Why Go With A Professional For Water Heater Installation? | Richardson, TX
Is it possible to install a water heater by yourself? It is not something we recommend. Plumbing is a critical part of water heaters and an incorrect water heater installation could cause serious problems to your Richardson, TX home’s plumbing. It is also illegal to install a water heater in Texas without a permit or a license as a plumber. Let’s talk about what can go wrong with DIY installs and why you should trust a professional to do the work for you.
Before we go into why you should hire a professional to install your new water heater, let’s take a quick dive into why you might need it. Homeowners typically opt for new water heater installation when they believe their current one is beyond repair, or it’s no longer efficient. However, judging whether a water heater is beyond repair is best left to a professional plumber. Trained, licensed plumbers have the industry knowledge and experience to determine whether your water heater is truly irreparable.
If maintained correctly, tank-style water heaters can last eight to twelve years. As they age, issues can become more frequent and more difficult to fix. You might experience problems with the heating elements, or sensors of your water heater. This is a common problem that can be fixed quickly to restore your water heater’s functionality. Other issues may require a new water heater installation, such as corrosion inside and outside the tank.
Why Hire a Residential Plumber to Install a Water Heater?
If you need a new water heater. Who should you call? Of course, your neighborhood plumber. There are many reasons to hire a professional plumber to install your next water heater. Plumbers are skilled tradesmen and have the tools and training to be able to remove and install your old water heater with ease. There’s no guesswork involved!
Water heater installation is undoubtedly a service that requires a professional plumber. Installing a water heater by yourself can void the warranty and affect whether you can claim on insurance in the event of a failure.
To ensure safety and compliance with the law, licensed plumbers will install your water heater in accordance to code. It is illegal to install a water heater in Texas without a permit, and only licensed plumbers are allowed to obtain them. While we’ll discuss the negative consequences of this later, it is important to realize that you are likely breaking the law by installing a water heater yourself.
When you rely on a professional in Richardson, TX to undertake water heater installation for you, you can rest assured that the job was done correctly and that the plumber will provide a warranty in the event of any problems.
Do-it-yourself water heater installs can cause many problems. Incorrectly installing water heaters can lead to many costly issues, such as:
- Property damage
- Premature heater failures
- Water leaks
- Legal problems
- Insurance issues
- Fires
- Gas leaks
- Electric system damage
- Scalding water
Putting your trust in a licensed plumber will help you to avoid these issues when it comes to a new water heater installation in your home.
Did you know that there are many plumbing codes for water heaters? These codes cover everything from how to install your water heater to what safety features you need. These codes are required by law. You could face legal issues if you do not follow the proper plumbing and building codes.
It is tempting to just go ahead and do the job without a permit or knowledge of local plumbing codes. However, this could lead to problems. You could face legal consequences for breaking the law. A DIY water heater installation could also cause your homeowner’s policy to be invalidated, if the insurance company discovers there’s no permit record or incorrect information on file.
Issues You Could Face with DIY Installations
Improper installation can lead to malfunctions with internal components, such as the TPR valve, and can result in issues such as water leaks, gas leaks, and electrical issues.
A TPR valve that is not properly installed can pose a serious safety risk. This valve releases pressure from the heater tank if it gets too high. It is crucial that this component is calibrated correctly because a water heater exposed to high pressure could explode. Problem is, DIY-ers typically don’t have enough knowledge or training to correctly install a TPR-type valve.
The drain lines are another essential component that pose a safety risk if installed incorrectly. These drain lines collect hot water from the TPR valve and redirect it away from the water heater. For proper installation of a water heater drain line, there are specific guidelines. You may also require a drain pan. This must meet certain specifications. It could pose a serious problem for your family and home if it is installed incorrectly. It could lead to water damage and increase your risk of being burnt. A professional plumber knows the required guidelines and safety instructions for installing the drain lines and pans that should be connected to your water heater.
You might discover major water leaks in the home if you install your water heater yourself. Plumbers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to properly install your water heater and seal all connections effectively. Doing it yourself can lead to mistakes and water leaks which could cause serious damage to your property. It’s safer to hire a professional plumber for water heater installation.
Water heaters also require a power source. This could be electricity, natural gas, or alternative fuel. Gas, especially, requires extra care during installation. Our plumbers are skilled in connecting your water heater to the right power source. You could be putting yourself at risk if you do it yourself. Electrocution can result from working with electricity without proper training. Even if you are lucky enough to escape injury, improper water heater installation could cause damage to your electrical system and increase fire risk. Don’t risk your safety, call a bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas – Richardson, TX today!
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