How to Install a Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters are an economical and a faster way of heating water. Even with a higher upfront cost, gas water heaters cost roughly half as much to operate as conventional electric water heaters. All you need is a piped natural gas outlet, a cold water supply, a flue connection for carrying away the harmful gases and you are ready to roll. As a matter of fact by doing it yourself you can bring down the cost of water heater installation by quite a significant amount. However attempting a gas water heater installation usually requires some plumbing knowledge. The first step to installing a gas water heater is to check the manufacturer's guidelines. If you already have a water heater and need to get it replaced or do not have any plumbing experience and are wondering how to install a gas water heater on your own, then follow the steps listed below

Gas Water Heater Installation: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide

The first step involves measuring the center-to-center dimension between the hot and cold water pipes, on the top of the water heater, to ensure that the new heater has the same dimensions. If you already have a water heater, then turn off the gas and water supply. Then drain the tank by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve. Now turn on a hot water faucet to allow air into the system.

The next step involves disconnecting the utility lines using two pipe wrenches. The gas line is disconnected at the union fitting, if the pipe is galvanized or at the flare fitting, if the gas supply line is copper. Now disconnect the water lines above the tank. If the piping is soldered, use a hacksaw or tubing cutter, to cut the pipe in straight lines. Once the old water heater is drained and disconnected, you are ready for a new installation.

Installing a gas water heater is a two person job, so after removing the old unit, have an assistant load the old water heater onto the appliance dolly and remove it. Now move the new gas water heater into position. Remember to place it in an area with at least six inches of clearance around it for ventilation, with an unobstructed access to the burner and controls. Use a torpedo or carpenter's level on the side of the water heater and level it with plastic shims, until the unit is straight up and down.

Now install the heat trap fittings by wrapping the water heater heat pipe threads, using a Teflon tape. Since these fittings are directional, they need to be installed correctly. Attach the blue coded fittings to the cold water inlet, with the arrow facing the water heater, and the red coded fittings to the hot water inlet, with the arrow facing outwards. Use pipe wrenches to tighten the fittings.

The next step involves installing the water line connections, by measuring and cutting the water line connections to length and reconnecting them. There are certain stores where pre-sized lengths are available in the area. In the case where the new water heater inlet and outlet openings do not line up exactly with the old plumbing, use flexible copper supply lines.

Once the water lines are installed, it is time to install the fuel source by connecting the gas line to the gas burner control valve, using flexible gas lines.

Check for gas leaks. Brushing on, a soapy water solution onto the gas union and all the gas joints, and check for bubbles. If there is a leak then bubbles will form on the surface.

The next step involves attaching the exhaust flue, by attaching the draft diverter over the water heater flue. Check the manufacturer's instructions and the local codes for installing the flue.

Once all the connections are in place, remove the burner access panels. Then turn the knob on the top of the control box, to the 'pilot' position and hold a fireplace match light, to the pilot access opening. Hold the reset button on the control box for a few seconds, after the pilot ignites. Now you can turn on the knob and hear the burner ignite. Once you are done, replace the burner access panel and set the water temperature to the desired level.

There are few things to be kept in mind, before you can begin the gas water heater installation. If you live in an earthquake zone, then the water heater must be protected by a seismic bracing, made of 20-gauge sheet metal straps, on the tank. If you are still wondering how to install a gas water heater on your own and have any problems while doing it, then the quickest and the safest way is to get it done by a plumbing professional. Also remember to make sure that you are following plumbing codes. A good idea for ensuring this, is by calling a plumbing inspector to find out the municipal permitting requirements and any other specific criteria that they may have.