843.582.0670
A Step-By-Step Guide To How A Plumber Will Perform Your Water Heater Replacement | Myrtle Beach, SC
Many homeowners tend to look to the possibility of installing water heaters themselves to avoid the costs of hiring a professional installer. However, water heater installation is regarded as an advanced project, and any mistakes by an amateur can lead to immense damage such as scalding, flooding, and fires.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, we pride ourselves on a team of water heater replacement professionals in Myrtle Beach, SC, that can help install your water heater correctly the first time. We’ve been in the business for over three decades, and our experience guarantees that your water heater installation will be done quickly and efficiently.
Read on for essential tips from our experts on how to replace a water heater.
Before We Begin
Our Myrtle Beach, SC, experts will determine whether you need a water heater replacement or routine maintenance. Factors such as the age of your water heater, the level of corrosion, and whether there are any leaks will play a vital role in our decision.
If you’re not getting hot water, the problem might be with your pilot light, thermostat, or electric water heater, and maintenance could help fix the problem. However, if you see water on top of the unit or on the floor (this is different from water leakage from the supply line above the unit), it might be time to replace it.
Check the Water Pressure
Your home’s water pressure should range between 50- to 60-PSI. If it’s too high, you risk damaging your home’s plumbing system or even your water heater. High water pressure can put stress on all of the components in your plumbing system, which could cause leaks and other issues. Water heater replacement professionals will check your water pressure with a pressure gauge to ensure it’s within the suitable range.
Expansion Tank
Next, water heater replacement pros will check to see if your home has an expansion tank. An expansion tank is a small tank that helps relieve pressure in the water heater and plumbing system. It helps to prevent your water heater from overheating.
If you have an expansion tank, we’ll ensure it’s the right size for your home. If it’s too small, it might not be able to do its job properly. Besides, it should also be about 2-3 feet away from the unit to make work easier.
Removing the Old Water Heater
The next step is to remove the old water heater. This can be done in several stages:
Step 1: Turn the Power Off
The water heater replacement process often starts by turning off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker. If it’s a gas water heater, we’ll also need to turn off the gas. A circuit tester can help confirm that the power is off before proceeding.
Step 2: Run the Hot Water
Once the power is off, we’ll open a hot water faucet in your home to release the pressure in the tank. This will prevent scalding from hot water that might be left in the tank.
Step 3: Drain the Water Heater
Our water heater replacement pros will open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and use a hose to direct the water into a nearby drain or outside.
If your Myrtle Beach, SC home has a pressure relief valve, we’ll open it as well to release any pressure that might be in the tank.
Step 4: Remove the Tank
Now, we can go ahead and remove the old water heater. First, our water heater replacement crew will disconnect the water supply line from the tank and disconnect the gas line (if it’s a gas water heater), and then disconnect the vent pipe. With all of the lines disconnected, we can remove the old water heater.
Installing the New Water Heater
The process of installing a new water heater is similar to removing the old one. We’ll just follow these steps in reverse:
Step 1: Set the New Water Heater In Place
We’ll start by setting the new water heater in place. We’ll ensure that it’s in the same location as the old one to avoid having to make any new connections. Moreover, you can avoid possible flooding by placing a pan under the drain valve before proceeding.
Step 2: Install the T&P Valve
Installing the temperature and pressure relief valve is a required safety feature on all water heaters. The valve is there to release water and pressure if the temperature or pressure in the tank gets too high.
Step 3: Install the Discharge Pipe
The discharge pipe attaches to the T&P valve and runs to a nearby drain. This pipe is there to catch any water that’s released by the valve.
Step 4: Hook Up the Water
We’ll connect the water supply line to the new water heater. We’ll use Teflon tape or pipe dope on the threads to create a watertight seal.
Step 5: Install the Fittings
We’ll also need to install fittings such as a gas shut-off valve, an earthquake strap, or a drain pan.
Step 6: Hook Up the Vent Pipe
The next step is to connect the vent pipe to the water heater. This pipe helps release any fumes that might build up in the tank.
Step 7: Secure the Fitting
Our water heater replacement professionals will use Teflon tape or pipe dope to create a watertight seal on the threads. We’ll also secure the compression nut over the pipe to help create a super tight seal.
Step 8: Finish the Install
Once all the connections are secure, our experts can finish the installation by turning on the power and gas (if applicable). We’ll also open the hot water faucet to release any air in the lines. Finally, we’ll check all the connections to ensure they’re secure.
Need Professional Water Heater Installation? We Can Help!
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach is here to help with your water heater needs! We can help you choose the suitable unit for your home, install it properly, and even perform routine maintenance. Our water heater replacement crew is always on standby to help you 24/7.
Contact us at 843-894-0907 to schedule a free consultation today!