A tankless water heater is a water system without a storage tank. In some cases, it is referred as an instant water heater. You can get hot water when you need it without worrying about the water getting cold.
If you a DIY person, installing a tankless water heater is a project for you. But you need some plumbing skills to undertake the project. Mostly, you should know how to shut off the main water supply, cut the water pipes and fit them together with other accessories.
With a few plumbing skills, you can install a tankless water heater with ease. Today, a good number of home-owners are shifting from traditional tank version to tankless water heaters due to the several benefits that come with it. If you think the installation process is a bit hard, you can engage a professional plumber to do the job for you.
Before installing the unit, there are some preparations involved. The preparations are intended to ensure that you will not cut the water supply while the work is ongoing.
Why Tankless Water Heater Installation is Needed
One of the main advantages of using a tankless water heater is that it has a longer lifespan compared to traditional tanks. Since it does not come with an 80-gallon tank, a tankless heater is suitable for smaller homes. It does not take much space, and you can install it in a small area such as under the sink or in the closet.
Also, they consume less power since they only heat-up water on demand, meaning lower energy bills. Finally, there is no problem of leaking tanks associated with traditional units.
How to Install a Tankless Water Heater
7 Important Steps to follow
Deciding to have a best tankless water heater is one of the best investments you can make. Below are seven important that you should follow.
Caution: It is wise to note that a tankless water heater unit comes with electric or gas supply lines which are larger and a higher power-supply voltage. So, if you are planning to install the system by yourself, these are important things to note.
Step 1: Remove the old tank and prepare some space for the new one
If the old water heater is still in there, the first step is to remove it. Turn off the water supply and disconnect it from the water supply. You need to place a bucket under the supply line since they might be some leftover water in the pipe. After that, disconnect the tank from the power source.
Step 2: Check the heat supply line
After getting rid of the old tank, you need to identify the location to place the new tankless water heater. Here you need to check the heat source. You can use the current line in your house but confirm if some changes are required. Use the unit instruction manual to guide you accordingly.
Step 3: Install new water supply lines
The next significant step in tankless water heater installation is putting new water supply lines in place. The water pipes are made of copper and should be coated with flux before they are joined together. Mostly bell hanger brackets can be used to hold the water lines along and also prevent them from being into contact with house walls.
Step 4: Mount the new tankless water heater
Once the water and the heat supply lines are in place; you can now install the tankless water heater on the wall. If you have tools and some carpentry skills, you can decide to build a platform on your wall to mount the tankless water heater on it, rather than to fit it directly on the wall.
Step 5: Hook up the water and heat supply
Once you have placed the tankless water heater, you need to connect it to water and heat shut-off valves. Ensure you tighten up the connections well using a wrench to avoid water leakage. When comparing your heater to the water supply line, it is essential to do more soldering on the copper pipes.
Step 6: Now attach any additional parts, and then turn on the tankless water heater
Depending on your tankless water heater model, you might be required to install other additional components apart from the primary water supply lines and heat supply. For instance, in some tankless water heaters, you need to install vent piping. Once you are done with the installation, acquire pre-cut installation pads to protect the hot pipes.
Step 7: Light the pilot
By using the instructional manual, light the pilot on your electric tankless water heater.
Bottom-line
Before you install the tankless water heater, make sure you read the heater's manual carefully. In some cases, manufacturers may cancel the warranty if a professional licensed plumber does not fit the unit.
Click this link to know how to maintain tankless water heater-
