Plumbers do not recommend you install a water heater yourself. We say this because plumbers have the knowledge and expertise to install water heaters correctly, safely, and efficiently. Here are solid reasons, provided by an expert in drain cleaning, behind hiring professionals for the job:
- We Calculate the Right Tank for Your Home and Situation
Hot water tanks are available in 30 to 80 gallon sizes. Some are tall, some short, gas or electric, with different requirements for install. The size you need is dependent upon the number of people that live in your home, the space available for the tank, and your daily hot water requirements. Some households run two laundry cycles per day, while other run two laundry cycles per week. Some have teenagers who only come out of the shower after the water turns cold. If the tank you buy is too small, your household will often run out of water, but if it is too big, you will be wasting money each month by constantly heating water you don’t use.
- We Help Choose the Right Location
Placing your water heater in the correct spot is important. Local plumbing codes may restrict the installation of a hot water tank in an attic, storage closet, bedroom, or under the floor. Depending on the tank and situation, an expansion tank, a mixing valve and/or venting may be required. Space is needed for the water lines and the discharge pipe, as well as room to check and service the tank. Also consider how a plumber will remove the old tank and bring in the new tank. Some remodels have inadvertently boxed in the existing water heater.
- We Do the Heavy Lifting
Plumbers remove the old tank and take it to a metal recycle location, bring in the new tank, and install new water hoses, discharge pipes, and more. Plumbers often have an apprentice or a helper on water tank jobs because the tanks are heavy and bulky to maneuver.
- We Place a Pan Under the Tank
Setting your new hot water tank in a pan made of corrosion-resistant material helps contain any small leaks that may occur. Look at your tank periodically to see if there is water in the pan. Ideally, the pan is dry. To avoid costly water damage, purchase an inexpensive water alarm and set it in the tank. This can alert you to a small leak before a major leak occurs.
- We Install Earthquake Straps
A hot water tank filled with water is very heavy. Securing the tank with earthquake strapping helps ensure the tank does not topple over in a quake. If you have a gas tank, the straps also help keep the gas lines connected to the tank.
- We Test for Hot Water and Leaks
As plumbers, we always assess the home before and after tank installation. We check the home’s water pressure and make recommendations that will help prolong the life of the tank and the water lines. We make sure the kitchen and the upstairs bathroom are getting hot water. We test for leaks. We set the tank temperature control at 120 degrees F. or lower to help prevent burns. Importantly, we only use materials safe for use with potable water.
When you need a new hot water heater, remember that a plumber is an expert at hot water tanks. Hire an expert and give yourself the peace of mind that the job is done right and give yourself the time to enjoy your hot water. For more plumbing services, such as sewer inspections or repiping services, call Raymark Plumbing today.
Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers honest, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services. In fact, they are known for finding solutions to problems when other plumbing companies could not. As a result, Raymark is the plumber that other plumbers recommend.
Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
Raymark Plumbing and Sewer 