With the wealth of information you can find on the internet nowadays, many homeowners are learning how to discuss home improvement projects themselves instead of hiring a professional plumber or technician. The DIY procedure has its benefits and good things about it, such as saving effort and money from hiring a plumber. But often, repairing corners can be more expensive than you think. Many plumbing jobs, such as installing a water heater, should only be done by those with the proper background, experience, and equipment, like licensed plumbers in McKinney, TX. There can be a lot of mistakes household owners make during a do-it-yourself water heater installation, varying from selecting the incorrect tank size to not following building codes and more DIY mistakes. Here, we tackle the seven common DIY mistakes in installing water heaters.
Never make these mistakes in installing your water heater.
- Selecting the incorect side of the tank
Your new tank water heater may be set up for mistakes even before it heats its first gallon of water. Tank water heaters can vary from 30 to 80 gallons. The size you need relies on the number of people in your house and hot water use. If you purchase a water heater- that is too small for your household, you will find your family often running out of hot water. Yet, if the water heater is too large, you will be wasting a bunch of cash on your monthly energy bills by continually heating water you do not need.
- Installing a new water heater in a dangerous location
Where you locate your water heater is significant- for convenience, efficiency, and safety. Depending on your local codes, there may be restricted or prohibited spaces to set up a water heater, such as attics, under floors, and storage closets. If you are replacing your old, outdated water heater, you cannot expect a similar location will work since newer water heater models are better insulated. They are larger than older water heater systems. A skilled and experienced plumber will ensure your water heater has space and access for enough airflow.
- Failing to place a drain pan under the tank
A drain pan is suggested or required under the water heater to gather any water that may leak or discharge from the water heater unit. The drain pan should be a rust-resistant material and be at least 1.5 to 2 inches in width compared to the diameter of the water heater. Failing to put the drain pan or utilizing the wrong size can heighten the risk of water heater damage in the future.
- Wrong installation of the pressure relief valve
The pressure relief valve is a feature that empties water from the tank if the internal temperature or pressure becomes too high. If a plumber does not install the pressure relief valve and release tube correctly, it will have a risk of the water heater bursting or exploding.
- Inadequate material choices and connections
Setting up a new water heater without proper knowledge and training can lead to failure. For instance, it is vital to select the appropriate size and type of pipes, use soldering methods, avoid mixing metals and route the plumbing in a specific way. Any mistake can cancel the warranty, harm the performance and efficiency of the water heater, or lead to a failing system.
- Installing a Water Heater in a Restricted Location
You are not permitted to set up a new water heater anywhere you want. Most cities in the US and other countries follow the ICC or International Code Council, which standardizes building for residential and commercial buildings worldwide. In Texas, you must possess a permit to install or replace your water heater. A local municipality inspector must check your installation to make sure you follow the local plumbing codes. International Residential Code shares the prohibited locations for electric and gas water heaters and other heating devices and explains accessibility standards for installing water heaters. For instance, you may not install a new water heater in a room for storing clothes. Install your water heater in the appropriate place so you will not have problems with it in the long run.
- Not obtaining a permit or following local codes.
When homeowners conduct DIY jobs, they sometimes think they are exempted from building codes and permits- which is false. These rules happen to be there for a reason, and neglecting these steps can be costly and risky. The best plumber will perform your water heater installation by the book.
Professional water heater installation in McKinney, Texas
Installing a new tank water heater is not a DIY project. You must have heating, ventilating, electrical, carpentry, and plumbing skills to pull off any DIY project. You must also know the state and local codes, get a permit for the work, and schedule an inspection with your local municipality.
Failure to follow plumbing codes can place you at financial, physical, and legal risks. Let a professional water heater technician install the water heater for you. They are skilled and know the risk and offer insurance to cover if problems occur. If you conduct unpermitted work, you place yourself in jeopardy and may void your insurance coverage.
All water heaters will die soon, but you can help prevent stunning failures by getting a licensed plumber instead of DIYing it. You will avoid these seven common mistakes DIY plumbers make when installing their water heaters. Get high-quality water services from Lex’s Plumbing. We will help you save time, effort, and money in the long run. If you need help in installing or purchasing a new water heater in McKinney, Texas, we have professional plumbers available at any time. Give us a call now.
