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If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your water heater very often. But when it stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. If you’re not prepared, replacing a water heater can be a costly and time-consuming process. However, if you’re willing to put in a little bit of effort, you can save yourself a lot of money by doing it yourself.
Replacing a gas water heater is not as difficult as it may seem. However, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the job is done safely. Before you begin, you will need to gather some supplies. These include a new water heater, a gas line, a water line, a drain line, and a few tools. Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin the process of replacing your old water heater.
The first step is to turn off the gas and water supply to your old water heater. Next, you will need to disconnect the gas line, the water line, and the drain line. Once the old water heater is disconnected, you can remove it from its location. Be careful not to damage the floor or walls when you are removing the old water heater. Once the old water heater is removed, you can install the new water heater.
Safety Precautions
Shut Off Gas and Water Supplies
Before beginning any work on your gas water heater, it is crucial to ensure that both the gas and water supplies are turned off. This will prevent gas leaks and flooding.
- For the gas supply, locate the main gas line shut-off valve. This valve is typically located near the gas meter or on the side of your home. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the gas.
- For the water supply, turn off the cold water supply valve to the water heater. This valve is usually located near the top of the unit.
Additional Considerations:
- Wear gloves and eye protection while working with gas and water lines.
- Use a flashlight to inspect dark areas for leaks.
- If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call your gas company. Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself.
- If you are unsure about any step in the process, contact a qualified plumber for assistance.
Vent the Water Heater
Before disconnecting the water heater from the gas supply, it is essential to vent the unit. This will release any residual gas inside the water heater, minimizing the risk of an explosion.
- Open all hot water faucets in your home to allow air to flow through the system.
- Light a match or lighter and hold it near the gas inlet on the water heater.
- If the flame ignites immediately, the water heater is not properly vented. Turn off all hot water faucets and wait 10-15 minutes before attempting to relight the pilot light.
- If the flame does not ignite, the water heater is properly vented.
Shutting Off Gas and Water
Shutting Off the Gas
The first step in changing out a gas water heater is to shut off the gas supply. To do this, locate the gas shut-off valve for your water heater. The valve is typically located near the bottom of the water heater and will be either a red or yellow lever. Turn the lever perpendicular to the gas line to shut off the gas. If you cannot locate the gas shut-off valve, contact a qualified plumber.
Shutting Off the Water
The next step is to shut off the water supply to the water heater. To do this, locate the two water shut-off valves that are connected to the water heater. The valves will be located on the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. Turn both valves clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Draining the Water Heater
Once the gas and water supplies have been shut off, you need to drain the water heater. To do this, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain into a bucket or drain pan. Once the water heater is empty, close the drain valve.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the gas shut-off valve for your water heater. |
| 2 | Turn the gas shut-off valve lever perpendicular to the gas line to shut off the gas. |
| 3 | Locate the two water shut-off valves that are connected to the water heater. |
| 4 | Turn both water shut-off valves clockwise to shut off the water supply. |
| 5 | Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. |
| 6 | Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain into a bucket or drain pan. |
| 7 | Once the water heater is empty, close the drain valve. |
Draining the Water Heater
Step 1: Turn off the gas supply. The gas shutoff valve is usually located near the bottom of the water heater. Turn the valve clockwise to close it.
Step 2: Turn off the water supply. There are usually two water supply lines connected to the water heater: a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe. Turn the valves on both pipes clockwise to close them.
Step 3: Open the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is located near the top of the water heater. Lift the lever on the valve to open it.
Step 4: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. The drain valve is located near the bottom of the water heater. Attach one end of the garden hose to the drain valve and the other end to a bucket or drain.
Step 5: Open the drain valve. Carefully open the drain valve by turning it counterclockwise. The water will begin to drain out of the water heater and into the bucket or drain.
Step 6: Close the drain valve when the water heater is empty. Once all of the water has drained out of the water heater, close the drain valve by turning it clockwise.
