If you’ve been researching water heater installation Tulsa OK, you already know it’s not as easy as plug-and-play. From the type of water heater to choose, the cost of installation, and the safety precautions that need to be taken—there are a lot of factors to consider before you get started.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Read on for an overview of installing a water heater, common problems to look out for in water heater repair, and a few mistakes to avoid.
Tankless Vs Tank Water Heaters
When you choose the type of heater that is appropriate for you, it must be taken into consideration several factors. Generally, it is either possible to install tanks of water or tanks of water.
A traditional tank water heater is more efficient and easy to install. It is also cheaper to repair and service, but also offers backups for fresh waters in emergencies. Tank-store water heaters use more energy but need to have a full-sized tank to stay warm during use every time. In addition their lifespan is shorter so when it malfunctions it could leak water to the house. For this reason many homeowners prefer installing tanks.
On the other hand, tankless water heaters are becoming more popular due to their modern design and great energy efficiency. They are much smaller than storage tanks and take up little space in comparison. In addition they provide hot water on demand without having to wait for the entire tank to warm up.
Tankless water heaters also tend to last longer than traditional storage tanks and can last for up to 20 years. The biggest downside of tankless water heaters is that they require a higher initial cost. However, the long-term savings on energy bills will usually be more than the initial investment.
The Process of Installing a Water Heater
Installing a new water heater can be done in two ways – either by yourself or by hiring a professional plumber. For those on a tight budget or who are confident in their DIY skills might want to attempt the job themselves.
However, if you’re not sure about what needs to be done or don’t have experience with plumbing projects, it’s best to call in an expert plumber who can do the job safely and correctly.
Here’s what you need to know about the process of installing a water heater.
Know Your Water Heater Basics
Before you even think about breaking out your tools, it’s important that you understand the basics of your water heater. There are two main types of water heaters—electric and gas—and each has its own unique installation process. You’ll also want to be aware of any local codes or regulations that apply to your area before starting anything. With those factors in mind, it’s time to start the installation process or expert water heater replacement.
Gather Your Tools
Installing a water heater isn’t exactly a one-person job, so make sure you have someone around who can help you if necessary. Once you’ve got some assistance lined up, it’s time to gather your tools. You’ll need wrenches and screwdrivers for basic tasks like attaching pipes, as well as pliers and adjustable wrenches for more complex jobs like attaching power cords or cutting copper pipe.
If this all sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—most home improvement stores will have prepackaged kits with all the tools and supplies needed for an easy installation process.
The Installation Process
Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary materials and ensured that everything is up to code, it’s time to start installing your new water heater! Depending on which type of system you’re using (gas or electric), there are certain steps that must be taken prior to turning on your new system.
For instance, gas systems require special venting and combustion air systems; electric systems require ground connections and proper voltage connections; both require proper drainage systems for safety reasons. Once these steps are completed, you should be ready to fire up your new system!
Common Problems & Solutions
It’s a common scenario that happens far too often: after you install your water heater, it just doesn’t seem to be working right. You’re probably asking yourself some pretty tough questions, like “What did I do wrong?” and “How can I fix this?”. Don’t worry- we’ve got the answers you need! Read on to learn more about common problems and solutions in water heater installation.
Problem #1: Temperature Issues
If your hot water heater is not producing enough hot water or is having temperature fluctuations, the most likely cause is an improper thermostat setting. To adjust the thermostat, locate the dial or knob on the front of the unit and set it to the desired temperature (typically 120°F). If this doesn’t solve the issue, then there might be a problem with your gas pilot light or electric heating element. In this case, contact a professional for assistance.
Problem #2: Leaking Water Heater
A leaking water heater can be caused by a few different things, including a loose valve connection or a faulty pressure relief valve. First, try tightening any loose fittings around the water heater and check for signs of corrosion or wear around the valves and connections. If these steps don’t fix the problem, then you will need to replace the valve(s). You should always call a professional if you think your valves need replacing – it’s not something you want to mess around with!
