| Replacing a Gas Water Heater |
| Apprentice learns water heater basics. |
From "Trade School"
episode DTRS-207 |
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In this episode of Trade School, apprentice James Tittle gets a hands-on education in plumbing basics. Under the watchful eye of master plumber Carl Lopes, James discovers some of the secrets that lurk behind our walls.
Basic Tools:fire extinguisher
adjustable open-end wrench
pipe wrenches
pipe cutter
Teflon tape
Teflon dope
emery cloth
paste flux
propane torch
solder
In this session, James and Carl make a house call to replace a gas water heater that no longer functions properly. This is a fairly basic plumbing project, but there are several dangers involved when dealing with natural gas. Before installing a new heater, James must remove the old one. With a fire extinguisher close by, he begins by shutting off the gas valve with an adjustable open-end wrench (figure A). James verifies that no gas is leaking by first visually inspecting the pilot light, which burns off shortly, and then smelling the area (figure B). Unable to detect any leak, he turns the pilot switch to the "off" position and disconnects the exhaust duct located on top of the tank. Note: Never use a flame to detect a gas leak.
James shuts off the cold-water "in" valve (figure C), and then releases the water into the floor drain (figure D). This makes the heater lighter, and therefore much easier to remove.While waiting for the water to vacate, James uses a large pipe wrench to disconnect the gas line from the heater. To prevent "racking" the gas line, Carl adds a second wrench to provide some counter-torque (figure E). Once the fitting is disconnected, James double-checks that gas is not escaping.
Again, using a pair of large pipe wrenches for counter-torque, James disconnects the cold "in" and hot "out" pipes in turn (figure F). This action allows more air into the heater, causing the water to drain more rapidly.Because longer flex pipes will be used for the new connections, James temporarily removes the cold-water shutoff valve. He shuts off the main water located elsewhere in the residence. To remove the valve assembly he uses a pipe cutter (figure G), which scores the pipe in increments until eventually breaking through. He also uses the flex pipe to cut off the old hot "out" connector.
With the valve assembly removed and the water completely drained, it's out with the old (figure H) and in with the new water heater.The first step to preparing the new heater installation is to connect the new segments of flex pipe. James begins by rolling Teflon tape clockwise around the cold "in" and hot "out" connectors on the heater. This creates a good seal for the flex pipe, which he tightens onto both connectors with the open-end wrench (figure I). James also needs to connect a new flexible gas line to the pilot box. To create a tight seal, he spreads Teflon dope (a putty suitable for gas line connections) over the fitting. After threading the fitting into the pilot box, he tightens using the open-end wrench (figure J). He then removes the old fitting on the incoming gas supply with a pair of pipe wrenches. With another layer of Teflon dope, he tightens a new fitting on the gas supply.
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