Installing a water heater on your own may seem like a simple way to save money, but improper installation can lead to costly repairs, safety hazards and voided warranties. Ensure safe, code-compliant water heater installation with Payless Water Heaters. Enjoy reliable, efficient hot water for years to come.
Safety Hazards of DIY Water Heater Installation
Installing a water heater yourself can be particularly dangerous. For gas water heaters, gas leaks can produce explosion risks. Poor ventilation can enable toxic gases to get inside your home and create a serious health hazard.
Working with electricity can lead to shocks and burns. Improper fittings or installation can also create water leaks, which can cause considerable damage.
A professional installer will bring all the right tools for your water heater replacement, plus the expertise to ensure a safe setup.
Code Compliance and Legal Requirements Issues
If you’re asking, “Can I install a water heater myself,” consider this: Building codes have specific requirements for water heater installation. If you don’t meet codes or have permitting issues, you can be liable for fines and penalties. In some cases, you might have to shut down your water heater for an extended period to clear things up and have it reinstalled by a licensed plumber.
It’s worth noting that in some places, you could be looking at fines that run into the thousands.
Insurance and Warranty Issues
Here’s a big one. A DIY installation will most likely void your manufacturer’s warranty. So, if a problem comes up later, you’re on your own to cover the repair’s expense.
You may also have trouble with your home insurance. If there’s a water leak or other damage that results from your water heater, you’ll likely get denied if you installed it yourself.
Common DIY Water Heater Installation Mistakes
Do you need a professional to install a water heater? Take a look at this list of common mistakes we see when someone tries to do it themselves:
- Incorrect sizing: Choosing a unit too small for household needs or too large for the space
- Improper placement: Installing too close to walls or without enough clearance for maintenance
- Faulty pressure relief valve installation: Incorrect positioning or discharge pipe issues
- Lack of proper drain pan and ventilation: Missing overflow protection or inadequate venting
- Improper hot water tank connections: Using the wrong materials or failing to check for leaks
- Incorrect water connections: Mixing hot and cold lines
- Inadequate seismic strapping: Not properly securing the unit against movement
- Poor electrical connections: Improper grounding or wiring issues
- Incorrect temperature settings: Setting too high (scalding risk) or too low (bacteria growth)
- Improper venting of gas models: Using incorrect materials or improper slope
- Skipping sediment traps on gas lines: Risking debris entering the gas valve
Every one of these is a risk that can jeopardize safety and performance. Ensuring you avoid all these mistakes makes for a long water heater installation checklist.
The Cost of Mistakes: DIY vs. Professional Installation
You might think you’re saving a few bucks by doing it yourself, but you’ll likely pay the price. Unexpected repairs because of mistakes add up. You might wind up with higher utility bills for the life of your unit.
And there’s this: What about the disposal of an old unit you’re replacing? In California, you’ll have to haul it to a Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) for a fee or hire a company to take it there.
Why Professional Installation Is Worth It
Can you DIY replace a water heater? Is it easy to install a water heater? A better question might be: Why would you risk it?
When you hire a pro, you get expert knowledge to do the job efficiently and safely. Licensed water heater installers follow all codes and manufacturer instructions to give you peace of mind that the job is done correctly.
Avoid the risks and hidden costs of DIY water heater installation. Contact Payless Water Heaters at (888) 548-5632 for expert installation and to ensure safe, efficient and long-lasting performance for your home.
