![]() ![]() Needed are what’s called “transition unions” to go between the metal heater threads and the plastic piping. Flex-connectors are not necessary with CPVC or PB plastic pipe. If you sweat-solder, be sure to do this before installing the flex-connectors, as the heat from soldering would damage the connector gaskets. Some install to copper tubing without sweat-soldering, an advantage. If the heater comes with 3/4-inch male-threaded stubs, the nipples are not needed.Īt the top, the flex-connectors fit directly to the ends of threaded pipes (or a male adapter sweat-soldered to copper tubing). If your water heater has female-threaded tapping, you’ll need a pair of short 3/4 inch nipples to accept the flex-connectors at the bottom. Use Teflon tape (but not pipe dope) on the male threads entering flex-connectors. To keep it from becoming sediment-fouled, the valve should be placed in a vertical section of piping. ![]() No matter what, though, the old heater should be fitted with a cold water gate valve (Fig. How the hot water piping is handled depends on whether your house has threaded metal, sweat-soldered copper, or thermoplastic piping, and whether it is 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch. Flex-connectors are easily bent to reach where you wish. They range in length from 12 to 24 inches–the 18- and 24-inch lengths being most practical. Figure 7 shows how flex-connectors fit a heater’s female tapping (left side), or male stub (right side).Īt the upper end, the flex connectors make up to a threaded metal pipe (left) and a sweat-soldered copper tube (right) using a male adapter. The easiest way often is using copper flex-connectors, available from your dealer. Now you can make the hot and cold water connections. 5.Ĭonnect the vent pipe with short sheet metal screws (Fig. Then any horizontal run should slope upward at least 1/4 inch per foot, as shown in Fig. The vent should go straight up as far as possible. It’s a good idea to use new vent pipe elbows, as the old ones will probably be corroded at their present angles. 4).Įvery gas water heater needs proper venting that’s no smaller than the draft hood collar of the new heater. Many have legs that insert into holes on the heater’s top (Fig. Install the heater’s new draft hood (gas heater). Position the new heater so your piping–particularly a gas vent pipe–will reach most easily. Take your new heater to its location by “walking” it or using an appliance cart, dolly, or hand truck. The old heater can now be taken away and disposed of at a dumpsite or approved recycling facility. Pipes without unions will have to be sawed off with a hacksaw (Fig. If connected with unions–removable threaded fittings–take them apart with a pair of pipe wrenches. Next, remove the heater from its water piping. ![]() After making sure the pilot light is out, disconnect the gas line at the heater and cap it. It should lift off after removing the sheet metal screw that holds it. Opening a hot water faucet will let air into the system.On a gas heater, separate the vent pipe from the draft hood. Before you can connect the new heater, though, the old one must be taken out.īegin heater removal by turning off the gas or electricity to the heater.ĭrain the heater (Fig. The typical overhead-plumbed water heater hookup is shown in Fig. This information below covers replacing of natural gas, LP-gas, and electric water heaters, the most common kinds. If you have any doubt about the condition of your water heater and if it needs to be replaced or not, contact a professional plumber. The cure may be installation of a new heater. This indicates that the tank has corroded through. Normally, the first sign of a heater problem is water dripping from the bottom of the jacket. One of the most common household plumbing projects is replacing a water heater. ![]()
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