Can You Install Your Own Water Heater

Building jurisdictions in nearly all cities and counties require a permit to replace an existing water heater.

Can you install your own water heater.

The question you need to ask yourself is. Most residential water heaters cost 150 to 400 for either gas or electric plus 200 to 450 if you have a plumber install it. More expensive gas water heaters with special venting systems also are available. Gas water heater 700 paying a pro to install it 400 1 000.

Installation costs and labor plumbers typically charge 45 to 65 an hour and can usually install a water heater in a day or in 6 8 hours. For reasons of safety home repair manuals often advise that you have an inspector review the work you did after you install your own hot water heater. When you are doing your own repairs it s important to consider the total cost not just the cost of parts. Choose a location for the new water heater that will allow you to vent it to the outside easily.

Heating elements in electric water heaters must be immersed in water or they will overheat and burn out quickly. A water heater permit is actually an inspection request. Use a carpenter s level and plastic shims to level the water heater as needed. Whether you install a water heater that uses gas or electricity no heat must be applied until the heater is fully installed and filled with water.

Now you can either pay someone to do it for you or you can do it yourself. Codes have changed so the installation of a new water heater should meet current codes for safety purposes. Most codes or ordinances allow a homeowner to install their own water heater and some jurisdictions allow unlicensed individuals to install water heaters but they still must pull a permit and have it inspected for safety. The permit often comes with information to help you install the heater safely and according to local codes.

Install the water heater in an area with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides to ensure adequate ventilation. After installation an inspector will come to ensure the heater was installed correctly. While installing a new water heater has its challenges it s not impossible to do it yourself. Is it worth installing a gas water heater yourself to save several hundred dollars.

Align the water heater to ensure easy access to the burner and controls. Inspection carries its own fee. Build a platform with 2 x 4 inch pieces of lumber that will allow you to mount the new tankless water heater about four inches from the wall. Mount the tankless water heater securely to the platform.

Yet in the end it is a job that has to be done. Connect the flue hat to the gas exhaust vent with a screwdriver. You should also consider the cost in time and aggravation when you are doing your own repair. If a water heater is installed improperly there are many things that can go wrong.

Applying heat to an empty tank is called dry firing which is not what you want to do.