DIY Network

Gas Water Heater Replacement From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-203

Heating water counts for 14 percent of your heating bill. One way to reduce the cost is the installation of a new water heater. Home improvement expert James Young offers tips.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Here, a gas water heater is installed.

1. First, turn off gas using cut-off valve (figure A) and disconnect gas line from water heater.

   
   

2. Turn off water supply and turn on all the hot water faucets in your home. Use a garden hose to completely drain tank. Cut copper water lines (use a copper tubing cutter).

   
   

3. Remove the flue (figure B), then drag old water heater away.

   
   

4. Position the new water heater and make sure it's level, then reconnect the water pipes. Apply joint sealing compound to all the joints and take your time when cleaning and preparing pipes to be soldered.

   
   

5. Check your work, turn on water and allow tank to fill. Once it's full, turn on a hot water faucet and allow air to clear from pipe. Leave the faucet open until water flows.

   
   

6. With all connections made, it's time to connect gas line and turn gas on. Check for leaks using a gas leak detector fluid (figure C) or soap bubbles. If you see bubbles, you've got a leak and need to adjust the connection.

   
   

7. Reconnect flue and check pitch on vent connector (it must be slightly vertical to work properly).

   
   

8. Finally, set gas control knob to pilot (figure D), depress reset button and quickly press the ignitor switch to light your new gas water heater.