Dallas Hot Water Heater Installation Experts

Most people don’t expect their hot water heater to go out when it does. Suddenly, they’re faced with the expense of buying a new hot water heater and the prospect of paying for the installation. But, with all the home repair books and Internet “how to” websites out there, how hard could it be, right?

Installing a Hot Water Heater – More Complicated than You Expected?

Most residential hot water heaters rely on natural gas to heat water. If your hot water heater is gas-powered, you’ll need to be prepared to work with natural gas. While turning off your gas line may seem simple enough, you’ll also have to be prepared to ensure when you hook up your tank to your gas line that there aren’t any leaks.

However, before you even get started, you’ll have to make sure you have a gas union in the gas line and determine if there is a cold water shutoff and union connector for the hot water inlet pipe. If these are missing, you’ll have to cut the pipes in order to remove the old hot water heater and install a new shutoff valve for cold water and a gas union for the hot water pipe union.

After the Gas has been Turned Off

After you’ve turned of the gas (or electricity if you have an electric hot water heater), you’ll need to drain the hot water tank. This will require attaching a hose to the hot water heater and draining any water or sediment out of it. Afterwards, you’ll need to move the new hot water heater into place, assuming you’ve cut any pipe that needs cutting. You’ll also need a torpedo or full level in order to ensure the new hot water heater sits flat on the floor by shimming its legs.

Installing Hot Water Heater Fittings

Next, the hot water heater’s fittings must be properly installed. Here, the temperature and pressure relief valve, as well as the discharge drain pipe must be installed correctly. You will likely need to use Teflon tape, copper, pipe dope and joint compound on any galvanized fittings.

Connecting the Hot Water Heater

After all necessary fittings have been installed, the hot and cold water lines must be connected to the hot water heater. You may need flexible copper supply lines if the old lines do not line up exactly with those of the new heater. You may even need to add shut off valves if ones do not exist. You’ll also need to use dielectric unions when connecting pipes in order to avoid electrolysis, which can damage pipe connections and the water heater.

Afterwards, you’ll have to connect your gas (or electric) line and check for leaks using soapy water that will bubble when leaks are present. If you can’t repair any leaks you detect, you’ll have to call the gas company. Assuming you don’t have any problems reconnecting the gas to your water heater, you’ll have to attach the flue according to manufacturer specifications and any applicable municipal codes.

Sound Complicated? Call Dallas Public Service Plumbers

Installing a hot water heater can be complicated – especially if you’re not used to cutting pipe, working with gas, or assembling fittings that can create unexpected challenges. Why not reduce your headache, uncertainty, and time by calling Dallas – Fort Worth Public Service Plumbers? For over 50 years we’ve built a reputation for excellent service and qualify workmanship – that’s why we’re still here three generation’s later.

Need a new hot water heater installed? Give us a call at (214) 753-4633 to speak with one of our service representatives.