In recent decades, we have seen an increase in the popularity of a DIY ethos when it comes to making home improvements. This is laudable; it’s great to develop and improve your skills to carry out projects and repairs in your home. This is a fantastic way to save money and really put some of your own personality into any space. But, there are some tasks that should only be tackled by a professional because a poor installation can cost you far more in the long run. Let’s take a look at three common DIY water installation mistakes.
The location of your new water heater is important for three main reasons; they are convenience, efficiency, and safety. The local codes for your area can also include certain restrictions on where you can locate your water heater safely, such as attics, closets, and under your floors. Many people assume that they replace an old water heater with a new model in the exact same space with no problems. But, this assumption may not be correct, new water heaters have better insulation compared to older models, and this makes them wider. So, you may not be able to fit the new water heater into the same size space. If you opt for a professional installation, your plumber can ensure that you get easy access and sufficient airflow for your water heater.
2. Incorrect Water Heater Sizing
It’s possible to fail at a water heater installation before the new unit is out of the box. This may seem strange, but if you get the water heater size wrong, it will cause a lot of problems in your home. Domestic water heaters range in size from 30 up to 80 gallons in size. The water heater size that you need will depend on the number of people living in your home and the volume of hot water that you use each day. If you install a water heater that’s too small, you will never seem to have sufficient hot water to meet your needs. If your water heater is too large, you will waste a lot of money on energy bills as you heat water that you will never use. If you choose a local certified plumber to help you choose and install your water heater, you can easily avoid this problem.
3. Bad Materials and Poor Connections
When you attempt a DIY installation, it’s likely that you won’t have any formal training and extensive knowledge to deal with problems as they arise. It’s important to choose the right pipes and sizes and avoid mixing certain metal types. The plumbing has to be routed in a logical way, good soldering techniques are essential, and any mistake can void the warranty. A poor installation can affect the performance and energy efficiency of your water heater, and it could even lead to a complete system failure.
Choosing a professional plumber to install your water heater is a smart decision because you can avoid many potential problems.