Can You Install Your Own Tankless Water Heater
We ll show you how to install your own gas water heater in less than a day.
Can you install your own tankless water heater. Yes you want to be close to the source of your gas or water. I ll show you how to install your own electric tankless water heater below. Even if you don t need a new water heater right now chances are you will within the next few years. Whether you re a real do it yourselfer or you re just looking to save some money you may be considering replacing your traditional water heater with a tankless system and installing it yourself.
The short answer is yes most of the time. Please keep in mind that outside units require more maintenance especially in harsh climates and weather. 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. Reading these warranties before purchasing the water heater will help you avoid invalidating the terms right out of the box.
Installing a tankless water heater is one of the most difficult diy projects that you can undertake. You will need a unit that s meant to be outside as well as withstand the weather and temperatures. That is the biggest factor when selecting the location for the installation. Choose a location for the new water heater that will allow you to vent it to the outside easily.
You should also consider the cost in time and aggravation when you are doing your own repair. Natural gas and propane tankless water heaters need a vent unless they are installed outdoors. All you need is a basic understanding of pvc pipe fitting. 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.
If there needs to be electrical modifications many building jurisdictions will allow you to do the modifications yourself if its your own home but a few jurisdictions may require a license electrician to do the work. That may not be a good idea. Problems installing a water heater will at a minimum cause some frustration but can also become dangerous. The type of tankless water heater will determine if you need a vent or not.
Do a quick online search for install your own tankless water heater and you ll see that every diy website lists it as an advanced task. Unless you are a licensed plumber leave this one to the pros. If you ve fixed a garden sprinkler with pvc pipe you can do this. It depends which type of tankless water heater you purchase.
Doing a diy install on a tankless water heater is not only very doable for the average skilled diyer it s easy. Do some research and planning before you install an outside unit. If yours is getting old this article is also for you. When your water heater begins to leak you have to replace it fast.
Mount the tankless water heater securely to the platform.