Easy Install Tankless Heater

Even though tankless hot water heaters are growing rapidly in popularity, there some persistent issues that still come up. One is the idea that tankless water heaters are much more expensive than conventional heaters.

While most gas models need to be installed by a qualified technician to validate the warranty electric tankless are less complicated and can be half-day project for a DIYer. The cost could be half of having a tank model professionally installed.

Once installed, you can enjoy unlimited hot water and the double advantage of saving money and helping the planet. So if your old tank heater is not performing as well as it once did, do an online search with Nextag, Shopzilla or one of the other price search engines and look for a tankless unit that fits your needs. You could have it installed by the weekend.

Tankless hot water advantages

Only on demand energy consumption Longer warranty Replacement parts Less for the landfill Energy rebate

With an electric model it is necessary to determine how powerful a heater you need and whether your breaker panel has the capacity. A home improvement store rep or a manufacturer's website can help you with these calculations. Most panels are rated at 200 amps.

A map is also a part of the figuring as it defines which zone you live in and how much power you need to generate hot water. If you are sure that your electrical panel will carry the extra load of a tankless water heater, you are ready to start.

Materials to have: Plumbing & electrical how-to book Double breakers Recommended gauge wiring Copper pipe Joints and connectors 2 valves 2 flexi-pipes

The next step - gather your tools.

Step 1

With the exception of a simple pipe cutter, all the tools are probably right there in your toolbox.

Tools to have:

Pipe cutter

2 Adjustable wrenches

Channel grip pliers Ruler

Felt tip pen

Green pot scrubber

Teflon plumber's tape

Adapting the plumbing to connect to this new heater is quite simple, and any detailed how-to book will give you the know-how to do the job. The first step is to turn off water where it enters the house and open all the faucets.

If soldered fittings seem daunting to you then you will find the new compression fittings a breeze for joining copper pipe. Just cut pipe to length, remove burrs from the ends and wipe clean. Mark ends of pipes as directed and with a twisting motion push compression fitting on to the pipe.

Cutoff valves for the hot and cold water should be placed near the heater for servicing. I recommend that they have a bleeder plug in the side. Be sure to put these inline pointing in the direction of water flow. The hot water valve can be used with temperature adjustment to tune output.

Be sure to include a wire mesh filter where the cold water enters the heater. This should be changed occasionally. Flexi-pipe is a good way to match up heater and piping. The male threads on these and valve connections need 4-5 wraps of Teflon tape before joining.

Step 2

Doing the wiring is no more difficult; just remember to practice good safety.

Tools to have:

Screwdriver

Pliers

Drill

Matt knife

Wire fasteners (secure wire to the wall)

You may need a helping hand getting the old tank out of the house but with a tankless model you will be dealing with something the size of PC and weighing half as much.

First step is to throw main breaker off before removing panel cover. You will then insert the 2 or 3 new double breakers, usually 40-amp. If you have trouble figuring out how to get them into place, pull out one of the old ones to see how they are held in place.

Strip ½ insulation off ends of wires, being careful not to cut strands, insert a pair into each breaker. Attach ground wire to common bar. Knock out slugs in panel cover that match new breakers and replace cover. New breakers should remain off. Refer to user's manual for completing wiring to heater.

Step 3

Turn on main water valve and all faucets to expel air and debris from the pipes. Turn faucets off and check for leaks. If everything looks good throw new breakers on and test for hot water.

Adjust water flow and temperature as needed.

Enjoy

Review these very efficient tankless hot water heaters and what they cost befor you buy.

An example of how easy it is to install a tankless water heater will give some ideas of your own.

Here more information about the benefits of an installed tankless water heater can also be found.