Installing a New Water Heater in 78756 Austin, TX: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to getting your home's plumbing system up and running, water heaters often take center stage. Whether you're dealing with a gas or electric model, a brand-new water heater makes an immense difference when it comes to how your home functions and performs.

Water heaters provide hot water to the home. But unfortunately, years and years of use can eventually take their toll. That's why replacing an aging system with a new one, is often the smartest move you can make.

Today, we're going to tell you all you need to know about installing a new water heater in 78756 Austin, TX. We'll start with basics like deciding which system to buy, and then move on to the installation process. So let's get started!

Deciding Between Gas and Electric Water Heaters

The first decision you'll need to make when it comes to installing a new water heater, is deciding between electric and gas models.

Gas water heaters are powered by natural gas, which is typically cheaper than electricity in most parts of the country. With this type of system, hot water is produced on demand by transferring heat from the gas to the water.

Electric water heaters, on the other hand, run on electricity — and typically cost more to run than gas models. However, electricity is often easier to come by, and electric water heaters have fewer safety risks associated with them.

When shopping for a new water heater, it's important to compare the costs associated with each type. That way, you'll have a general idea of which system makes the most financial sense. Keep in mind, too, that your home must have a gas hookup in order to use a gas-powered water heater.

Getting the Right Size

Once you've decided between gas and electric, you'll need to figure out what size of water heater will work best for your home.

To do this, you'll want to look at the size of your old water heater and compare it to the size of the one you're considering purchasing. Most residential water heaters range from 30 to 80 gallons.

In general, you'll want to buy a water heater that has a capacity substantially larger than the previous one. This ensures that you'll have enough hot water to meet your home's needs.

Preparing for Installation

Once you've chosen the right-sized water heater, it's time to prepare for installation.

First, you should make sure that the new water heater is compatible with your existing connections. Make sure all regulating valves on the lines are opened, and check how the gas and water lines connect to the new water heater.

Second, make sure you have all the tools you need to install the new water heater. At a minimum, you'll need a wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, and pipe thread tape.

Finally, you should turn off the power to the water heater before installation. This will ensure that none of the electrical components in your home are damaged during the installation process.

Installing the New Water Heater

Now that you've chosen your water heater and made sure you have all the necessary tools, it's time to tackle the installation process.

First, using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the gas line and the cold- and hot-water lines from the old water heater. Do not forget to turn off the main water valve before doing so.

Next, connect the new water heater to the gas line, the cold pipes, and the hot pipes. Make sure all of these connections are secure and that there are no leaks.

Finally, open the main water valve and test the system by running the hot and cold water to make sure there are no leaks.

The main takeaway

Installing a new water heater can seem daunting — but it doesn't have to be. Just make sure to choose the right model for your home, prepare for the installation process, and follow the steps carefully and you'll be finished in no time!

water heater installation

78756 Austin

TX