Tankless water heaters are ideal for a home in many ways. They come within your budget and save your electric bill. Also, a tankless water heater needs less space and even you can get hot water. So, how to install a tankless water heater?
Well, it is quite obvious that installing a tankless water heater is not at all an easy job. You have to be quite tricky with it. You will need a gas pipe at least of 1 inch.
Apart from a gas pipe, you will require to install a gas line. A tankless water heater also needs vents that should be installed at least 5 feet from the line of the property.
So, installing a tankless water heater requires much knowledge and skills. In the below points, I am going to discuss installing a gas tankless water heater and an electric tankless water heater in detail.
Keep reading and learn.
Installing A Gas Tankless Water Heater- Best Step By Step Guide
So, before I jump into the steps, let me discuss the installation cost of tankless water heaters. How much are tankless water heaters? Well, the cost of installation of a tankless water heater can vary.
The installation cost of a tankless water heater, whether it is gas or electric depends upon the size and type of the gas line and gas pipe, venting size and location, upgrades, labor, electricity, units, and so many things.
However, generally, the cost of tankless water heater installation ranges between $400 to $ 2600. The average installation cost of a tankless water heater is $3000.
Gas Tankless Water Heater- How To Install
Step 1
Remove The Current Water Heater First
As a gas tankless water heater requires more gas than large furnaces, you need to be aware of your gas main and you may require a larger gas pipe connected to the gas meter.
Now, with the help of a plumber or someone else, you need to remove your current water heater first.
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Step 2
Build New Gas And Water Lines For New Heater
In case your existing water and gas lines are suitable for installing a tankless water heater, then you can build a connection with a black pipe to the latest supply line. Always use a copper pipe to attach the existing and new water lines.
Now, take these connections to the latest tankless water heater. Make sure to secure the pipes using some bell hangers. Now add flux and join it to the pipes and connectors.
Step 3
Keep The Heater On A Stand
Always keep the tankless water heater on a stand. Choose a well-ventilated place in your home and keep the heater on the stand. You can make the stand with pieces of lumber.
Step 4
Install The Heater
Installing the heater is the toughest part. Read the manual and join the shutoff valve and the sediment trap to the tankless water heater. Connect the shutoff valve to the gas lines.
Do not forget to connect the valve to the water line. Turn on the water to see if there are any leaks. Do the same to check for the leakage of gas. Once done, turn off the gas lines and finish the installation.
Step 5
Build The Latest Vent
You need to build the vents with silicon sealants. A tankless water heater also needs vents that should be installed at least 5 feet from the line of the property. When it comes to venting, you can get the help of a plumber or a professional.
Step 6
Turn On The Unit
Run hot water and take out all the unwanted air from the heater and plumbing. After that, switch it off and join the power supply to the heater.Before you switch on the gas, you need to add insulation to the pipe. In this case, too, you may get the help of a professional.
Installing An Electric Tankless Water Heater- Best Step By Step Guide
Just like a gas tankless water heater, installing an electric tankless water heater is also a complicated job. An electric tankless water heater is a perfect alternative to a gas tankless water heater. Let’s see the best bests to install an electric tankless water heater.
Step 1
Turn Off The Water Supply And Power
The installation process of an electric tankless water heater starts by turning off the power and water supply. This way, you will be safe during the process.
Step 2
Detach The Water Heater
Unplug the heater from the outlet. Unplug the old heater from the source of power.
Step 3
Attach The Latest Unit
Find the place to install the new tankless heater. After that, keep the heater on a stand and secure it with screws. Make sure to attach the unit in an upper position from the ground level.
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Step 4
Attach The Heater With The Power And Water Supply
First, you need to take out all the dirt for the cold-water pipe. Then, join the hot water line to the heater outlet. At the right end of the heater, attach the cold-water inlet with the cold-water line.
To check for leakage, run hot water for at least 5 minutes. Once done, join a red and black wire to the beaker. Before that, turn off the heater from the circuit breakers.
You may use a wire gauge from the circuit breaker to run the power cable. Join the cords to the block terminal.
Step 5
Enable The Water Heater
Before you turn on the tankless water heater, you must check all the power cords carefully. Take out the air from the power line and run hot water for at least 5 minutes. Now, turn on the power in the central unit. Finally, enable the water heater.
How To Remove The Old Water Heater
Now that you know how to install a tankless water heater, you should also be aware of how to remove the old water heater.
In order to detach your old water heater, you need to detach the valves on the two lines of water. The one is from the inlet and the second is from the outlet. These water lines leading to the old water heater.
Now, you need to detach the lines from the water heater by using a pipe wrencher or pliers that are channel typed. Once you are done, you should unbolt the valve of the drain and take out the water from the tank.
Now, detach the gas lines after you shut off the valve of the gas line on a gas unit. Detach and take the vent pipes.
Like I have said above, take the help of a professional, if you need it.
Can I Install My Own Tankless Water Heater?
Well, you may install your own tankless water heater, but you need to remember that the installation process is quite complicated. Hence, the installation process depends on how skillful you are and how much you know about a tankless water heater. You need to handle gas lines, water lines, vents, and more while installing a tankless water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions-
- What is required to install a tankless water heater?
You have to be careful enough when you decide to install a tankless water heater. You will need a gas pipe at least of 1 inch. Apart from a gas pipe, you will require to install a gas line.
A tankless water heater also needs vents that should be installed at least 5 feet from the line of the property. The tankless water heaters also need a vertical or open duct at the lower and upper sides. That should be equivalent to the location of a 9-inches round duct.
- How much should it cost to install a tankless water heater?
Well, the cost of installation of a tankless water heater can vary. The installation cost of a tankless water heater depends upon the size and type of the gas line and gas pipe, venting size and location, upgrades, labor, electricity, units, and so many things.
However, generally, the cost of tankless water heater installation ranges between $400 to $ 2600. The average installation cost of a tankless water heater is $3000.
- What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
Well, there are many downsides to a tankless water heater. Some people complain that a tankless water heater is inconsistent with heating and temperature. They have also said that they do not get enough warm water.
They may be efficient with energy, but some tankless water heaters are never turned on while you are needing them.
Final Thoughts
A tankless water heater is more energy efficient and has a portable design. However, calling a professional is better than initiating DIY steps. Good luck!
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