Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

Can I Install My Own Hot Water Heater?

7 December 2020

Herbert Chambers

If you're the type of person that looks for opportunities to work on your home, then the chance to replace your hot water heater may be too big of a temptation to ignore. But while you may be tempted to gain another level of expertise and possibly save on labor costs by installing it yourself, this is one job that you should always leave to a professional. There are a number of different reasons for this, but the bottom line is that performing your own hot water tank installation can be costly, laborious, and possibly dangerous.

Think about those issues before you attempt to do this on your own, and if you need any assistance, contact a plumber to set up an appointment.

Safety

Depending on what type of hot water tank you have, installing it can pose a number of potential hazards. First, if you use gas to power your home, disconnecting the gas line haphazardly can create a situation where the gas line or the hot water tank explodes, seriously hurting those nearby. For that reason, working on gas in any capacity is actually illegal in most states without the right permits. Even if you use electricity, there's always the chance for an electric shock or a fire. Once you managed to disconnect the system, there's still the matter of draining several gallons of water and moving the storage tank safely, both of which can cause injury if you are not careful.

Cost

There's no doubt that one of the biggest reasons why most people decide to perform DIY solutions on their homes is because of the perceived savings in labor costs. But what most people don't realize is that plumbers require specialized tools to get the job done, which can't always be bought at a local hardware store. They also usually buy their materials at a discount from the manufacturer because they buy in bulk, so you'll be paying market rates for that as well. None of this takes into account what could happen if a faulty DIY job actually causes more problems, such as a water heater that cracks and leaks all over your floor. Water damage is expensive and can dwarf the amount you save on doing your own hot water tank installation.

Efficiency

Today's hot water systems are much more energy-efficient than they used to be. In some cases, the savings can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A slight miscalculation or improper adjustment while doing your own hot water tank installation can render that water efficiency nonexistent, which can actually cost you more money in the long run. If you want your tank to run as designed, hire a professional to install it instead. Contact a hot water tank installation service for more information. 

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