With the wealth of information available on the internet, Tampa homeowners are learning how to tackle home improvement projects themselves instead of bringing in a professional. The DIY approach has its merits and benefits. But too often, cutting corners can cost you more in the end.Many plumbing projects, including installing a tank water heater, should only be attempted by those with the proper experience and tools, such as a licensed plumber. There are many mistakes homeowners make during a DIY water heater installation, ranging from choosing the wrong tank size, poor location, improper material selection, not following building codes, and more.
Don’t make these mistakes installing your tank water heater
1. Choosing the wrong size water heater
Ever get blasted with a sudden surge of cold water while taking a shower? Your new water heater may be set up for failure even before it warms up its first gallon of water. Traditional tank-type water heaters can range from 30 to 80 gallons. The size you need depends on the number of people in your household and hot water usage. If you buy a water heater that’s too small, you’ll find yourself frequently running out of hot water. However, if the tank is too large, you’ll be wasting money on your monthly energy bills by continuously heating water you don’t need.
2. Installing the water heater in a dangerous place
Where you place your water heater is very important – for safety, convenience, and efficiency. Depending on your local codes, there may be prohibited or restricted spaces to install a tank water heater, such as storage closets, attics, and under floors. If you’re replacing an old water heater, you can’t assume the same location will work since newer models are better insulated and wider than older units. An experienced plumber will make sure your water heater has proper access and room for adequate airflow.
3. Forgetting to put a drain pan under the tank
A drain pan is recommended (or required) under a tank water heater to collect any water that may discharge or leak from the unit. The drain pan must be made from corrosion-resistant materials, and be at least 1.5 inches tall and 2 inches wider than the diameter of the water heater. Forgetting to install the drain pain or using the wrong size can increase your risk of water damage in the future.
4. Improper setup of the pressure relief valve
The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that releases water from the tank if the internal pressure or temperature gets too high. If the valve and release tube are not installed correctly, you run the risk of your water heater bursting or even exploding.
5. Poor material selection and connections
Installing a water heater without proper training and knowledge can lead to negative results. For example, it’s essential to choose the right type (and size) of pipes, avoid mixing metals, use good soldering techniques, and route the plumbing in a certain way. Any misstep can void the equipment’s warranty, hurt the water heater’s performance and efficiency, or lead to a system failure.
Professional water heater installation in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater & Brandon
There are many plumbing projects around your home that you can tackle on your own. Too often it is proven that installing a water heater is not one of them.
The Tampa water heater installation professionals at Cass Plumbing have been installing water heaters throughout the Tampa region for 2 decades, have earned an A+ Rating with the Tampa Better Business Bureau, are ranked as the
Best Plumber in the Tampa area by Best Plumbers and have received over 1,000 – 5 star reviews. At Cass Plumbing of Tampa Bay, we are here to serve you for all your plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
