Installing a gas heater plumbing system requires the right tools and knowledge. To ensure that your work goes smoothly and efficiently, it's important to have the right tools and understand the products you're installing or repairing. Here are some of the essential tools you'll need for a successful installation: Adjustable wrenches, drills with drill bits, gloves, a hand wheelbarrow, a pencil, a tube cutter, pipe wrenches, and safety glasses. Before beginning, it's important to disconnect the gas line from the junction.
Then, remove the threaded “T” shaped leg and the drip leg and take out the gas control valve nozzle from the water heater. Don't discard them, as they will be needed for the new water heater. If your gas line is copper or a flexible supply line, simply unscrew the nut. Place the drain pan in position with the opening facing the floor drain. Ask someone to help you lift and place the heater in the pan.
If you are replacing the isolation valve, then solder the new ball valve. Hold the control valve to avoid damaging it. Then screw the drip leg onto the shirt. Measure between the joint and the shirt and add 1 inch to determine the correct length of the nipple. You'll need plumber tape or composite for pipe joints approved for drinking water and composite for pipe joints or plumber tape approved for combustible gas. A fundamental tool for use in heating systems is a pair of long-nose pliers that can be twisted, cut and shaped when needed. The installation kit includes a flexible gas connector with compression fittings for connecting the house's gas line to the gas control valve of the water heater. Access to the gas meter is often necessary to be a Gas Safe engineer, so having a universal key for the gas meter is an important tool for your kit.
Gas engineering and plumbing are professional and regulated jobs, so you need to have proper qualifications and certificates to be able to do them. A gas meter key is a simple yet essential tool that you need and is highly recommended to guarantee that you can open up gas meter boxes. Flexible gas line: A flexible gas line can withstand movement and is generally required in earthquake-prone areas. Because the water heater is new and the tank is cold, some condensation (drops of water) may build up on the floor when it runs for the first time. Once you have made all of your gas connections, use a soft-bristled brush to apply a mixture of water and dish soap or soap bubbles for children to all of your gas pipe connections and to your flexible gas connector (if used). Do not attempt to install a gas water heater yourself unless you have experience working with natural gas, welding, and following local installation codes.
Replacing tank-type gas water heaters requires connections to both your gas pipes and your flue gas vent. Gas Safe engineers and plumbers need to accurately measure gas leaks, so it's important to have an electrical gas leak detector. For homes with copper pipes, consider purchasing a gas water heater installation kit (available at hardware stores and home centers) with compression fittings that don't require soldering. To replace a faulty gas water heater or install a new one, you need a gas supply line, a cold water supply line, and a combustion connection to divert harmful flue gases. Even if you've worked with pipes in general before, play it safe and contact your local inspection department.
