Last Updated on November 3, 2021 by Kravelv
Gone are the days of water heater systems, for today the tankless water heater rules the houses today. They are popularly called the on-demand water heater by professionals, for they save money, time, and energy. The best part about tankless water heaters Greenville, SC is it supplies hot water anytime, where you will no longer have to worry about cold shower baths.
The tankless water heater is loaded with many benefits and advantages. However, like other equipment, this heater comes with just one drawback. Since the water is heated in real-time as it is moved through the unit, it will not work in places where two or three showers are running at the same time. On a brighter note, a tankless water heater is highly efficient and compact.
For the proper and professional installation, contact the experts of tankless water heaters installation Greenville, SC. But if you are planning to do the job yourself, you must have enough knowledge and understanding of the plumbing world. You must be well-versed in cutting and fixing pipes and know the ways to shut off the water supply. Take the project in hand only when you are 100% confident as even a small mistake can lead to serious issues and repairs.
The tankless water heaters come with two options. They are,
- A gas-powered tankless water heater can be vented outside the house too. The only thing it will require is a 120-volt circuit connection and a gas line.
- An electric tankless water heater requires 240-volt power and can be plugged into a 240-volt outlet or the service panel.
Preparation for Tankless Water Heater
Before you start with preparing for a tankless water heater, make sure to do the necessary arrangements and preparations. Start with the project only when you are completely confident and have enough knowledge of plumbing in case of unfavoured situations. After all, you would not like to get stuck without hot water for a week or two or until the help arrives.
Therefore, at any time, if you are looking for professional help, then contact Ace Plumbing, the best and reliable plumbing professionals in place.
Check whether your gas meter needs upgrading if you are installing a gas unit. It is because the meter may have many BTUs, it will not have enough capacity to support and supply to the other gas-using appliances. You can take help from the gas company for upgrading the gas meter. The gas company will also make sure to check whether it can handle enough pressure for the new unit.
The gas pipe required for a tankless water heater is one inch, from the water heater to the meter. If this requires a new installation of the gas line, then it is best to contact a professional plumber. The professional will take care of necessary and safety arrangements.
Venting is required for the indoor gas unit too. Since the tankless water heater generates a huge amount of condensation, while pushing the air out through the fan, you will need a category II stainless-steel exhaust pipe. It must be sealed tightly with silicon joints.
Removing the Old Water Heater
One must be very careful and alert while removing the old water heater. The valves must be shut off on both sides of the water lines which is one on the outlet and one on the inlet. Make use of pipe wrench or channel-type pliers to disconnect or loosen the water heater lines. Then, the drain valve at the bottom must be opened and the tank must be drained. In the case of the gas unit, the gas line valve must be shut off and the gas line must also be disconnected.
Installing A Tankless Water Heater
The unit can be installed against the plaster or drywall or can be fixed into the wall between the studs. If you want the heater to be fixed into the wall, then with the use of a stud finder, locate the studs, cut the hole and attach the unit, following the manufacture’s guide. Then direct the water supply pipes to the heater. Make sure the water utility pipes lead to the inlet and the pipe that leads to the house is attached to the outlet. Then, the shutoff valves must be installed on both lines, close to the unit. You will also need a pressure-relief valve and to make the final connections, use the union fittings to the inlet and outlet.
If at any time, you come across any unfavoured situations, then stop the project immediately and get help from the professional and trained plumbers.