Tankless water heaters are a small, energy-efficient way to heat a home’s water. This comprehensive guide will show how to install a tankless gas water step by step and learn the essential procedures for preparing space and connecting all necessary components, ensuring a professional and efficient installation. You’ll have an installed tankless gas heater by the end, providing a continuous and efficient hot water supply.
See also: How to install split AC at home?
Step 1: Take out the current water heater
Contact the gas company to find out the size of the gas main. Because this type of heater consumes more gas than huge furnaces, you may need to connect a larger pipe to your home’s gas meter. Turn off the water and power to the current heater. You should also cut off the gas supply valves to the machine. Drain and remove it from its mount before disposing of or discarding the heater in a recycle bin.
Step 2: Fix new water and gas lines for your heater
If the current gas line is sufficient, install a tee and a valve (or one of them). Connect the new supply line near the gas line on the new tankless water heater with a black pipe. A flexible gas supply line can also be used for this purpose.
Connect old and current water lines with copper pipes. Then, connect the cables to the new tankless heater. If the system has an anti-siphon or check valve, one could put an expansion tank near the cold water entrance of the unit.
Use bell hangers to secure the pipes to the wall. One can quickly utilise pipe insulation using these items.
Wipe the connectors and pipes to remove any oxidants. After that, apply some flux to the end of the piping and connect it to the connectors before fusing it with a torch. Before soldering, remember to heat the copper pipe.
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Step 3: Place the water heater on a stand
Purchase two pieces of timber (four inch long) and build a platform. Experts recommend this size of wood because it allows the unit to have sufficient spacing (of the exact measurement) from the wall. Place the stand in a well-ventilated area of the room. After that, place the new water heater on the platform.
Step 4: Install the water heater
According to the owner’s handbook, attach the sediment trap and shutdown valve to the heater. Connect the gas supply line to the shutdown valve after that. Confirm that the water heater has drain and purge valves. Connect the heater’s valves to the water supply line and turn on the water to check for leaks. If there are none, repeat the procedure on the gas line. When finished, switch off the gas until you have finished installing the device.
Step 5: Fix the new vent
Locate the unit’s vent shaft and apply some adhesive. Use heat-resistant silicone sealants for this stage. Then, slip on a segment of the vent pipe and tighten the junction with a hose clamp. Place a retaining ring on the tube to finish this assembly. Fold the taps over for added security.
Fix an elbow and make sure its mouth is facing the same direction (outside) as the water heater vents. Bore a hole from the wall’s interior for the unit’s outlet. Make the space by drawing a circle with a vent thimble on the exterior wall. Make a 1-inch hole above the mark with a spade bit.
Make the vent hole with a reciprocating saw. Remove any sidings or shingles from the opening to allow the flange thimble to rest properly on the outer wall. Apply silicone caulk to the flange’s end before inserting it into the opening. Tighten the assembly with screws (to the exterior wall) and silicone the fasteners.
Install an inside flange from the inside wall before running a vent pipe through its mouth. To keep all pieces of the tube in place, use tabs. Then, proceed to the outside wall and connect a section of the pipe to a vent hood. Finish by repairing the siding or shingles surrounding the vent opening.
Step 6: Switch on unit
Run hot water from your tap to remove unnecessary air from the piping and heater. After a few minutes, turn off the water and attach the heater to an electrical outlet.
Before turning on the gas, add insulation to the line carrying hot water from the unit. Follow the tankless water heater installation instructions in the owner’s manual to finish this stage.
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Tips
- You can sell the old heater for cash. Find a recycling centre and drop it off.
- If you bought an electric water heater, ensure a regular outlet can power it. If it is only wired for a different voltage than your mains voltage (usually 100 V to 240 V, depending on your area), you must have it wired by an electrician.
- Ensure you have enough amps to power the tankless water heater; it may also require three circuits in your circuit box.
Warnings
- Ascertain that the water pressure is adequate for a tankless system.
- Before you begin, verify the local plumbing and electrical codes. Before working on plumbing and electrical systems, some locations require a licensed plumber and electrician. Contact the city’s building code enforcement or utility company when in doubt.
