Gas Water Heaters: How to Install a Gas Hot Water Heater

Components of Gas Hot Water Heater
The basic components of a gas water heater are cold water inlet, tank insulation, drain valve, burner control, gas burner, overflow pipe, water line, gas supply line and hot water outlet.

Pre-requisites of Installing a Gas Water Heater
One should have a good knowledge of plumbing for a successful gas hot water heater install. Plumbing is generally defined as a system of pipes, tubes and various fixtures to provide fresh water for different purposes and removal of waste water. Here is a list of all the tools and materials you will need for gas hot water heater installation- Water heater, pipe fittings, soldering torch, flex connectors, screwdrivers, pipe wrenches, 0.5" flare adapter, hand cleaner, pipe cutter, gate valve and 240-volt neon test light and a natural gas outlet.

Preparation before Installing Gas Water Heaters
You already have a old or a defective gas water heater but are planning to replace it with a new one. Just ensure that the center-to-center dimensions between hot and cold pipes on top of the new water heater are same as the original one. You should have a gas union in the gas line. Another important thing is to turn off utilities to the gas water heater in use currently. Gas supply to the water heater should be turned off. This can be confirmed by checking if the pilot light is out. Drain the tank before installing the new gas water heater.

How to Install a Gas Water Heater
Carry the gas water heater to the place where it is to be installed using a cart, dolly or by manually lifting it. You will need the help of another person in this entire process. Affix the gas water heater such that the gas vent pipe is visible clearly. Now, install the heater's new draft hood. There are holes present on the top of the heater. The legs of the gas heater should be properly fitted into the holes. The old vent pipe elbows may be corroded because of excessive use. It is advisable to use new vent pipes in place of them. The vent pipe should be connected with metal screws.

After completing this, it is the time to make the hot and cold water connections. This is the most important step in the gas hot water heater installation. Flex connectors should be used to make the connections in a proper manner. The reason for this is that flex connectors have the property to bend easily. Attach a cold water gate valve to the gas heater. A vertical pipe should be used to place the cold water gate valve. The pipe will protect the valve from coming in contact with the sediment. The hot and cold water lines should have a union if you are using a threaded pipe. Flex connectors are used widely instead of unions. If the tappings of your gas water heater are male, then use PTFE tape. Sweat soldering should be done before installing the flex connectors. This will help prevent damage to the connector. There are transition unions between plastic piping and metal heater threads. You can use CPVC tubing which is known for its rigidity or a PB pipe which uses mechanical couplings to join the joints.

After the plumbing work is over, fill the storage tank with cold water by opening the cold water inlet valve. Close the cold water valve after the storage tank is filled completely. Ensure that there is no leakage of water from the storage tank. Connecting the gas lines to your gas water heater is the final step in the gas hot water heater install. Note that the gas line must have a shut-off valve. The gas line is installed with the threaded pipe using a union. Do not use old unions because they may be faulty due to prior overuse. The gas valve of the gas heater has an inlet opening. If you are using a flex connector, insert a flare adapter into the inlet opening. Use an open-end wrench to tighten the gas flex connector collar which has been connected to the flare adapter. Now you can turn on the knob and hear the ignition sound of the burner. Turn off the knob immediately after you finish your work. Check for gas leakage as it can result in serious accidents. People living in earthquake zones should use a protection made of sheet metal straps for the gas water heater to protect it from getting damaged. Refer to the user's manual if you have some technical problems. From the above information the procedure of how to install a gas hot water heater must be clear now.

Installing gas water heaters is very easy. It just requires concentration and patience. You can do the job yourself and save a lot of money charged by plumbing professionals.