Installing a Con Edison Hot Water Heater

Preparation

Con Edison, one of the largest United States energy companies, is a major proponent of gas-powered hot water heaters. According to Con Edison, natural gas is both an environmentally and financially sound choice for consumers, and the company has set up a number of programs helping qualifying families and business owners to either install gas water heaters or to upgrade their existing, older gas-powered water heaters.
To install a gas water heater, the building must be equipped with a gas supply, a flue connection to vent out carbon monoxide and a cold water supply. To begin, you'll need to shut down the water, power, and gas supply valve (if you're replacing an older, less-efficient gas heater). Drain the tank of water and use pipe wrenches to disconnect the gas line, then the water lines. Unscrew the gas exhaust vent from the top of the flue and remove the old water heater.

Installation

Put the new water heater in place, turning it so the burner and the controls are easily accessible. Make sure it is level by placing a level against the side of the heater. You can use shims to level the heater out. Connect the flue hat to the gas exhaust vent.
With Teflon tape, wrap the fittings for the cold water inlet and the hot water outlet, connect the fittings into the outlets, and tighten. Then, use flexible copper pipe to make the new water line connections.
To connect the gas supply, use galvanized pipe with piping compound brushed on the threads to make the new connections.

Completion

Open the gas supply valve and test line for leaks by covering all the new connections with a mixture of water and liquid dish soap. If you see bubbles form on the surface near the connection, you will need to redo that particular connection.
If there aren't any leaks, take off the burner access panel, light the pilot, and, using the water heater's control knob, turn the heater to the on position, listening for the burner to ignite.

References

• Doityourself.com: Installing a Water Heater

Resources

• Con Edison: Natural Gas