A hot water tank is an essential residential appliance. However, it may malfunction or become obsolete with time, necessitating replacement. If you have the necessary equipment and put in the time and effort, replacing a water heater is simpler. In this blog post, we will outline the steps to replace a hot water tank.
Step 1: Make Sure The Water And Power Are Both Turned Off
First, go to the tank’s circuit breaker or fuse box and shut off the power. Next, turn off the tank’s water supply by locating the shut-off valve near the tank, which is normally on the cold water pipe.
Step 2: Empty the Tank
To empty the tank:
- Hook up a hose to the drain plug.
- Connect the hose’s other end to a drain or outside.
- Allow the tank to drain entirely by opening the valve.
- Collect any residual water in a bucket.
Step 3: Unplug the Old Tank
Once the tank is empty, disconnect the hot and cold water supply pipes with a pipe wrench. Next, turn off the gas or power source. Unplug the tank from the wall outlet if it is electric. Turn off the gas supply valve and disconnect the gas line if it’s gas.
Step 4: Dispose of the Old Tank
Remove the old tank from its position with care. Because tanks can be heavy and difficult to move, this may necessitate the assistance of another person.
Step 5: Put in the New Tank
Replace the old tank with the new one while keeping it in the same location. When joining the hot water line to the cold water line, use Teflon tape on the threads. If the new tank needs electricity, make sure to plug it into an outlet before using it. If you are going to be utilizing gas, connect the line and then turn on the switch.
Step 6: Fill the Tank and Test for Leaks
After turning on the water, the tank will begin to fill up with water. To flush out any air that might be trapped in the system, turn on a hot water faucet. Conduct a leak test on all of the connections. If there are any leaks found, tighten the broken fittings until the leak is no longer present.
Step 7: Connect The Power And Gas Supplies
Finally, turn on the tank’s power supply at the circuit breaker or fuse box. If it’s a gas tank, turn on the pilot light and adjust the temperature to your liking.
Conclusion
Replacing a water heater is indeed a major project, but it’s not impossible with the correct preparation. You can get hot water again by following the instructions in this blog post and installing a new water heater. If you are unclear on how to replace your hot water tank, however, it is recommended that you hire a professional plumber.
At Scott’s Plumbing, we have a staff of skilled and qualified plumbers who can assist you with any plumbing issues, including hot water tank replacements. We promise to always go above and above for our consumers by providing them with top-notch plumbing services. Call us today to learn more!