Can You Install Your Own Water Heater

A water heater permit is actually an inspection request.

Can you install your own water heater.

Inspection carries its own fee. Most residential water heaters cost 150 to 400 for either gas or electric plus 200 to 450 if you have a plumber install it. Build a platform with 2 x 4 inch pieces of lumber that will allow you to mount the new tankless water heater about four inches from the wall. Generally the amount of time stated on a do it yourself manual or instructional video can be misleading.

However be sure to check your local plumbing codes as the installation must be done properly or it could lead to fines or damage to the rest of the structure. Building jurisdictions in nearly all cities and counties require a permit to replace an existing water heater. Align the water heater to ensure easy access to the burner and controls. Installation costs and labor plumbers typically charge 45 to 65 an hour and can usually install a water heater in a day or in 6 8 hours.

For reasons of safety home repair manuals often advise that you have an inspector review the work you did after you install your own hot water heater. When you are doing your own repairs it s important to consider the total cost not just the cost of parts. Heating elements in electric water heaters must be immersed in water or they will overheat and burn out quickly. Codes have changed so the installation of a new water heater should meet current codes for safety purposes.

The question you need to ask yourself is. While installing a new water heater has its challenges it s not impossible to do it yourself. Yet in the end it is a job that has to be done. After installation an inspector will come to ensure the heater was installed correctly.

Is it worth installing a gas water heater yourself to save several hundred dollars. Applying heat to an empty tank is called dry firing which is not what you want to do. Connect the flue hat to the gas exhaust vent with a screwdriver. More expensive gas water heaters with special venting systems also are available.

If a water heater is installed improperly there are many things that can go wrong. Mount the tankless water heater securely to the platform. The permit often comes with information to help you install the heater safely and according to local codes. You be the judge.

Use a carpenter s level and plastic shims to level the water heater as needed. Now you can either pay someone to do it for you or you can do it yourself. Gas water heater 700 paying a pro to install it 400 1 000. You should also consider the cost in time and aggravation when you are doing your own repair.

Choose a location for the new water heater that will allow you to vent it to the outside easily.