Installation of a tankless water heater is one of the best and easiest ways to improve home energy efficiency while providing endless hot water whenever you need it. Tankless water heaters are smaller and more efficient than traditional storage water heaters, saving them more space and money. However, installing it can be a little tricky because that’s the most important part.
If you mess this up, you must shower in cold water. Don’t need to shrubbery anymore since; you are here. I am wanna erase your confusion in a minute. I’ll provide step-by-step instructions for installing your tankless water heater and give some tips on ensuring its optimal performance.
How to Install Tankless Water Heater – Step-By-Step Process
More households have begun embracing this efficient water-saving technology, leading to the decline of the conventional storage tank option. Because of this, the need for proper installation is more than ever. That’s why you need proper installation guidelines.
1. Cut off the Water Supply and the Circuit Breaker
Switching off the circuit breaker and water supply is essential before starting any electrical and plumbing project. This ensures that the electric cables are not powered on while you’re working, preventing potential accidents or injuries. It also prevents flooding in your home if you’re replacing a water heater, which can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
To switch off the circuit breaker, locate your main electrical panel and turn off all breakers connected to the area where you’ll be working. To turn off the water supply, locate the main shut-off valve for your house and turn it clockwise until it stops. If you have a separate shut-off valve for your water heater, turn that one off. Once these steps are completed, you can begin your project with peace of mind knowing that everything is safely turned off.
2. Make Sure You Drain Your Old Heater
This will help to ensure that no water damage occurs during the removal process and that all of the old wiring and pipes are not damaged. To begin, you will need a hose and a container like a bucket to collect the water as it drains from the tank.
Once the tank has been drained, you can move on to unscrewing the connecting pipes. Be sure to take extra care so that no old wiring or pipes are damaged. In this case, you will have to replace them completely, which can add to the cost and time of your project. After this, you can remove the old wiring and wall-mounting brackets before installing your new heater.
3. Take off the Front Cover
Before you begin, make sure to have a screwdriver on hand to remove all the screws easily. Remove all screws and place them in a safe place where they won’t get lost. It’s important to remember that some cables may be connected between the cover and the unit, so unplug these carefully before fully removing the cover.
Once all these steps are complete, you can install your new tankless water heater. Keep track of all the screws and cables necessary for your water heater to function properly. Taking extra care when removing the front cover will ensure that your installation goes smoothly and your new tankless water heater will work as expected.
4. Install the Water Heater
The installation process is simple and can be done with a combination of screws and the mount included in the package. Make sure to follow all instructions with your unit, as they will provide detailed steps to mount your water heater properly.
It’s also important to check for any local building codes or regulations that may apply before beginning the installation process. Once you have completed these steps, you can rest assured that your water heater is safely and securely mounted.
5. All Pipes Should be Connected
Connecting the pipes to a tankless water heater is an important step in the installation process. It is essential that these connections are made correctly, as they will be responsible for distributing hot water throughout your home. The best type of pipe material for this job is stainless steel, which can withstand high temperatures without compromising its accessibility or flexibility.
Before beginning the connection process, you should reference any installation diagrams that may have come with your unit. Using these diagrams, you can see where the connections should be placed and what type of pipe material is best for the job.
Once you have identified the correct locations, you can begin connecting the pipes from your water heater to their respective outlets. Make sure all connections are secure and tight before testing your new system.
6. Now, Create Flow and Pressure Valves
Flow valves are easy to install and allow you to shut off the water supply to the heater without turning off the water for your entire home. Pressure valves should only be installed if required by local plumbing authorities, and they should be installed on the “hot water” side of the electric water heater. For maximum safety, you could install a pressure release valve on the other side of the heater.
7. Safely Inspect Electrical Connections
This is necessary to ensure that the unit is wired properly and that all terminals are correctly positioned. It is also essential for safety reasons, as any mistakes made during this process could lead to serious injury or even death.
To begin, make sure that all of the screws have been removed from the cover before inspecting the electrical connections. Once these have been checked and double-checked, you can reattach the cover with all its screws. Make sure to take time when doing this, as any loose connections could cause problems. Once everything has been secured, you can then move on to completing the installation process.
8. Switch on the Heater
First, to switch on a circuit breaker, ensure all wirings are connected correctly and securely. Then locate the circuit breaker box and open it up. You should find a switch labelled “on” or “off”. Flip this switch to the “on” position and close the box back up.
\Once this is done, your heater should be ready to use again without any risk of damage from an unexpected surge in electricity. Always turn off the circuit breaker before doing any work on the heater itself, as this will help ensure your safety while working with electrical appliances.
9. Now, Check the Temperature
The temperature settings of the water heater need to be configured once the heater has been turned on. To avoid potential burns, it is recommended that you don’t use these units in the highest settings. Check all hot water outlets in your home, including faucets, showers, dishwashers, and clothes washers, to ensure that the water warms up quickly and is at the right temperature.