Step 7: Close the pressure relief valve. Close the pressure relief valve by pushing down on the lever.
Step 8: Turn the water supply back on. Open the valves on both the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe to turn the water supply back on.
Step 9: Turn the gas supply back on. Turn the gas shutoff valve counterclockwise to open it and turn the gas supply back on.
Disconnecting the Gas Line
Before you can remove your old gas water heater, you need to disconnect the gas line. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow all safety precautions to avoid any accidents.
Here are the steps on how to disconnect the gas line:
- Turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
- Locate the gas line to the water heater and loosen the fitting that connects the line to the water heater.
- Using a wrench, disconnect the gas line from the fitting.
- Plug the open end of the gas line to prevent gas from escaping.
- Remove the gas line from the water heater.
- Turn off the cold water supply valve to the water heater.
- Open the hot water fixture closest to the water heater.
- Place a bucket or bowl under the fixture to catch the water.
- Open the cold water supply valve slowly.
- Let the water run until all of the air has been removed from the line and water flows steadily from the fixture.
- Close the hot water fixture.
- Turn the cold water supply valve back on.
- Repeat steps 2-7 for each hot water fixture in your home.
- New gas water heater
- Pipe wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Gas leak detector
- Safety glasses
- Gas: Turn off the gas supply to the old water heater.
- Water: Shut off the water supply to the water heater.
- Electricity: Turn off the electricity to the water heater.
- Open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater using a screwdriver or pliers.
- Let the water drain completely.
- Use the pipe wrench to disconnect the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe from the water heater.
- Cap the open pipes to prevent water leakage.
- Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the gas line from the gas valve on the water heater.
- Cap the open gas line to prevent gas leakage.
- Use a pipe wrench to loosen the anchor straps or bolts holding the water heater in place.
- Carefully slide the water heater out of its compartment.
- Place the new water heater in the compartment and connect the anchor straps or bolts.
- Reconnect the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe to the new water heater using plumber’s tape.
- Connect the gas line to the gas valve on the new water heater using plumber’s tape.
- Tighten the connection securely using an adjustable wrench.
- Turn on the gas supply to the water heater.
- Turn on the water supply to the water heater.
- Check for any leaks at the pipe and gas connections using a gas leak detector.
- Light the water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Let the water heater run for a few minutes to purge any air from the system.
- Open the hot water faucet at a sink and let the water run until it is hot.
| Safety Precautions |
|---|
| Always turn off the gas supply before disconnecting the gas line. |
| Use a wrench to loosen the fitting that connects the gas line to the water heater. |
| Do not use your hands to disconnect the gas line. |
| Plug the open end of the gas line to prevent gas from escaping. |
| Never smoke or use open flames near the gas line. |
Removing the Old Water Heater
1. Turn Off Gas and Water Supply:
Locate the gas shut-off valve near the bottom of the heater and turn it clockwise to “off.” Next, locate the cold water supply valve at the top of the heater and turn it clockwise to “off.”
2. Disconnect Gas Line:
Use a wrench to detach the gas line from the gas inlet valve on the water heater. Be careful to seal the open end of the gas line with a cap or plug to prevent leaks.
3. Disconnect Water Lines:
Use a pipe wrench to disconnect both the hot and cold water lines from the water heater. Place a bucket or container underneath the connections to catch any residual water.
4. Drain Water Heater:
Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and direct it into a drain. Open the valve to drain all the water from the tank.
5. Remove Power From Water Heater:
If the water heater is electric, turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to it. For gas water heaters, simply turn off the gas supply and leave the electrical connections intact.
6. Disconnect Flue Pipe:
Remove the screws or bolts that connect the flue pipe to the water heater. Support the flue pipe with one hand while carefully pulling it off with the other. Note the orientation of the pipe so you can re-install it correctly later.
