Here’s The Most Common Hot Water Heater Installation Do-It-Yourself Mistakes We See
In business since 1986, we’ve seen it all.
We get it – people want to save money. They watch a YouTube video, convinced that in 20 minutes, they now have the knowledge and skills to install a hot water tank. Then, reality sets in and the implementation becomes messy. Halfway into the installation, they run into unexpected issues and challenges without easy answers. Or, they do make it through the installation, but no hot water! Else, the hot water heater does work – for a short period. At best, the customer is wasting money. At worst, the customer creates substantial safety risks. Here’s the most common DIY hot water heater installation mistakes we see.
1) Wrong Model
There’s over a thousand different hot water heater models available. Just because you currently have a 50 gallon electric tank, doesn’t necessarily translate into replacing with another 50 gallon electric hot water tank. Energy efficiency, recovery rate, venting, and other factors determine the best replacement.
2) Not Code Complaint
Some folks seem to think that as long as hot water flows from the tap, that’s what counts. However, codes are there for a reason. Not obeying hot water heater installation codes can effect insurance coverage. Else, it’s not uncommon code violations need to be corrected when selling the house.
3) Not Thinking Beyond the Tank
There’s more to installation than just hooking up the water lines. A hot water tank involves a full support system, of fittings, pipes, parts, venting.
4) Replacing Instead Of Repairing
Sometimes people replace an entire water heater, when it’s a matter of one malfunctioning part. A diagnosis and repair by a pro is the cost savings solution.
5) Going Cheap
We’ve seen customers purchase second-hand hot water heaters, Chinese cheapies, thin wall copper pipes, fittings that will leak after twelve months, and so on. There are ways to save on a hot water tank installation, but sacrificing quality of parts should not be one of them.
6) Bad Placement
We’ve seen folks install hot water heaters on finished basement floors, which then later leaks. We’ve seen folks install hot water heaters in attics. Not only does the weight of all of that water become a concern, the greater heat/cool temperature cycles within an attic shortens the hot water heater life, and contributes to leaks. We’ve seen folks install hot water heaters near flammable materials. We’ve seen folks install hot water heaters with incorrect ventilation, leading to carbon monoxide buildup.
In the end, this means increased fire and safety risks, higher operating costs, accessibility issues, and a shortened hot water heater operating life.
7) Wrong Materials and Components
We’ve seen all sorts of DIY-hacks: Connecting steal pipes to copper, Using duct tape as wire insulation, Employing electical tape to seal pipe threading, and more. It’s not uncommon for the unexperienced to employ materials that will either fail quickly, or in the worst case, cause a safety risk.
8) Not Setting the Pressure Relief Valve Correctly
If the valve is set too high, pressure can build up in the tank leading to a rupture or escaped steam. If the vavle is set too low, the hot water heater can drip, leading to water damage.
9) No Drip Pan
Folks often overlook this damage prevention feature for a few reasons: Oversight, Time Constraints, Lake of Experience, or as a Cost Cutting Measure. A drip pan is a major safety feature.
10) Bad Hookup to Energy Source
Bad hookups can be irritating, or catastrophic. For electric hot water heaters, a bad hookup translates into electrical shock just by touching the tank, continuously tripping breakers, or an electrical fire. For gas hot water heaters, a bad hookup can mean an unstable flame always reigniting, gas leaks for an explosion hazard, or a carbon monoxide buildup of this odorless, deadly gas. The consequences of mistakes here are potentially tragic.
11) Forgetting About Disposal
After replacement, one still needs to get rid of the old and rusty hot water tank. Don’t count on your municipal garbage truck to pick it up during the weekly run, as work rules expressly prohibit water tank pickups. Unless you have a good buddy with a pickup truck and a favor you can call in, along with a municipal land fill nearby, disposing that old hot water tank is more difficult than realized.
The Consequences Of An Incorrect Hot Water Heater Installation Are Real, Significant, and Tragic
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Having Problems?
We understand. Folks start off with good intentions and high enthusiasm taking on their own hot water heater installation. Half way into the project, they run into unexpected challenges. Or, the hot water heater is installed, but there’s still no hot water! The person is left confused and frustrated, confused and unsure of what to do next.
We Can Help.
If we had been engaged sooner, we could have saved the DIYer both time and money, as well as a lot of aggravation. No matter what your current situation is within your hot water heater replacement, contact us. We can assess and then provide meaningful options. Then, you can make a fully informed decision on how to best proceed.
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The longer you wait, the more you risk.