Why You Shouldn’t Install a Water Heater Yourself
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tomsplumbing -
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If you want to try and do a little DIY plumbing, don’t install a water heater yourself, thinking that you are saving money by not calling in a certified plumber.
Sure, it saves you money, but it can also bring risks, as installing a water heater is no easy project.
Buying a new water heater is one thing, but you need to seriously reconsider installing it yourself before calculating the risks and effects that can happen.
A mistake, even something small, can have disastrous consequences if not properly remedied quickly.
It is not something as simple as changing a lightbulb, so the best thing to do is to call in someone with experience to do the job right.
Professional plumbers know what they are doing because they have the expertise and experience under their belt from doing their job for years.
They have the proper training and certifications, so everything goes right. Installing a water heater by yourself can cause you added expenses, damage to equipment, and even serious injuries.
Reasons to Avoid DIY Water Heater Installation
Safety Risks:
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Gas Leaks:
Incorrectly connecting gas lines can lead to leaks, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions.
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Electrical Hazards:
Improper wiring can cause electrical shocks, short circuits, or even fires.
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Water Damage:
Leaks from improperly connected plumbing lines can cause significant water damage and mold growth.
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Explosions:
In gas water heaters, improper installation can lead to pressure buildup and explosions if the safety relief valve is not functioning correctly.
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Scalding:Improper installation can result in the water heater not regulating the temperature correctly, leading to the risk of scalding.
Insurance and Warranty Considerations:
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Homeowner’s Insurance:
Many homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover water damage caused by an improperly installed water heater, especially if the installation wasn’t done by a licensed professional.
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Warranty Voiding:
Water heater warranties are often void if the installation is not performed by a licensed plumber.
Other Factors:
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Building Codes:
Water heater installation must comply with local building codes, which a DIYer may not be aware of.
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Permits:
In many areas, a permit is required for water heater installation, which can be difficult to obtain without a professional.
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Complexity:
Water heater installation is a complex process that requires specific skills and tools.
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Long-term Costs:DIY installation may seem cost-effective initially, but potential problems and repairs can lead to higher long-term costs.
5 Things That Can Happen if You Try to Install a Water Heater Yourself
1. Getting the Wrong Size
Expert plumbers know, based on experience, what kind of water heater is needed.
First-timers or those trying to replace it by themselves can have the chance of buying the heater with the wrong size, which compromises the space.
It’s important to purchase the right size water heater for your space. For all of your systems to run correctly, you need to have the right size for your space.
The rule is that small homes with one or two people only need smaller water heaters, and bigger homes with a bunch of family members require larger water heaters to cope up with the demand.
For big homes, it is becoming common to see large water heaters, sometimes more than once, so it deliver hot water to those who need it.
2. Improper ventilation
When installing a gas water heater yourself, it is important that proper venting is in place.
A licensed technician is equipped with the right knowledge to know exactly how the space around the water heater should be ventilated so that the home and the homeowners are safe.
This is very important so that toxic gases like carbon monoxide can be safely ventilated outside.
The buildup of toxic gases can have serious health implications, and too much can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can result in death.
3. Wrong Water Heater Purchased
When you don’t know what kind of water heater to buy, you should not attempt to have it fixed by yourself.
There are all kinds of water heaters to choose from and they come at various prices. Do not buy water heaters with prices that are too good to be true because, 100% of the time, it’s not.
Cheaper models will only cause you stress and expenses in the future for any broken parts or repairs, they are also not as durable as quality water heaters that can last longer,
4. Insufficient Plumbing Equipment
Those who want to install water heaters themselves and want to avoid soldering usually choose
PEX plastic tubing with pop-on or push-fit connectors because it is easier to install. PEX is flexible, and so are the routes around corners and other structures. One downside to PEX is its flexibility.
5. Wrong Way to Secure Water Heater and Power/Gas Supply
When the water heater is installed at a place where it has the potential to be bumped, take extra measures so that it is securely strapped.
A small bump can’t tip the heater as it is full of water, but continuous bumps can loosen fittings and leaks can develop.
Any gas and electric lines must be fastened securely, as people can trip on the lines in the dark, this prevents any damage or gas leaks.
Water heaters in garages must be protected by wheel stops and other structures to prevent cars from hitting them.
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Tom’s Plumber has 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry and is one of the most trusted plumbing and drain companies in the Great New Orleans Area.
We do a variety of plumbing installations and repairs using state-of-the-art tools such as cameras to inspect clogged pipes and detect leaks.
We’ve handled many plumbing concerns from the people of New Orleans.