There are many reasons to hire a plumber for water heater installation near you. Many homeowners attempt DIY installation thinking it can save money. However, numerous variables must be considered, including the required skills, building codes, and the potential for damage or injuries. The plumbers at Monarch Home Services safely install all types of water heaters and ensure they meet the needs of each customer’s home. We’ll explain the reasons why you need a licensed plumber for water heater installation.
- Water Heater Installation Requires Skilled Experts
- The Water Heater Could Be Damaged
- You Could Create Safety Hazards
- The Potential for Damage to Your Home
- DIY Work Can Lead to Non-Compliance
- Professional Installation Keeps Your Warranty Valid
- Access to Upgrades and Add-ons
- Removal of Your Old Water Heater
1. Water Heater Installation Requires Skilled Experts
It’s unlikely you have all the skills needed to install a water heater properly. The installation process can be complex. Water heaters have various connections and a project can require modifications to your home, especially if you have an aging unit. The following types of expertise help get the job done correctly:
- Plumbing: Only a professional should work on water and gas supply lines. They must be attentive to pressure issues or leaks. Overtightening a valve can trigger a gas leak, while a mistake can lead to cross-connections between supply lines and unsafe sources. Therefore, you need a plumber for water heater installation in Bakersfield and anywhere in our Central California service area.
- Electrical: A contractor with electrical skills is needed to connect an electric or gas water heater. The appliance must be properly wired to a breaker box. A lack of expertise can lead to loose wires that trip the unit’s reset button. The water heater can also trip the circuit breaker, succumb to electrical damage, or trigger a fire.
- Carpentry: Installing a water heater can require removing, repairing, and replacing drywall. The base may have to be leveled and the tank may have to be insulated. Carpenters also consider building codes, which impact where your water heater can be installed. They can problem-solve if the location of the unit is difficult to access, such as an attic or a larger installation space must be built.
2. The Water Heater Could Be Damaged
Professional installation can help avoid needing emergency water heater repair. If the appliance isn’t sized, balanced, or connected properly, it can be damaged during installation or while it’s running. Other components must be considered. For example, a mistake in installing the temperature and pressure relief valve can cause the tank to rupture, or connecting the discharge tube wrong can prevent scalding water from discharging safely.
3. You Could Create Safety Hazards
Without a plumber for water heater installation in Bakersfield, you risk not venting the unit properly. This can make your water heater less efficient. It can also cause carbon monoxide and combustion gases to build up in your home.
Setting up a gas vent requires many considerations. Building codes set standards for pipe length, material, and slope and specify how it should be connected and supported. The proper fittings must be used or else the gas line and water heater itself can be unsafe.
That being said, the biggest hazards include:
- Gas leaks
- House fires
- Electrical injuries
4. The Potential for Damage to Your Home
Tank-based water heaters are large and heavy. Moving them into place can be a cumbersome process. Maneuvering a water heater safely requires the proper equipment and experience. A plumber has the devices and tools needed to transport the unit without damaging it.
Without a technician, you risk bumping the water heater against something or the unit tipping over, leaving it non-functional before it’s even installed. Or, you can damage drywall, doorframes, furnishings, flooring, pipes, and other parts of your home. Any appliance mishap can lead to a water leak that causes a flood, mold, or major property damage.
5. DIY Work Can Lead to Non-Compliance
A permit is most likely required for water heater installation near you. It ensures the process and your water heater are code-compliant. Aside from ensuring the system is safe, functional, and efficient, compliance has financial impacts.
If the installation violates building codes, you can invalidate your homeowner’s insurance. You must then pay the full cost to repair or replace your new water heater if something happens to it. Another risk of non-compliance is failing a presale home inspection, making it difficult to sell your property.
Compliance with state and local regulations also accounts for the following:
- Placement such that the unit can be easily observed and serviced.
- The system is installed at the appropriate elevation.
- Pressure limits are visible on the unit’s metal surface.
- The unit and installation meet local seismic specifications.
- Pressure/temperature relief valves are installed where needed.
- Temperature relief valves don’t exceed 210℉.
- Pressure relief valves are at or below 150 psi.
- The water heater is inspected for safety risks.
6. Professional Installation Keeps Your Warranty Valid
Your water heater’s warranty most likely states the unit must be installed by a qualified professional. The technician will include their license number and other details on any documentation they complete. Without this, the warranty will be voided and you won’t be covered for any repairs. Water heater repair is expensive. You could end up paying more after a DIY install than hiring a contractor from the start.
In short, manufacturers know how risky installing a water heater is without training.
7. Access to Upgrades and Add-ons
Not hiring a plumber who provides water heater installation near you can lead to missed opportunities. A contractor can explain options you otherwise wouldn’t know about. For example, tankless water heaters can save you water and money over time. Self-cleaning units can resist sediment buildup, run more efficiently, and last longer. A plumber can also install an automatic shutoff valve that turns off the gas if there’s a sudden increase in gas flow or ground movement.
8. Removal of Your Old Water Heater
Disconnecting and removing your old unit is one of the most challenging steps in the installation process. Navigating the old water heater out of your home is difficult enough. There are also regulations on how and where to dispose of it. A professional plumber knows all the rules that apply. All you must do is give them room to access the unit and get to work.
Call Monarch Home Services for Water Heater Installation Near You
Homeowners throughout the San Joaquin Valley trust us to install and service their water heaters. Our rigorously trained technicians assess your home’s hot water needs and recommend equipment to help you make an informed decision. As a Home Protection Society member, you’ll receive comprehensive maintenance services that ensure your water heater is safe and energy efficient. To schedule a consultation or get your free quote, call (661) 452-8707 today.