Water Heater Installation Denver requires a wide range of skills. An experienced installer can quickly locate the best location and determine what kind of water heater is needed to meet your home’s demand.
Carbon monoxide detectors are an essential safety feature in homes with gas water heaters. A qualified installer knows how to properly install these detectors to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
The location of the water heater can impact how much it costs to run your home’s hot water system. You’ll want to choose a location that can easily be accessed for maintenance and repairs, so that you don’t have to pay for expensive labor when something goes wrong.
You also need to ensure that your home’s plumbing system is compatible with the type of water heater you plan on installing. For instance, if you plan on installing a gas water heater, it’s important to make sure your home’s gas line can accommodate that type of water heater, and that there are no venting problems or issues with your existing gas pipes or appliances.
Similarly, if you’re planning on installing an electric water heater, it’s important to verify that your electrical system can support the new installation. If you’re not sure whether or not your home can accommodate an electric water heater, a professional plumber will be able to help you determine this before you start the installation process.
Another consideration is how close the water heater will be to the points of use, such as your faucets and showers. It’s best to locate the water heater as close to these points of use as possible to reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach them, as well as to help minimize energy costs by reducing the amount of electricity used by your water heater.
If you plan on installing a gas water heater, be sure to check with your local building code and regulations for specific requirements regarding where the unit can be located in your home. For example, Section M1305 of the International Residential Code states that gas water heaters in locations such as attics and rooms must be accessible by a service door with a minimum size opening and a clear and level service space not less than 30” x 30”.
A gas water heater may require a venting kit to safely transport exhaust gases to the outdoors. This kit typically includes a chimney, a vent adapter, and a vent hood. The cost of this kit is additional to the cost of the gas water heater itself.
Type of Water Heater
Most people don’t give a lot of thought to the water heater in their home, happy to have it there to provide a constant supply of hot water for showers, washing machines and dishwashing. But this appliance consumes the second highest amount of energy in a household, so choosing a model that’s right for your house is important.
The traditional water heater is a large storage tank that’s usually powered by gas, electricity or fuel oil. It records temperature readings in the insulated tank, and whenever water demands are made, it kicks into action to heat up the water. This type of water heater has a fairly low upfront cost but requires regular servicing to avoid corrosion and scale build-up, which can affect its performance.
Natural gas is another popular choice for domestic hot water heaters and is available in most areas of the country. These units are known for their quick water heating rates and energy efficiency, making them an ideal choice for larger families that use a lot of hot water. They also have a longer lifespan than electric models, with some having an average lifespan of 20 years.
Electric models are commonly used in smaller homes and tend to be the cheapest to install and run. They have a shorter lifespan than natural gas models, with some having an average lifespan of 10 years. They have the advantage of using less energy, but they often consume more than their gas counterparts – especially older models.
A more recent option is the solar water heater. These units can be mounted on the roof and typically have a backup system to ensure there is always a supply of hot water. They don’t need to be installed in a temperate room, but they should have good access to sunlight. Unlike conventional models, these hot water heaters don’t use energy to operate, but instead rely on solar panels to heat the water. This can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.
Electrical Connections
Unless you’re using a tankless water heater, which requires no electrical hook up, you’ll need to install a circuit breaker and run cable (typically 10-2-with-ground circuit wire) to the appliance. Make sure to shut off the power to the water heater at the breaker box and use a non-contact voltage tester to verify that there’s no live current.
You’ll also need to install a temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge line per the manufacturer’s instructions and local code, as well as a gas or electric meter for monitoring your water usage. Depending on your fuel type, you may need to install venting for your unit, too.
Fuel-based water heaters typically vent out through a pipe or duct to the outdoors. But, for heat pump water heaters that don’t vent, you’ll need to seal any penetrations to your home – and that’s an opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
If you’re installing an electric storage-type water heater, it will require a dedicated 240-volt circuit — that means a 30-amp double-pole breaker and 10-2 non-metallic cable. Check the installation or other manufacturer literature to be sure that the breaker and wiring are sized correctly for the appliance.
Whether you’re replacing a gas or electric model, be sure to turn off the water supply and use a non-contact voltage tester (or a multi-meter) to confirm that the circuit is completely off before you start working on it. Then, push aside any insulation and remove the cover plate from the breaker box to expose the electric wire connections. Be careful not to touch any exposed metal, as this could cause an electric shock. The first brass terminal on the breaker should connect to the black wire lead and the white wire to the other hot terminal, if you have a 240-volt unit. Make sure the ends of each wire are capped and tightly fastened. If you’re unsure, call a professional.
Plumbing Connections
The water heater installation process may be more complicated than you thought, especially if it’s in an unfamiliar location. It’s important to have a plumbing and electrical professional do the work, as improper connections can lead to leaks and fire. This can also increase your energy costs.
A water heater’s data plate indicates the voltage and wiring size it can take, and the water lines should match those specifications. If the home’s piping doesn’t match, a new water supply line needs to be installed. The plumber will use compression fittings to connect the incoming and outgoing water pipes to the water heater. This is a job that requires the right tools, including pipe cutters and tubing pliers, as well as knowledge of how to sweat a joint. It involves melting solder into the joint, which is done with a torch and must be performed properly to prevent water leaks.
Before connecting the electrical wires, you should drain the water heater by opening both hot and cold taps positioned in upstairs faucets that are closest to the system’s lowest point and letting the water run out of each. This will minimize the amount of water you lose during the installation. Once the tank is empty, loosen and remove the electrical cover plate on the side or top of the water heater and disconnect the wires. Mark the locations of the old and new wires with pieces of tape so you can reconnect them correctly. Connect like-colored wires to each other and connect the ground wire from the incoming power to the green ground screw on the water heater tank.
When the pipes are connected, the installer will add a thermal expansion tank if your hot and cold water systems have not been pre-insulated. This is because as the water heats up, it expands. This expansion can damage the pipes and cause leaks unless the expansion tank absorbs it.
A recirculation pump may also be installed, depending on your system’s design. Finally, a shut-off valve is needed to turn off the water supply. This is usually located on the water heater’s right side. The plumber will install a shut-off valve for the gas line, too, if necessary.