5 Reasons It May Be a Bad Idea to Install Your Own Water Heater
by Nicholas Chambers
Installing a water heater isn't something that most people are willing to take on. It can be hard work, it's risky, and it might not even work. Considering all this, it's understandable why so many people would rather leave the installation to a professional instead of risking their home's safety. Take a look at these five reasons that explain why installing your own water heater may not be a good idea.
1. Safety should always come first
It is true that you can install a water heater yourself, but doing so could be unsafe. For example, if you don't use pipe clamp ties to secure the gas line to the water heater, and instead choose to manually tie them into place, you're placing yourself at risk of an explosion if the pipe clamp tie is not secured tightly. This is because gas can escape through the pipe clamp, making its way into your home and possibly even causing an explosion.
2. You may end up choosing the wrong size
Because water heaters can be purchased in various sizes, choosing one that fits your household's needs isn't always something that can be done on a whim. Water heaters come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are even different types of tanks. If you get the sizing wrong, you risk ending up with a water heater that won't fit your household's needs. This means that sooner than expected, you will have to replace it, costing you more money and time spent on the project.
3. You may end up choosing the wrong location
If you misunderstand instructions that come with your new water heater and install it in the wrong place, the results could be dangerous. For example, installing a water heater in an unvented crawl area can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your household's air supply.
4. The gas shutoffs aren't visible
During the installation, you will have to turn the gas on. If you forget to turn off the gas, sooner than later, you could be at risk for a dangerous explosion. If the shutoff valves are not visible or user-friendly, it may take longer than expected for you to turn off the gas after an accident necessitates it.
5. The skills of a professional are needed
For the installation to be truly safe, you require skills that most non-professionals struggle with. For example, you'll need to know how to use each tool correctly. Thankfully, there are professionals who do this type of work for a living. Hiring them means that you will get the job done right the first time instead of getting stuck with a water heater that isn't completely safe.
Contact a hot water installation contractor to learn more.
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About Me
If I didn't know better, I'd think my toddler started each day with a challenge to throw something new and different down the toilet. He has managed to put nearly anything can imagine down the toilet. I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what has gone missing down the loo and whether it's something I can fix or something that I need to call the plumber to help me fix it. This blog is for other mums of toddlers who need to get toys out of the toilet and get the toilet back to working condition as soon as possible!