Water heater installation

[Tail Chaser]

My water heater is on its last leg. Can anyone recommend a plumber/handy-man to install a new one in the western TC suburbs? Otherwise, I'm an OK do-it-yourselfer with minimal plumbing experience - is this something I can do myself?

[cliffy]

I went through this same problem about a month ago. I installed my new electric water heater by myself and found it not to be that big of a deal. I bought the new water heater at a local home improvement business and the salesperson was very helpful. He made sure I had the right tubing and fittings. He also made sure I had the right tools to cut the tubing and solder it all back together.

The next day I shut off the power to the water heather, closed off the water supply and drained it. I then disconnected the old fittings and moved it out of place. I then pushed the new one into place and had to make a few adjustments because the new water heater was shorter than the old one. The actual installment only took about an hour…most of my time was spent watching the water drain out of the old heater. Make sure you open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house to brake the air lock…otherwise it will drain very slowly.

To be honest, I have very limited home improvement skills but I found this particular job pretty easy..and the guy at the store was a great help. Now, if mine would have been a gas water heater I probably would have had a plumber do the job….no need to blow myself up. With an electric water heater, I was willing to take the risk of just electrocuting myself.

[ozzy]

You can do it yourself, Menards has a splice kit that attaches to the water heater and then sleeves over the copper tubing and tightens to it self so there is no sodering at all.

Then get some plumbers dope and install the gas line.

Good Luck

[whitetips]

Home Depot replaced mine a few years ago, there are permits and inspections required to replace a gas water heater, plus you will still have to get rid of the old beast. I recommend a let them do it for you, Licenced plumber is required.

[Redlantern]

Forget the splice kits, use regular copper tubing and solder. Make sure everything is drained down, it may take a while. It is dang near impossible to solder a joint with even a drop of water in it. The most important thing I can say is DO NOT re-use the old temperature and pressure relief valve. These are cheap to buy so if the water heater doesn't come with a new one, buy one. Don't use any teflon tape on the gas fittings, pipe dope only.Good luck.

[icehousebob]

Is it a gas or electric heater? I,m a hospital boiler engineer and I,ve also installed a few water heaters. I can solder water lines and thread gas lines but I don't mess with electricity. I'm going to be out of town for a few days, gathering fish to feed my family. If you still need help when I get back next week, I,ll try to contact you. I live in Minnetonka, so I,m probably not too far from you.

[rmh2o]

Easy job if you know how to solder.What suburb do you live in?