Water Heater Installation: How We Install a 50 gallon Whirlpool Water Heater

A water heater provides you with hot water throughout your home. Are you interested in knowing how a hot water heater is installed?

We will walk you through the steps of a recent installation.

This article covers everything from water tank removal to installation and tips to help you ensure your water tank is installed properly.

Replacing The Old Water Heater

Old water heaters can start to leak over time. We responded to a call about an in-home system that started to leak into the homeowner’s basement.

When we arrived on site, the basement floor was covered in water and the old tank was turned off and no longer functioning.

To get started we drained the old tank. We took a few steps to clean up the area in our client’s home.

After the old water heater tank was drained we disconnected the gas. This ensures no gas leaks when the system is removed.

If you have an electric water heater the steps are the same but the electricity should be turned off to ensure there is no electrocution during installation.

The system was removed from the water and electrical system. Once the system was removed from electrical, gas, and water we removed the old tank.

The replacement unit was a 50-gallon Whirlpool conventional storage-tank water heater.

A licensed plumber should be able to replace a hot water heater in a single day as long as all the parts they need are available and ready.

Installing The New Water Heater

First, our team installed brand new venting using the home’s existing chimney system.

The supply line and the shut-off valve were replaced. We added brand new piping and fixtures.

The old gas line and gas shut-off valve were replaced.

In order to prevent future leaking onto the basement floor, we also installed a water heater drain pan underneath the unit. The water will now be captured in the drain pan if the tank leaks in the future.

A drain pan is an important step to ensure your home is safe from future leaks.

This will save the floor in the future and lower the risk of damage to the basement. Every tank-based system should have a catching pan installed during a water heater installation.

Why is Water Heater Installation so Expensive?

The work to install a tank-based water heater is labour intensive. There are many important parts that need to be connected and disconnected at the right time. The old system needs to be emptied and removed and the new system needs to be brought in.

When a new system is installed there are many times when a home needs minor changes to ensure the new water heater can run at its best output.

Installing a water heater is not a simple at-home DIY task and requires knowledge of electricity, gas, and water inputs in a residential home.

Should I Install My Own Water Heater?

Professional plumbers are licensed to install water heaters. While technically you can install your own water heater it is not advised. Because of the potential damage, a leak can cause it is best to have a licensed professional come in to handle the job.

The water heater is also expensive without the cost of labour. If installed incorrectly you can decrease the lifespan of the heater and cause issues with the system that may need to be repaired at a later date.

There is also a potential a plumber can help you fix or save your old heater without the need to replace it.

If you are going to install your own system make sure you are installing it in the right location, you have the proper permit, and you are using the right material for the system you have chosen.

If you are interested in learning more about tankless water heaters read our guide.

What to Watch Out For on Hot Water Tank Installation

There are some important things to look out for in your hot water tank installation. Checking these things may also give you a heads up on whether your system needs an upgrade.

Your hot water isn’t working as expected

When your hot water is turned on and you have a slow or limited hot water supply your tank may need some repair or maintenance. Your system may also be too small for your home’s water usage.

Check the thermostat and make sure it is set at the proper temperature before calling a service specialist!

The age of your water heater

The age of a water tank is important. Systems are more likely to leak or have problems at the age of 10. If you don’t know your tank’s age, book a maintenance call. It is better to be prepared than to run out of hot water.

Water is leaking from your tank

A water tank should be replaced immediately when it starts to leak. A small leak can turn into a large leak.

Your home was not made to hold water and a large leak can cause very expensive damage. Once the system starts to leak it is not easily fixed. In most cases, the entire system needs to be replaced.