How to Install a Propane Hot Water Heater

Installing a propane hot water heater is easy with the proper tools.

Installing a propane water heater follows the same procedures as installing a natural gas water heater. The difference between the two is the orifice on the burner assembly. For instance, the orifice on the natural gas water heater is larger than the orifice for an LP gas water heater. The tank-type propane hot water heater can efficiently heat between 40 and 100 gallons of water, but as with the natural gas water heater, this depends on the size of the house and the usage of the hot water. You can install a propane water heater in less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe wrench
• Plumber's tape
• Torpedo level
• Wood shims

Instructions

1. Slide the propane water heater into place in the installation location. Check that the propane water heater is level using the torpedo level. Use wooden shims under the bottom of the heater as necessary to make it level.

2. Wrap the threads on the gas inlet, water inlet and water outlet with plumber's tape. Connect the gas line to the water heater and tighten the fitting using a pipe wrench.

3. Connect the vent pipe to the water heater by slipping the pipe onto the opening at the top. Connect the cold water inlet line to the propane water heater and tighten the fitting using a pipe wrench.

4. Connect the hot water outlet pipe to the main hot water supply line and tighten the fitting using a pipe wrench. Turn on the water supply valve to the water heater and allow the tank to fill.

5. Open the hot water valve on a sink furthest away from the water heater and allow it to run until the water is flowing smoothly from the faucet and all air is out of the water line. Open the gas valve at the water heater.

6. Turn the thermostat to the lighting position and depress the red button. Light the flame on the water heater. Release the red button and set the thermostat temperature to 120 degrees.

7. Allow the water heater ample time to heat the water before using. It usually takes 40 to 60 minutes before it is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Never smoke when working with gas appliances.

References

• Propane 101: Propane Gas Water Heaters
• Family Handyman: Replacing a Water Heater

Resources

• Lowe's Commercial Services: Propane Water Heaters - What You Need to Know