Problem #3: Strange Noises
If your hot water heater is making strange noises—like rumbling or popping—it could be due to sediment buildup in the tank. This happens naturally over time as minerals accumulate at the bottom of your tank and start to harden into chunks.
To remove sediment buildup from your tank, turn off all power sources before draining out some of its contents (be sure to follow safety guidelines!). Once drained, flush out any remaining sediment before turning power back on and testing it out.
Problem #4: Rusty Piping
Finally, rusty piping is another common issue that can occur during installation of your new hot water heater. Over time, mineral deposits in your home’s pipes can cause rust buildup on metal components such as valves and fittings which will eventually lead to corrosion and leaks in your system. To prevent this from happening, flush out any accumulated sediment from inside the pipes before connecting them to your new unit or have a professional plumber do it for you.
When installing a new hot water heater – whether gas or electric – there are bound to be some hiccups along the way. From dealing with temperature issues to removing sediment buildup from tanks, there are plenty of common problems that come up when installing these units. But don’t let that scare you away from taking on this task yourself.
Call in an expert who can help sort out any last minute details for you and make sure everything is running smoothly in no time!
Water Heater Installation Mistakes to Avoid
While water installation isn’t exactly rocket science, it does require expertise and precision. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced Tulsa water heater repair technician and installer to get the job done right. However, even with a professional on board, there are certain water installation mistakes that you should be aware of in order to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs down the road.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common blunders that can occur during a water installation job.
Not Planning Ahead
If you’re planning to install a water feature, it’s important to take the time to think through what you want before you start digging. Measure the space where you want the feature, consider any existing or potential landscaping around it, and decide how much maintenance and upkeep you’re willing to do. Planning ahead will help ensure that your final result is exactly what you envisioned—and that it doesn’t end up costing more than expected.
Using Inferior Materials
When installing a water feature, quality materials are key. Using inferior materials can lead to problems like leaks and clogs down the line—not to mention an unsightly appearance. To ensure that your water feature runs smoothly and looks great for years to come, use high-quality components throughout the installation process.
Ignoring Safety Precautions
When installing a water feature it’s important to keep safety in mind. Proper planning is essential—make sure that any electrical components are installed properly by qualified professionals and that they are compliant with local building codes.
Additionally, avoid using any sharp edges or corners on surfaces near the water; these can be dangerous for anyone who might slip or fall into the installation area.
Wrong Pipe Size & Type
One of the most common mistakes made by novice installers is using pipes that are either too small or the wrong type for your needs. If you use pipes that are too small, they won’t provide enough pressure to move the water through them efficiently. Meanwhile, if you use pipes that are too large, they will take up unnecessary space and cause issues with draining. Additionally, using the wrong type of pipe can lead to rusting or corrosion over time due to improper material compatibility.
Improper Sealing
Another mistake that can occur during a water installation is improper sealing around fixtures such as showers and sinks. If these areas aren’t sealed correctly with caulk or grout, then moisture could potentially seep into walls or floors, leading to potential damage from mold or mildew over time. To prevent this from happening, make sure your installer uses proper sealing materials in all areas where fixtures meet walls and floors.
Incorrect Drainage System Setup
Finally, another major mistake that can be made during a water installation is setting up an incorrect drainage system for your home or business premises. Improperly designed drainage systems can cause major flooding issues when it rains heavily due to inadequate runoff methods being used by your installer.
As such, it’s important to make sure that your drainage system is designed correctly so as not to cause any future issues with flooding in the event of heavy rainfalls in your area.
At Air Solutions, we want you to have stable, reliable hot water in the winter months. That is why we offer dependable and expert water heater installation, replacement, and maintenance services.
Whether you’re looking for a new water heater, need to replace an old one, or just want to improve the quality of your hot water, our team can help. We come equipped with the latest tools and technology required to complete any job safely and efficiently.
Call us today to schedule your appointment!
