Over considerable time and usage, it’s not uncommon for the water heater in your Chicago home or business to breakdown and require a repair. If your water heater and the instruments installed in it have been used for more than a decade now, then it’s most likely time to start thinking about a replacement. Plus, newer water heaters are designed to be energy-efficient and can help you significantly reduce your energy usage.
If you are replacing your old water heater in the Chicagoland area, here’s a step-by-step installation guide that might come in handy.
Water Heater Installation
Step 1. Switch off the water connection
It is best to shut off the water connection before you begin with the installation procedure. This can be done by shutting off the valve on the waterline, which leads to the water heater. Make sure that you switch off the gas line as well by turning off the knob. The knob should be perpendicular to the line. Also, make sure to unplug the old heater if it’s electrical.
Step 2. Connect a hose
The next step is connecting a hose to the drain valve, which is located near the bottom of the heater. Place the hose near an outside location, then allow the water to drain out by opening the drain valve.
Step 3. Unscrew the water inlet
You will then have to unscrew the water inlet and the water outflow fitting. This is located at the top of the heater. You will most likely have to use a pipe wrench for this task. Similarly, unscrew the fitting for the gas line as well.
Step 4. Discard the old heater
Remove the old heater and dispose of it as per the rules and regulations in the Chicagoland area. Install the new heater in place of the old one and level it appropriately. Ensure that all the controls are accessible.
Step 5. Screw on the water outlet and inlet line
Screw on the water outlet and the inlet line. This can be done by using wrenches. Then, open the water line and fill in the tank completely.
Step 6. Connect the gas line
Connect the gas line to the tank using the wrenches. If you are using an electrical heater, then switch on the mains.
If you don’t have the time to read a lengthy instruction manual, or if you want to ensure the installation goes correctly and safely, then we can help! Let the experts at Global Plumbing do all the legwork and save yourself the time and headache.
Water Heater Repairs
If your water heater is just a few years old, you’ll likely be better off by having it repaired. Before you call the water heating experts at Global Plumbing, you may want to do some basic initial diagnostics.
The first thing you should do is check the circuit breaker. Sometimes, it just needs to be switched back on. Secondly, if that is not the case, you may want to check the plug and the supply. If that is also working fine, then you should call in the experts for further diagnosis.
Again, if your heater is very old, then it makes no sense to have it repaired. You would be better off by having it replaced with a new one.
Water Heater Maintenance
You can avoid expensive repairs and replacements if you follow a regular water heater maintenance plan. Regular water heater maintenance should include an inspection of the electrical and gas connections, the flu pipe, dip tube, and the anode rod. It should also include flushing the water heater to remove built-up sediment, calcium deposits, and other corrosive particles, and checking the temperature and pressure relief valve and the water pressure. At Global Plumbing, we can take care of all these maintenance tasks to ensure that your water heater runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Professional Water Heater Services in the Chicagoland Area
If you are looking for quick, reliable, and affordable water heater installation, repair, or maintenance services in Chicago and all neighboring suburbs, get in touch with Global Plumbing today. With over 20 years of experience in offering water heater services, you can count on Global Plumbing for a high level of quality, value, and customer service.
Call us today at (312) 375-9338 to learn more about our water heater services, or request a free estimate.