**Special Considerations for Double-Wall Venting:** If your water heater has double-wall venting, you will need to:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a. | Unclip the inner flue pipe from the outer pipe. |
| b. | Carefully pull the inner flue pipe out of the water heater. |
| c. | Disconnect the outer flue pipe from the vent cap or chimney. |
Installing the New Water Heater
Safety Precautions
* Shut off the gas supply valve.
* Turn off the electricity to the water heater.
* Drain the water from the tank by opening the drain valve.
Step 1: Remove the Old Water Heater
* Disconnect the gas line and water supply lines.
* Unscrew the mounting bolts that secure the water heater to the wall or floor.
* Slide the water heater out of its space.
Step 2: Prepare the New Water Heater
* Wrap the threads of the gas line and water supply lines with Teflon tape.
* Connect the gas line and water supply lines to the new water heater.
* Secure the mounting bolts that will hold the water heater in place.
Step 3: Install the New Water Heater
* Slide the new water heater into its space.
* Tighten the mounting bolts.
* Connect the gas line and water supply lines to the corresponding valves.
Step 4: Turn on the Water Supply
* Slowly open the cold water supply valve to fill the tank.
* Check for leaks around the connections.
Step 5: Turn on the Gas Supply
* Turn on the gas supply valve.
* Light the pilot light according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Adjust the Temperature
* Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature.
* Allow the water heater to reach the desired temperature before using hot water.
Step 7: Final Checks
* Check the following for leaks:
| Component | Check Point |
|---|---|
| Gas line | Connections to the water heater and gas supply valve |
| Water supply lines | Connections to the water heater and cold water supply |
| Drain valve | Securely closed |
* Check the pilot light to ensure it is lit and stable.
* Confirm that the water heater is operating properly and providing hot water.
Filling and Bleeding the Water Heater
After you’ve installed the water heater, you’ll need to fill it with cold water before you can turn on the gas. Open the cold water supply valve and the hot water fixture closest to the water heater. This will allow air to escape as the water fills the tank. Turn off the hot water fixture once water begins to flow steadily.
Next, turn off the cold water supply valve and open the hot water fixture again. This will allow any remaining air to escape. Close the hot water fixture and turn on the cold water supply valve again. Repeat this process until water flows steadily from the hot water fixture without any air bubbles.
Once the water heater is full, check for any leaks. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections and re-test the system.
Bleeding the Hot Water Lines
After the water heater is filled, you may need to bleed the hot water lines to remove any trapped air. This is especially important if you’ve replaced the old water heater with a new one.
To bleed the hot water lines:
Once you’ve bled all of the hot water lines, your new water heater is ready to use.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | For tightening and loosening nuts and bolts |
| Bucket or bowl | For catching water when bleeding the hot water lines |
| Flashlight | For illuminating dark areas when working |
| Level | For ensuring that the water heater is level |
| Plumber’s tape | For sealing connections and preventing leaks |
| Screwdriver | For tightening and loosening screws |
| Wrench | For tightening and loosening nuts and bolts |
How to Change Out a Gas Water Heater
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
Safety First:
Step 1: Drain the Water Heater
Step 2: Disconnect Pipes
Step 3: Disconnect Gas Line
Step 4: Remove Old Water Heater
Step 5: Install New Water Heater
Step 6: Reconnect Gas Line
Step 7: Turn on Gas and Water
Step 8: Test and Flush
People Also Ask
### How do I know if my gas water heater is bad?
Signs of a bad gas water heater include:
* No hot water
* Lukewarm water
* Leaking water
* Rust or corrosion
* Strange noises
How much does it cost to replace a gas water heater?
The cost to replace a gas water heater typically ranges from $900 to $1,700, including labor and materials.
How long does it take to replace a gas water heater?
Replacing a gas water heater usually takes 4-6 hours, depending on the complexity of the installation.
Can I replace a gas water heater myself?
While replacing a gas water heater is possible as a DIY project, it is recommended to hire a licensed plumber for safe and proper installation.
