article

Replacing Your Water Heater

By Bluehammer Admin

Hot water is a luxury we all take for granted until it goes cold. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace your Water Heater.

Signs That You Need a New Water Heater

There are 2 major signs that you need to replace your water heater. One is that you have little to no hot water and the second is that there is a large puddle of water under your water heater. If that's the case read on!

Cost Factors in Replacing Your Water Heater

No doubt the biggest factor in the project cost of replacing your water heater is the cost of the appliance itself. However, unlike some other appliance replacements, labor is also a factor. Water heaters come in all types and sizes. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your water heater.

  • Removal of the old water heater
  • Delivery and installation of the new water heater
  • Re-routing of plumbing (if applicable) and the accompanying material costs
  • Hauling away and disposing of the old water heater

Types of Water Heaters

Since most water heaters last between 9-12 years, choosing the right water heater is important from both a hot water and cost efficiency angle. Below are some of the most common types.

  • Storage Tank Water HeaterThis the most popular water heater in use today. Water is stored and heated in the insulated tank by either an electric coil or gas.
  • Tankless Water HeaterTankless water heaters heat the water as it passes through the coils heating it on demand. They come in both electric and gas varieties although the electric model might require you to upgrade your electrical panel due to the draw.
  • Heat Pump Water HeaterHeat pumps use heat from the air to warm the water. These types of water heaters work better in warm environments and need extra space to function properly.
  • Solar Water HeaterSolar water heaters are roof mounted and use solar energy to heat water in the tank.

Removing a Tank Water Heater

Since water heaters use higher voltage electricity or gas, it is recommended that you consult a professional plumber for removal or installation. Below steps to removing your existing tank water heater.

  • Turn off your power, gas and waterDepending on whether you have an electric or gas water heater you will need to turn off the gas. You will also need to turn off your main water valve.
  • Drain the old water heaterFirst open all the hot water faucets in the house. Then connect a garden hose to your water heater and open and drain the tank completely.
  • Disconnect the plumbingThis will require either cutting of pipes or if it has connections simply unscrewing them.
  • Disconnect the electricalIf your water is electric you will need to unscrew the electrical panel on the unit and disconnect the wiring.
  • Remove the water heaterSome appliances are heavy so make sure you have help lifting and moving the water heater.

Installing a Tank Water Heater

Once again, since water heaters use higher voltage electricity or gas, it is recommended that you consult a professional plumber for removal or installation. Below steps for installing your existing tank water heater.

  • Place your new water heaterPlace the water heater where it goes. If you live in a state that requires the water heater to be strapped, make sure to strap it in.
  • Connect the plumbingIf you bought the same size water heater and it had connectors already then simply re-connect the plumbing. If you cut your pipes you will need to re-plumb the assembly.
  • Connect the electricalIf your water heater is electric, connect the wiring making sure you connect the proper wires and that it is properly grounded.
  • Fill the water heaterTurn your water back on and fill the water heater making sure your faucets are still open allowing any trapped air to escape. If your water heater is electric, make sure not to turn on the electricity until the tank is full. Once water has been flowing out of the faucets you can turn them off. At this time you can turn on the electricity if your appliance is electric.

Tank water heaters can get sediment build up that can reduce life span and performance. It is recommended to drain your water heater twice a year to remove the sediment increasing the life and performance of your water heater.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Essential Garage Equipment for Car Enthusiasts

What makes a car enthusiast? The vehicle you own says a lot about your passion for cars. About 12 percent of Americans are loyal to a particular vehicle brand, and vehicle brand loyal customers are four times more likely than other consumers to describe themselves as car enthusiasts, according to Scarborough. What you have in your garage also makes a statement about your love of cars. Here are some essential items every car enthusiast should have.

Wall Mounting (Hanging) a Flatscreen TV

Wall mounting your new flatscreen TV not only looks great but also saves space.

Unique Ways To Dress Up Your Kitchen Cabinets With Hardware

Hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. In a well-designed space, it can add an important finishing touch. In a space that needs a little help, it can provide some sparkle to help distract from worn or outdated features that may be more difficult to update. And, it's an easy, inexpensive project you can do yourself.

Nontraditional Places to Use Pendant Lights

When you picture pendant lights, where do you see them in a house? Close your eyes and imagine it.

The Top-Three Considerations When Starting a Home-Based Business

If you’re considering starting a home-based business, you're in good company. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of all businesses are run out of the owner’s home.

Are Extended Warranties Worth the Cost?

Extended warranties offer consumers longer terms of coverage on service, repair and replacement for their home's appliances than the standard out-of-the-box warranty from the manufacturer. These warranties are highly profitable for retailers, as they can run up the total cost of your purchase by $100 or more, with very few claims being filed per year. Are they actually worth it?

Replacing Your Toilet

The work horse of the bathroom, the toilet is the most used appliance.

Inspired Ways To Create A Guest Space When You Don't Have A Guest Room

Not all of us are blessed with enough bedrooms to accommodate every member of the family plus a home office and a man cave and a theater room and a guest space. And, it's that last one that often ends up as a challenge when friends and family come to visit and you either have to break out the blow-up bed or give up your room and hunker down with the kids. You don't need to add on or buy a new home to provide a comfortable space for guests. These smart solutions will help you create a great space for guests with minimal effort.

Easy Architectural Details You Can Add To Your Home

Newer homes, especially those geared toward first-time buyers, are often devoid of the level of architectural detail you would find in older or more expensive homes. If you're not a fan of the big, boring box look, you can easily add in some detail to up the charm factor. And, many of these projects can be done yourself with minimal skill and money.

5 Home Upgrades For Your Vacation Rental Space

Vacation rentals are experiencing a surge of popularity as websites like VRBO and Airbnb make them more accessible. Guests can find a place that fits their budget, location and accommodation needs. Hosts can easily list their property.

See More Articles