If your home has a gas hot water heater, you know how important it is to have a reliable one. They don’t last forever, though, and eventually you’ll need to replace it. Here’s how to do it.
First, shut off the gas supply to the old unit. Then, disconnect the water lines and power supply. Next, remove the vent pipe and exhaust flue from the unit.
Finally, unscrew the unit from its platform and lower it to the ground.
Gas Water Heater Installation
- Turn off the gas to your hot water heater
- This is usually done at the main gas shutoff valve for your home
- Disconnect the cold water inlet pipe from the tank
- Drain the tank by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve and running it to a nearby floor drain or outside
- Remove any anode rods from the old tank and unscrew the fittings that hold it in place, then lift it out of its location
- Place your new hot water heater in the same location and reattach all of the pipes and fittings, making sure they are tight so there are no leaks
Gas Water Heater Replacement Cost
Most homeowners don’t think about their gas water heater until it’s time for a replacement. Then they’re faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace the unit. The cost of replacing a gas water heater depends on several factors, including the type of unit, the size and location of the unit, and the installation costs.
The average cost to replace a 40-gallon gas water heater is $1,000 to $2,500. The average cost to install a new gas water heater is $600 to $800. The price of the unit itself ranges from $400 to $1,200.
These prices do not include the cost of professional installation.
When deciding whether to repair or replace your gas water heater, consider the following:
– The age of your current unit: If your current unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement.
Gas water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. – The efficiency of your current unit: Older units are less efficient than newer models. Replacing an older model with a newer one can save you money on your energy bills over time.
– The condition of your current unit: If your unit has extensive damage or is leaking, it’s probably time for a replacement rather than a repair. – The cost of repairs vs. replacement: In some cases, repairing your existing gas water heater may be more expensive than replacing it with a new one. Be sure to get estimates from multiple plumbers before making a decision.
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Can I Replace a Gas Water Heater Myself?
If you’re considering replacing your gas water heater, there are a few things you should know before taking on the project yourself. Gas water heaters can be dangerous to work with, and if not installed properly, can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, local building codes may require that gas appliances be installed by a licensed professional.
That being said, if you’re experienced with working with gas lines and comfortable completing the installation according to all safety guidelines, then replacing your gas water heater is certainly a do-it-yourself project. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Turn off the power to the unit – This is critical!
Make sure there is no electricity running to the unit before beginning any work.
2. Disconnect the gas line – You’ll need a wrench to loosen the fittings on the gas line. Once disconnected, cap the open end of the line with a plug or cap so that nogas leaks out.
3. Drain the tank – Open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and allow allthe waterto drain out into a nearby bucket or floor drain. Once empty, closethe valve tightly again so no water can get back in.
4. Removethe old unit – Unscrewany bolts holdingthe oldunit in placeand liftit out carefully so as not to damage any surrounding pipes or wires.
Ifyou’re installinga new unit ofthe same sizeand type, simply reverse these steps tobolt it into placeand connectall linesagain (being extra carefulwith those peskygas lines!). Ifyou’re installinga new unitthat’s largeror differentin some wayfrom your old one(i.e., changing fromnaturalgasto propane), more extensiveworkwill likely be requiredto reconfigurepipingand hookups accordinglyso definitelyconsult amanualor professionalbefore proceedingwith this typeof replacementproject yourself!
Can You Replace a Hot Water Heater by Yourself?
If you’re handy with tools and comfortable working around water and gas lines, you can replace a hot water heater by yourself. Here’s how:
1. Shut off the power to the water heater.
If it’s a gas water heater, shut off the gas supply as well.
2. Drain the old water heater tank completely following the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll need a garden hose for this step.
3. Disconnect the wires from the old thermostat and disconnect the pipes leading to and from the tank using two pipe wrenches. Remove any anode rods from inside the tank with a socket wrench (these are often located near the top of the tank).
4. Place your new water heater in position, making sure that all connections match up correctly with their respective ports on the new unit before securing it in place with bolts or straps (again, follow your manufacturer’s instructions).
Reconnect all wires and pipes, being careful not to over-tighten them, then turn on both your power supply and your gas supply (if applicable). Test everything to make sure it’s working properly before calling it a day!
How Often Should a Gas Water Heater Be Replaced?
A gas water heater should be replaced every 8 to 12 years. If it is used frequently, it may need to be replaced sooner. Inspect the unit regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as rusting or leaks.
How Do I Replace My Water Heater Myself?
There are a few things to keep in mind when replacing your water heater. These include:
-Turning off the power: You will need to shut off the power to your water heater before beginning any work on it.
This can be done by switching off the circuit breaker or shutting off the gas supply.
-Draining the tank: Once the power is shut off, you will need to drain the tank by opening the drain valve and attaching a hose to it. Be sure to do this outside as there will be a lot of water coming out.
-Removing old elements and installing new ones: The next step is to remove the old heating elements and install new ones. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver for this. First, remove the screws that hold the element in place and then pull it out.
Next, put the new element in place and screw it in tight. Be sure not to overtighten as this could damage it.
-Putting everything back together: Once all of the new elements are installed, you can put everything back together and turn on the power or gas supply.
Conclusion
If your home has a gas hot water heater, there are a few things you should know about replacing it. First, you need to determine the size of the unit you need. Gas hot water heaters come in two basic sizes: 40 and 50 gallons.
You will also need to decide whether you want a tankless or traditional storage tank model. Next, shut off the gas supply to the old unit and disconnect the water lines. Remove the old unit and install the new one following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Be sure to test for leaks before turning on the gas supply.
