Do your parents say you take really long showers and use up all the hot water? Annoying, right? Upgrading to a new hot water system like Same Day Hot Water Service can give your family more hot water when you need it. But installing a water heater on your own comes with some risks. Safety has to come first. In this post, let’s go over key tips to make sure your family stays safe throughout the whole installation process.
Choose the Right Location
The first step in safely installing a new hot water system is picking an appropriate location. Here are some guidelines:
- Pick a spot close to existing water lines to avoid complex new plumbing.
- Make sure the floor can support the weight when full of water.
- Allow open space around the tank for ventilation and maintenance access.
- Place it somewhere any leaks can be easily spotted and contained.
- Keep it away from flammable materials since heaters can ignite fires if damaged.
Taking time to find the ideal installation spot goes a long way towards safety.
Protect Against Water Damage
Water heaters always carry a risk of leakage. To prevent potentially disastrous water damage:
- Install a leak detector near the tank to alert your family if water is escaping.
- Put a drain pan underneath to catch drips and leaks.
- Make sure the drain pan has a pipe to route water outside or to a sink drain.
- Place the tank near a floor drain if possible.
- Keep valuables and electronics far away to keep them dry if a leak occurs.
Adjust the Temperature
Water heaters often come from the factory with very high temperature settings – up to 140°F. Water that hot can cause serious scalding injuries.
Have your parents adjust the thermostat on the appliance to a safer temperature between 105-120°F. This prevents burns while still allowing comfortable showers and baths.
Install Pressure Relief Valves
Water expands when heated. All heaters need pressure relief valves to release excess pressure buildup and prevent dangerous explosions.
Make sure a valve is professionally installed on the new appliance and connected to a discharge pipe leading outside. Check it regularly to ensure it’s working properly.
Use Caution with Electricity
Electric water heaters involve working with high voltage wires. Take proper precautions:
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker before connecting any wires.
- Wear insulated gloves and use insulated tools.
- Follow local codes and the manual for proper electrical setup.
- If you lack experience with electrical work, hire an expert to handle this part.
Rushing electrical connections risks electrocution or fire. Respect electricity and get help if needed.
Check for Gas Leaks
For new gas hot water systems, improperly sealed fittings can cause dangerous gas leaks. Stop leaks with:
- A bubble test on joints using soapy water to look for bubbles.
- A gas leak detector to sniff out any escaping gas.
- A pressure test to reveal drops pointing to leaks.
If you smell gas at any point, evacuate the home immediately and call 911.
Hire Professional Help
Let’s be real – installing a hot water system has complex steps. If your family doesn’t have experience, it’s safer and smarter to hire professional plumbers and electricians. Pros have the expertise to handle tricky installations while keeping your family safe. Don’t take risks DIYing major utilities without skills. Safety first. And there you have it. With these tips, your family can upgrade to a better hot water heater the safe way. Follow the safety steps, and you’ll keep enjoying hot showers for years to come.
