A Simple Method In Replacing Water Heater
From removing your old heater to installing a new one, this guide offers step-by-step instructions for water heater replacement of your gas or electric-storage type water heater.
Out With the Old
1. You first need to turn off your gas or electricity that routes through the heating system:
- If removing a gas heater, verify if its pilot light is out before disconnecting and capping off the lines.
- Continuing for gas heaters, separate the vent pipe from draft hood. You may need to extract a sheet metal screw, should the hood be screwed into place.
- For an electric heater, take off the plate covering the wires entry. It is recommended to use a tester or voltmeter to confirm there are no live circuits. Remember to first test a known-good outlet to ensure an accurate read.
- Continuing for electric heaters, once you have confirmed all connected wires are dead, remove electrical panel’s plate covering, unscrew wire nuts, and disconnect all wires, pulling them out of the heater. If there is a conduit attached, remove that at this time as well.
2. Then drain the storage tank completely:
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve, placing its other end in a designated discharge area. Keep in mind its discharge will be hot, so keep clear of pets and children.
- Turn off cold water inlet feeding in and open a hot water tap, allowing air to enter and water to drain out.
- Open the drain valve and allow all hot water to discharge through the attached garden hose. Ensure discharging spout of the hose is lower than the tank base for proper drainage.
- Once the tank is completely drained, detach the garden hose.
3. Almost there! Now disconnect piping from heater:
- If threaded fittings known as unions are the connectors, use a pair of pipe wrenches to remove them.
- If piping is soldered into place, they will require to be cut away by use of a pipe or tubing cutter or hacksaw. Be sure to make the cut as close as possible or, if using copper flex connectors for your new heater, at most appropriate placing for such.
4. Finally, extract the old water heater to be disposed of properly:
- Research local services that may be available to assist with proper disposal or recycling of old heaters.
And in With The New!
1. Position your new heater so that It will easily hook up to water piping and/or gas vent piping.
2. If installing a new gas heater, affix the draft hood, as needed.
- It is common for many draft hoods to insert by pegs into openings on top of the heater.
3. Continuing for gas heaters, connect the vent piping with short sheet metal screws.
4. Now to connect the hot and cold water lines:
- If your new heater used unions like your old one, feel free to reconnect the new as needed using a pair of pipe wrenches once more.
- The easiest method, however, is to use copper flex-connectors, which are easily bent to reach where needed.
- If you had to cut The surrounding piping, the copper flex-connectors may be soldered to the severed pipes to complete the inlet and outlet connections. The inlet should be attached to the cold water shut off valve.
5. Configure the new heater’s temperature and pressure relief valve and line:
- This relief system automatically regulates temperature and pressure so the water does not get too hot and the gas does not become too pressurised.
- Run a pipe from the relief valve to a safe discharge location, typically within 6-inches of the floor. Again, the discharge may be hot, so keep clear of others.
6. With the plumbing connected, now close the heater’s drain valve and open the cold water inlet, filling the storage tank.
- Opening a hot water tap releases any air trapped in the top of the tank, ensuring the tank fills as it needs.
7. After you have verified there are no leaks, reconnect your gas or electric lines.
- Consult the manufacturer’s documentation that came with your new heater and carefully follow the provided instructions for your first-time use.
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Frequently Asked Question :
Q. What are the signs that a water heater needs replacement?
A. Several warning signs suggest it might be time to replace your water heater. These include inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water supply, strange noises (like rumbling or banging), discoloured or rusty water, and visible leaks around the unit. If your water heater is over 8–12 years old, it’s also at higher risk of breakdowns and inefficiency. Frequent repairs or rising energy bills are additional clues that replacement could be more cost-effective than ongoing maintenance. Catching these signs early can help you avoid sudden loss of hot water and potential property damage.
Q. How does Inline Plumbing ensure a smooth replacement process?
A. Inline Plumbing makes the replacement process simple, efficient, and stress-free. We start with a thorough inspection and honest advice on whether repair or replacement is the best option. Once a new system is chosen, we handle everything — removal of the old unit, professional installation of the new system, and full safety testing. Our experienced team works quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to your home or business. We also provide clear communication and upfront pricing throughout, so there are no surprises. You’ll have hot water restored and peace of mind — fast.
Q. Are there eco-friendly options for new water heaters?
A. Absolutely! Inline Plumbing offers a range of eco-friendly hot water solutions designed to lower your environmental impact and energy bills. Options include heat pump water heaters, which use ambient air to heat water efficiently, and solar hot water systems, which harness the sun’s energy to provide sustainable hot water year-round. We also supply high-efficiency gas and electric systems that meet or exceed modern energy standards. Our team can help you choose the best eco-friendly option based on your property, usage patterns, and budget, ensuring a greener, smarter investment for your home.
