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Mistakes To Avoid During A Water Heater Installation

26 August 2021 by Bill Turner

Installing a water heater can be a complicated process, and that's why you should refrain from doing it on your own. Professionals have the right skills and knowledge to perform a water heater installation, but you don't. This explains why most DIYers make costly mistakes when installing their water heaters. 

Such mistakes can lead to disasters such as carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, and fires. Besides, failure to install your water heater properly will have you hiring water repair services every time. Here are a few water heater installation mistakes you should avoid. 

Improper Pipe Soldering 

Soldering is a crucial part of a water heater installation. While the process of soldering is pretty easy, many people make the mistake of soldering the pipes to the water tank too close to the tank. 

Unfortunately, the water heater tanks use plastic fittings that the propane torches can easily damage. The heat from the propane torches can melt the plastic fittings or damage the tank. You can avoid this problem by adding extension segments to keep the water pipes away from the plastic fittings. 

Dry Firing

Another mistake that many DIYers make is powering their new water heater while the tank is empty. This mistake is commonly known as dry firing. Many people dry fire their new water heaters because of eagerness. 

Unfortunately, dry firing can cause cracks in the tanks or burn out some electrical heating elements. Dry firing can also happen to half-filled tanks. So, try your best to avoid dry firing as it will cost you a lot to replace the damaged parts.

Incompatible Metal Connections

Many people don't realize that joining incompatible metals in a single connection is a huge mistake. Such a joint has a high risk of failing and can rust pretty fast; thus, calling for unnecessary repairs from time to time. 

Experts recommend you use connectors that are compatible with your water pipes. For instance, you should either use copper or brass connectors if you have copper water pipes. Using incompatible metals will create a dielectric union fitting. And, as you well know, corrosion around the connections can lead to water leaks or reduce the operating life of your water heater. 

Ignoring Installation Instructions

If you want your water heater installation project to go well, follow the installation guides and building codes to a tee. Unfortunately, many people don't take the installation guides seriously. As a result, they will miss an important step, which can lead to disastrous flooding or worse. 

If you are adamant about installing your water heater, be extra careful not to make any of the above mistakes.

For additional tips, check out sites like https://www.blountsspeedyrooter.com/.

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