How to Install a Natural Gas Water Heater

Water heaters, even if properly maintained, eventually need to be replaced. An old water heater will consume more and more gas with the passage of time, and eventually won't be able to supply a continuous supply of hot water. Installing a new water heater will remedy these defects and save money. Follow the steps below to install a natural gas water heater.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Level Plastic shims Plumber's tape Adjustable pliers Soap and water solution Sponge Match or lighter

1. Place the new water heater into position. There should be at least 6 inches of clearance surrounding the water heater for ventilation.

2. Place a level along the side of the water heater to ensure that the water heater is straight. If necessary, place plastic shims under the feet of the heater.

3. Wrap the threads of the two heat trap fittings with plumber's tape. The heat trap fittings are metal valves about 4 inches long. They screw onto the top of the heater. Each valve has threads on each end. Therefore, both the upper and lower threads of each valve should be wrapped in the tape.

4. Install the heat trap fittings onto the top of the water heater. These valves are directional and must be installed properly. The valve with the blue top is for the cold water. The other valve is for the hot water. Find the arrow on the side of each valve. The arrow on the cold water fitting must face toward the water heater. The arrow on the hot water valve must point up. The valves screw into the water heater. Tighten them with adjustable pliers.

5. Install the water lines. The water lines simply screw into the heat trap fittings installed in Step 4. The end of each water line has a nut, which should be tightened onto each fitting with adjustable pliers.

6. Turn the water valves on by turning the red handled shutoff valve at the top of each water line to a vertical position.

7. Install the flue hat vent at the top of the water heater. The hat vent is the large metallic cylinder piece that directs heat away from the heater. The hat vent simply slides onto the top of the water heater.

8. Connect the gas supply line to the temperature-control thermostat. This thermostat is on the front of the water heater, and has a red knob on top it. Wrap the threads of the supply line with plumber's tape, then screw the line into the side of the thermostat.

9. Turn the gas supply line on by turning the red handled shutoff valve at the top of the line to a vertical position.

10. Test the gas supply line for leaks by covering the supply line fittings with a soap and water solution with a sponge.

11. Light the pilot with a match or lighter. The pilot is at the bottom of the water heater.

12. Turn the red dial at the top of the temperature-control thermostat to read 120 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ensure that the gas to the existing water heater is turned off before it is removed by turning the red handled shutoff valve at the top of the gas line to a horizontal position. The gas used by the water heater is poisonous. Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, fatigue and nausea. If symptoms of poisoning are present, immediately turn the red handled gas valve to the horizontal position, proceed outdoors, then consult a doctor. Immediately contact your gas company or a professional if you're not sure if there are gas leaks.