater is electric, connect the wiring making sure you connect the proper wires and that it is properly grounded.
  • Fill the water heaterTurn your water back on and fill the water heater making sure your faucets are still open allowing any trapped air to escape. If your water heater is electric, make sure not to turn on the electricity until the tank is full. Once water has been flowing out of the faucets you can turn them off. At this time you can turn on the electricity if your appliance is electric.

Tank water heaters can get sediment build up that can reduce life span and performance. It is recommended to drain your water heater twice a year to remove the sediment increasing the life and performance of your water heater.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


6 Smart Updates To Make To Your Bathroom

The idea of renovating your bathroom can be overwhelming, but you don't have to knock down walls or gut the whole thing to make it feel new again. Making smart updates can get you closer to the look you want without the big budget, or the big hassle.

Stylish Bath Storage Solutions: Ways to Complement Your Bathroom Vanity

Finding adequate storage is a particularly challenging problem in bathrooms, and not just because they are usually the smallest rooms in the house. Bathrooms have increasingly become the place to store a large and diverse number of items, including bath towels, beauty supplies, toiletries, hair care products, medications, soaps, shampoo, and assorted cleansers. And if the primary inhabitants of the bathroom happen to be teenagers, then the demand for storage space increases exponentially.

6 Ways To Create A More Serene Stress-Free Home

Your home is supposed to be your haven, the place where you can relax and wash away the stresses of the day. But, if your house is messy, cluttered, or designed in a way that opposes certain Feng Shui principles, it could actually be adding to your stress. Apply a few tips to make your home the serene spot it should be.

Removing Your Popcorn Ceiling

More and more homeowners are changing out their popcorn ceilings for a more modern look.

Replacing Your Bathroom Vanity

Replacing your old vanity can make a big aesthetic difference in your bathroom.

8 Paint Colors for a Standout Front Door?

Extend a standout greeting with a memorable hue at your home's entry

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans add to the decor of a room and are an energy efficient way to improve cooling when it's hot and heating when it's cold. For simple installations, installing your own ceiling fan is a breeze.

9 Places to Shop Online For Furniture and Home Furnishings

These days, there isn't much we don't shop for online. But if you have been hesitant to buy your furniture and other home items with a few clicks instead of being able to walk into a store and see them in person, it might be time to rethink that strategy. With so many great sites that offer easy delivery (and returns) and tons of reviews that can give you confidence in your purchase, furnishing or updating your home online is easier than ever. We have curated a few of our favorite sites.

Things to Consider When Replacing Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the most functional, visible, and important elements in your home. If you're looking for a home improvement project that can boost curb appeal, improve security, and add style to your space, replacing your front door delivers an impressive return on investment.

Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting Quickstart Guide

Technology advances are making electric water heaters more popular than ever. The electric water heater market, valued at $6 billion in 2015, will expand at an annual compound growth rate of 7.5 percent to reach $33.22 billion by 2024, Global Market Insights projects. Advances in energy saving, comfort control and display technology are driving demand. As more homes acquire electric water heaters, home owners will increasingly require specialized maintenance for these appliances. Here’s a quickstart guide to assist you when troubleshooting electric water heaters.

See More Articles