The temperature settings may need to be lowered if the water is too hot. If you can enjoy the desired temperature, a tankless water heater installation is one. Now it’s time to enjoy a warm shower.
Things to Consider Before Installing a Tankless Water Heater
Before you say yes to having tankless water heaters run in your home, you should consider a few requirements. There’s quite a lot to know about installing a tankless water heater; without adequately examining these requirements, you could create more problems, leading to more costs. Here are a few things you should consider before installing a tankless water heater:
Initial Cost
Quality doesn’t come cheap. This is the case with tankless water heaters. Tankless water heater installation costs can range from several hundred dollars for small gas-powered units to thousands of dollars for high-output heaters. Compare it to the regular tank option, and you will discover that the cost of installing a tankless water heater is higher.
The type of water heater installed also contributes to the cost. Although an electric tankless water heater is less expensive than its gas counterparts, it is still not affordable. Installation is more straightforward with electric tankless water heaters, and so is the maintenance. Gas tankless units are more efficient, as you can use them commercially.
Repairs
Since tankless water heaters have more parts than regular tank heaters, there’s room for more repairs, which results in high repair costs. Some companies do provide warranties on their products, while others do not. In essence, you should get prepared should anything happen to your tankless water heaters.
For example, gas leaks from gas lines occur, and you should get a professional to repair them when it happens. The cost will depend on how many holes are spotted on the gas line. Do more repairs translate to fewer energy savings? No, it doesn’t. The fact that you are carrying out repairs on your tankless water heater doesn’t mean that you won’t have enough energy savings. However, if you think otherwise, refrain from considering this factor.
Tankless Water Heater Problems
Despite the usefulness of a tankless water heater, it has some downsides. The expensive nature of installing tankless water heaters is often a significant concern to most homeowners.
For example, installing a gas tankless water heater is twice as costly as regular tank models. Even after the initial cost, subsequent costs are slightly expensive. Unlike regular water tanks, tankless water heaters will not produce hot water when there is a power outage – and since there is no backup storage tank (unless you have one), you will have no hot water to use when the demand arises.
Tankless Water Maintenance
Typically, you may wonder if tankless water heaters require more maintenance services than regular storage tanks. The fact is they don’t need that much maintenance. All you have to do is follow some tips. You should service your tankless systems regularly. Check the gas or electric components and everything wrong with the heater. This ensures that the water heater performs at the optimum level.
In addition to servicing the heater, you should use a water softener. This will prevent the buildup of sediments and particles from hard water that may destroy the pipes and the system. You may think that hard water is only a problem for those with tanks, but it could also affect tankless units as long as the water is involved.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Worth the Money?
When deciding if a tankless water heater is worth it, there are several factors to consider. The two most common types of tankless water heaters are natural gas and electric, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Natural gas tankless water heaters are more efficient than electric models, as they don’t require electricity.
However, natural gas models may require additional installation costs due to the need for venting. Electric tankless water heaters are easier to install and can be used in areas where natural gas isn’t available. However, they tend to be less energy efficient than their natural gas counterparts.
When comparing the cost of a tankless water heater with that of a traditional tank water heater, it’s important to remember that it may need to be replaced after 10 years. Tankless water heaters generally last longer than traditional tanks and require fewer repairs over time, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Additionally, since they don’t store hot water as traditional tanks do, they can save you money on your energy bills by only heating the amount of hot water you need when you need it. So yes, the tankless water heater is worth the money.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. How Do You Reset a Tankless Water Heater?
Hot water not coming out from your tankless water heater is a pretty common experience. A lot of factors may contribute to that. Loose wire, thermostat, reset switch, etc., can be the reason. If that happens, check the red button on the top part of your heater’s thermostat. Press the red button to reset.
2. Do Tankless Water Heaters Need to Be Flushed?
Yes, they do need to be flushed to promote efficiency. You should clean your tankless water heaters once or twice yearly, depending on the water hardness level.
3. What Happens if You Don’t Flush Your Water Heater?
It will get rusted swiftly if you don’t flush your water heater. Sediments and other things will clog the system and reduce the efficiency of the discharge of water.
4. Are Tankless Water Heaters Safe For Mobile Homes?
Water heaters are safe for use on a trailer or mobile home as the connection is intact. If you intend to use gas, you must ensure that the gas line is large enough to supply the gas. You should use the proper electrical breaker and electric cable if you want to opt for the electric unit to avoid heating.
5. Where Should a Tankless Water Heater Be Installed?
It depends on the space you have inside your home. Most people install their tankless systems inside the house since they are small. They will fit comfortably into small spaces. However, if you prefer to have it outside, ensure it’s protected from weather elements and insects.
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are gradually gaining momentum and popular among many homeowners. The fact that they are smaller than regular tank heaters and save energy costs makes everyone like installing them in their homes. If you don’t know how to install a tankless water heater, I’m sure that after reading this article, you will be conversant with the steps.
Sarah J. Gregory
352 Hershell Hollow Road
Anaheim, CA 92805