- Make sure you properly read the instructions. Some units require the installer to be certified for the guarantee to be valid. Furthermore, some natural gas units necessitate a more extensive supply and exhaust than a standard tank-type water heater, which would require the installation of a plumber and electrician.
- If you use gas as a heat source for this device, verify the gas connection by spraying enough soapy water on the union and looking for bubbles, indicating a bad connection and leaking. Turn off the gas immediately and open all windows and doors until the room is thoroughly ventilated. Once the leaking gas has been removed from the room, it’s possible to double-check the connection and correct the problem. Retest after restoring the connection.
- Ensure that your gas line can handle the increased demand for the tankless water heater. You may need to consult a professional plumber or gas fitter to assess and upgrade your gas line if necessary.
- Check with local authorities to ensure you meet all permits and regulations required for installing a gas water heater.
- Maintain proper clearances as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent fire hazards and allow for adequate maintenance.
- Choose a suitable location with access to gas and water lines. Consider indoor or outdoor installation, depending on your climate and space.
Maintenance
- Regularly clean the inlet water filter to prevent clogs.
- Flush the unit with a descaling solution every 6-12 months to prevent mineral buildup.
- Check for any gas leaks or signs of corrosion.
- Schedule annual professional inspections.
Gas Line Upgrade
- Consult a licensed plumber or gas fitter to assess your current gas line.
- Upgrade the gas line to meet the increased demand if required.
- Ensure all work complies with local building codes and safety regulations.
It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with professionals when necessary during the installation and maintenance of a tankless gas water heater. Safety is paramount, and compliance with local codes and regulations is crucial to ensure the unit operates efficiently and safely.
Note that gas water heaters can be a threat to life in case of a gas leak. Ensure that these are installed properly, maintained and serviced. If unsure of installation, always take a professional’s help to be safe.
FAQs
Can a tankless water heater be added to an existing system?
Usually, an HVAC professional would advise you to acquire a larger water heater. If you don't have the space or want an endless hot water supply, add a tankless water heater to your existing HVAC system.
Can a gas tankless water heater be installed indoors?
Tankless water heaters can be put in any room of the house. A tankless water heater can even be installed in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose for two, one for each story.
What size of a gas line does a tankless water heater need?
Your plumber must certify that your house has enough gas pressure for the appliance to supply all of your gas needs. The next step is for him or her to assess whether the gas line is large enough to send enough gas to the water heater. A 34-inch gas pipe is required for a standard tankless water heater.
Is it safe to use gas tankless water heaters?
The tanks are made of metal and are built to endure extreme heat and pressure. A safety valve on tankless water heaters releases tension if it becomes too high.
What is the ideal location for a tankless water heater?
A tankless system that feeds only a few applications is usually best situated as close to the appliance or faucets as possible. Keeping the water heater close by immediately guarantees hot water and lowers the amount of heat wasted as the water travels through the lines.
What are the two system requirements for sizing a tankless water heater?
The size necessary will be determined by comparing the required flow rate, and system temperature rise to the specifications of the tankless water heaters.
Are tankless water heaters challenging to maintain?
You may be convinced of the advantages of tankless water heaters, but you may be wondering if they require more maintenance than standard storage tank systems. While the latter are less efficient due to standby losses, they often require no extensive maintenance.
Is a dedicated gas line required for a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water. A gas line, appropriate combustion air, a vent to evacuate combustion gas, and an electrical outlet are all required for gas units. While they survive longer than tank-style water heaters, they are more expensive to install and frequently necessitate the gas line upgrade.
How much gas is used per hour by a tankless water heater?
The quick answer is that a typical propane tankless water heater producing 40,000 hours will use approximately 1.5 gallons of propane every day.
What if the gas line is too small?
If the gas line is too tiny, the water heater's efficiency and performance may suffer. A small gas line will not only heat the water at a much slower rate, but it may also produce smoke, causing the burner to be exhausted and condensate (or liquid) to form in the boiler or furnace.
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