How to Troubleshoot Common Water Heater Installation Errors

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How to Troubleshoot Common Water Heater
Installation Errors Installing a water heater
may seem like an easy task, and thats why many
homeowners opt for DIY installations or engage a
handyman. Very few will take the time to hire a
professional for the work. Unfortunately, this
job requires some level of professionalism. If
you do it incorrectly, the heater may fail to
work, malfunction, or cause an electrical
hazard in the home. Therefore, there is a
need to troubleshoot the heater for installation
errors, especially if you suspect that the work
was not properly done or if the heater starts to
malfunction. Below are some common installation
errors and troubleshooting tips that you can
follow to rectify the problem. 1. No Hot
Water This problem is by far the most common
with DIY water heater installations. You set up
your water heater correctly only to find that it
is not heating the water. The most likely problem
here is that you have not connected it to an
energy source. Heaters can either be gas or
electric. If you arent sure of what type you
have, look for a flue at the top of the
tank. Flues are available in gas heaters
only therefore, if yours doesnt have one, it is
an electric one.
Connect the appliance to the appropriate source
of energy so that it can heat the water. The
heater should come with a manufacturers manual
that offers directions on how to connect it to an
energy source. The guidelines vary from one
heater model to another.
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• Water Leaks
• Water leaks are common in DIY
  installations. Ideally, your new water
  heater should not leak water. However, if it
  does, it means that some connections are loose.
• Check the hot-water and cold-water outlets as
  these are the most common culprits of leaks and
  drips. At the outlets, inspect the
  Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR).
  Ensure that it is adequately tightened to
  prevent water from dripping. Since it is a new
  heater, chances of a damaged TPR valve are rare.
  However, if the leak continues after
  tightening the valve, check to ensure that
  the seal is in excellent condition.
• Improper Venting Slope
• The vent pipe on the water heater should always
  slope backward so that the condensate liquid can
  drain back into the system and be disposed of
  through the condensate line. Improper
  installation with an incorrectly sloped vent pipe
  can cause blockage in the vent pipe. This problem
  is common where the pipe slopes outdoors and is
  exposed to low temperatures. Blockage in the line
  can cause a malfunction of the entire heater.
• During installation, ensure that the vent pipe
  slopes backward to prevent the condensate fluid
  from getting trapped inside the line and causing
  a blockage.
• Inadequate Hot Water
• You may find that you quickly run out of hot
  water before getting done in the shower.
  Additionally, the water may not be as hot as
  expected. Lack of enough hot water is a simple
  problem that can be fixed by adjusting the
  thermostat. If you didnt set the thermostat
  during installation, there is a chance that the
  temperature is too low.
• Just shut off the power to the heater,
  locate the thermostat and remove the cover,
  locate the temperature knob, and adjust it to
  your liking. Most homes require 120 temperature,
  but you can set it a little higher if you keep on
  running low on hot water.

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Bottom-line Water heater installation requires
careful planning to ensure that the unit and all
its components work correctly. While the task may
seem easy for any handyman or DIY enthusiast, it
requires some level of professionalism. Follow
these tips to troubleshoot your heater for
installation errors. If you locate the problem,
consider engaging an experienced professional so
that they can fix it and check your heater for
other installation problems that would end up
costing you in the future. Article source
https//www.propertyemporium.net/2019/01/how-to-tr
oubleshoot-common-water- heater.html