Installing a water heater takes special technical know-how and knowledge of local codes. If you’re Googling “emergency plumber near me”, perhaps you’re noticing some issues with your new water heater installation. Whether you tried installing it yourself or another company has left you with a less than satisfactory installation experience, give Quicker Rooter a call.
In the meantime, here are three common water heater installation mistakes:
Installing the Water Heater Somewhere Inaccessible
Your water heater should have an annual checkup, especially if you have hard water (which leaves deposits in your tank). It’s a good idea to have it in an accessible place for that annual appointment and emergencies. Plus, a gas water heater in too small of a room may result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Also, you need to be aware of your municipality’s requirements:
- Does your water heater need to be up on a platform?
- Is a permit required?
- What are the standard safety protocols? (For example: how much clearance do you need around all sides of the unit?)
Not Knowing Your Hot Water Needs
If you don’t know what your hot water needs are, you’ll likely end up with an incorrectly-sized water heater. You’ll need to do planning, like looking at the number of bathrooms and bedrooms in the home; the number of family members; and how many appliances you have.
Smaller units will save you upfront on installation costs. However, this can lower the water heater’s efficiency. If you haven’t installed a correctly-sized unit, you could be wasting a lot of money on your monthly utility bill as it overworks itself. (This shortens the unit’s life, too.)
Also, you may be left without hot water if someone else in the family takes a long shower before yours. You may not be able to run more than one appliance — a dishwasher and a washer — at a time. This means you have to plan carefully or always be on standby, waiting for the tank to refill.
Ignoring New Technology
A traditional style water heater may not be the best option for your home. Depending on how much water you use, the home’s size, etc., a tankless style may save you tons of money in monthly energy bills with its excellent efficiency.
Did you make mistakes with your DIY water heater installation? If you’re thinking, “Man, I need an emergency plumber near me!”, call Quicker Rooter. We’re always here for you!
