When your water heater begins to leak you have to replace it fast.
Can you install your own tankless water heater.
Natural gas and propane tankless water heaters need a vent unless they are installed outdoors.
Whether you re a real do it yourselfer or you re just looking to save some money you may be considering replacing your traditional water heater with a tankless system and installing it yourself.
Do some research and planning before you install an outside unit.
Build a platform with 2 x 4 inch pieces of lumber that will allow you to mount the new tankless water heater about four inches from the wall.
Please keep in mind that outside units require more maintenance especially in harsh climates and weather.
Mount the tankless water heater securely to the platform.
That is the biggest factor when selecting the location for the installation.
Do a quick online search for install your own tankless water heater and you ll see that every diy website lists it as an advanced task.
We ll show you how to install your own gas water heater in less than a day.
The short answer is yes most of the time.
If yours is getting old this article is also for you.
Even if you don t need a new water heater right now chances are you will within the next few years.
Choose a location for the new water heater that will allow you to vent it to the outside easily.
If there needs to be electrical modifications many building jurisdictions will allow you to do the modifications yourself if its your own home but a few jurisdictions may require a license electrician to do the work.
Many water heater companies such as ao smith will only approve a warranty claim if the water heater was installed by a qualified professional.
For reasons of safety home repair manuals often advise that you have an inspector review the work you did after you install your own hot water heater.
That may not be a good idea.
Inspection carries its own fee.
Water heaters tend to last seven to 15 years.
Unless you are a licensed plumber leave this one to the pros.
All you need is a basic understanding of pvc pipe fitting.
I ll show you how to install your own electric tankless water heater below.
Doing a diy install on a tankless water heater is not only very doable for the average skilled diyer it s easy.
Yes you want to be close to the source of your gas or water.
You will need a unit that s meant to be outside as well as withstand the weather and temperatures.
It depends which type of tankless water heater you purchase.
You should also consider the cost in time and aggravation when you are doing your own repair.
The type of tankless water heater will determine if you need a vent or not.
If you ve fixed a garden sprinkler with pvc pipe you can do this.