Install a Gas Water Heater – Lowe’s

Install a new gas water heater in your home and save energy and money. When installing your water heater, make sure to follow model-specific information, warnings, safety notices and local codes. These instructions aren't intended for mobile home units. Consult a professional if in doubt.

Youll need common plumbing tools and pipe joint compound approved for fuel gas. Youll also need leak detection solution, or you can use childrens soap bubbles or hand-dishwashing soap mixed with water. Most codes require the water heater to be installed in a metal drain pan. See the installation instructions for information about sizing the drain pan and other installation details.

If your house has copper pipes, consider an installation kit with compression fittings that dont require soldering. If your pipes are plastic, youll need connectors / fittings for the specific type of plastic pipes used in your home. Read the installation instructions for the new connectors before cutting the existing water pipes.

Turn the main gas supply valve off. Also, turn the gas control knob on the old water heater off. Open a hot-water faucet, and let the hot water run until cool. Allow the old water heater and vent pipe to cool.

Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Place the other end of the hose in a drain or outside (you could also use buckets). Shut off the cold-water supply to the water heater, and open a hot-water faucet and the drain valve. While the water heater is draining, read the installation instructions that came with your water heater.

Disconnect the vent pipe from the draft hood. Inspect the old vent pipes for corrosion, obstructions, leaks or other damage, and repair or replace if necessary. Gas water heaters must have free access to adequate combustion air and must be properly vented. The installation instructions explain these requirements, and they must be followed for safe operation.

Disconnect the gas line at the union (youll need two wrenches for that). Remove the gas pipe from the old water heateryou may be able to reuse it. Save the union, too. Next, remove the water lines and the old water heater. Install the new water heater (in a metal drain pan).

Almost all homes have check valves in the plumbing system and now need a thermal expansion tank installed near the water heater. The expansion tank is attached to the cold-water inlet line. To operate properly, the expansion tank must be pressurized with air. Refer to the expansion tanks instructions for details.

The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P) is an important safety device. It opens to relieve pressure if the water temperature or pressure is too high. Use the new one that came with your new water heater. Dont reuse the old T&P valve.

The T&P discharge pipe should be terminated near a floor drain with an air gap of no more than six inches between the end of the discharge pipe and the drain. Some localities require terminating the T&P discharge pipe outside. In cold climates, we recommend using a floor drain. In all cases, follow the codes for your location.

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Install a Gas Water Heater - Lowe's