How hard is it to install a water heater?

[spistols]

I picked up a brand new water heater at Home Depot (50 gallon) for $159. These were last years models, and for some reason they had at least 3 at this price. It was stooopid cheap so I couldn't resist. My home was new in 2001 when I moved in, and have the same water heater. So I guess I am about due.

Some questions for you plumbers or people that know how to do this:

1- Do Shark Bite connections make it a world easier vs sweating pipe joints?

2- How do I insure there is no air in my pipes after installing?

3- What is the best way to set up on the stand?

Any words of advice or links to good sites on how to install a basic water heater?

 

[DADI03]

I can't believe it's lasted that long. Great snag. I just bought one and it was 350ish. How is it hooked up now? Most of the time there not sweated on. I am personally scared of shark bite fittings. As far as getting onto the stand all you can do is manhandle it up onto it.

 

[Road Dog]

I did ours years ago after tye old one busted. Im sure others can give you the good details, but my point is; I was able to do it. So i have faith you'll do fine.

 

[7pt62THOR]

Gas or Electric? By the price I'm guessing electric. If you are gonna use a sharkbite connector, make damn sure you cut it clean, square, and deburr. Open the hot side on a faucet closest to the heater, and turn the water back on. Once it is running only water(not spittin' air), close the valve and then turn the power back on.

 

[DADI03]

You will get air in the lines and that's no problem. You just have to run your faucets to get it out.

 

[webicknell]

Easy.... Call Home Depot to Install....

 

[Wallace's]

Also, to meet code, since 2001, you will need an expansion tank (may only matter if you go to re-sell the house, may come up in an inspection). Someone in the industry could verify this 100%, but I am sure it is still code.

I would personally solder the pipes. You can get the BernzOmatic kit for pretty cheap and will have enough supplies in the kit to install a water heater. Cutting copper pipe and sleeving in a new water heater is not that hard. Just make sure all the water is out of the lines so you can get good heat into the copper to accept the solder ALL THE WAY AROUND.

 

[captdave77]

Water heaters are pretty easy. I used shark bite flex connectors on mine.

 

[Lazarus]

Depends on how yours is set up. Mine is very complex so I had a plumber install mine.

 

[Skiwagon2]

I have used the Shark Bites on 3 installations.....oldest one is 8 years since installation. No issues with any of them. Great deal on the heater.