The lowdown on installing and maintaining a tankless water heater
It is time to replace your home water heater with a new one. The hard part is done as you have decided to go with a tankless water heater system. However, what does it take to have it installed?
If you are unfamiliar with tankless water heaters, they are on demand-type water heaters. Therefore, you will never run out of hot water as it will heat the water as long as you need it.
However, there are some things you need to know regarding putting in your new tankless water heater and how to take care of it so that it provides you hot water for years to come.
How do you prepare to install your tankless water heater?
There are a few basic things you need to know to prepare for installing your new water heater.
First, you need to take out the old one and ensure that there is a gas ventilation outlet if your new tankless water heaters runs on gas and it is required that it have a vent.
If you live in a cold climate, make sure you have a damper installed so that the cold air can’t come back in.
You should make sure that there is an electrical outlet nearby that runs 120V. You will need that for plugging in your heater.
How do you install your water heater?
Once your preparation is done, it is time for the install. If you aren’t handy or need technical work done, such as a gas line, you might want to consider hiring a professional. However, if you are sure of your skills, here is how to put that water heater in.
You can put in your water heater in two distinct ways. You can either mount it flush against the wall or you can install it in the wall between studs using a stud finder.
Be sure to route water supply pipes to your heater. The water utility pipe should lead to the inlet, and the pipe leading to the house is in the outlet.
Install a shutoff valve near both inlet and outlet lines. You might also want to consider installing a pressure release valve should your unit call for it.
Finally, using union fittings, you can finally make your connections at the inlet and outlet. Once done, run the water for a few minutes to ensure hot water is delivered.
How do you maintain a tankless water heater?
Now that you have your water heater installed, you want to maintain it, so it stays in optimal condition. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind.
- Use a water softener to prevent a buildup in the tank and pipes. That buildup can cause erosion, which is damaging to your tank.
- Get a flush kit to remove buildup on a regular basis. Usually, once every three months is adequate.
- Have your tankless water heater checked by a professional at least once a year. Like your furnace and central air systems, your water heater must get checked to take preventative action that you might not be aware of inside your tank.
A tankless water heater is a great choice for many households. They are cost-efficient, possibly saving you hundreds annually. Furthermore, they provide you unlimited hot water that is especially good when you have teenagers who shower endlessly and leave you no hot water for your relaxing bath at the end of a long workday.
However, when you choose to go with a tankless water heater, you want to be sure that you install it correctly, especially since it is attached to your natural gas line. If you have any doubts about your skills, you should probably consider a professional to prevent issues.
Once you have your tankless water heater installed, now it comes time to keep it running. Following a few simple maintenance tips will keep your hot water tank providing you luxurious warmth for a long time.
Taking proper care with your tankless water heater will allow you to reap the benefits of it for years to come.
Resources — Hometips, Arpis, GreenLivingTips
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