Why You Need a Pro for Water Heater Installation

When your water heater fails, it’s natural for homeowners to try and deal with the problem themselves. You’re not getting the hot water you need, and you may want to take a crack at installing a new water heater on your own so you can save money and get the job done sooner.

While this is an understandable idea, it hardly ever works out smoothly. You may be able to get your water heater set up, but it won’t work the same as if it was installed by a professional, for many reasons. One of which is that without a pro scoping out the exact needs of your home, you’ll have a hard time finding the best system for you, including the latest and greatest models.

Here’s why you should leave water heater installation to the pros.

A Lot of Moving Parts

Your water heater may seem like one giant tank, but there are a lot of moving parts that allow it to function properly. There are the water connections, both cold and hot moving in different directions, the wiring that connects the unit to your electrical system, and the heating element and pressure valve.

There are also considerations to think about, like how you’ll get the unit out of your home. There is often a buildup of sediment at the bottom, which makes the tank heavy and hard to move. You may also need a pressure tank installed to regulate the pressure from the city water supply (this is sometimes required by code).

While it may not seem like a lot, a plumbing professional has probably performed this project hundreds and maybe even thousands of times. They’ll be able to successfully install the unit and optimize it for efficiency without going through trial and error and potential roadblocks that DIYers might face.

Pressure & Safety

A lot of pressure comes with operating a water heater, and we don’t mean psychological pressure. Pressure builds up in the system and is regulated by a pressure release valve. If the pressure is too high, the valve opens and relieves it.

Without this safety feature, your water heater is at risk of becoming over-pressurized and exploding or launching through the floor. No, we’re not kidding. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced plumber test your water heater’s pressure valve to ensure proper operation.

Another safety issue is assembling and disassembling the flue vent, which removes CO2 from the tank.

Your Water Heater Experts

For a professional team you can rely on to install your water heater, look no further than Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experts are just a phone call away at (540) 685-4040 and are highly trained to ensure your water heater exceeds your expectations.