How to Install a Tankless Propane Water Heater

Tankless water heaters heat water when it is needed.

Water heaters can be powered by electricity, natural gas or propane. One type of propane water heater that you can install in your home is a tankless water heater. This type of water heater does not have a tank and heats water only when it is needed. You can install a tankless propane water heater by first deciding on the specific model of water heater to use for your home.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe cutter
• Adjustable wrench
• Mounting brackets
• Power drill
• Iron pipe
• Union nut

Instructions

1. Turn off or close the main water shut-off valve for your home. Close the valve by turning it to the left or counterclockwise.

2. Cut the existing water pipes from the old water heater with the pipe cutter. If the water pipes are connected to a fitting use an adjustable wrench to loosen the fitting and remove the pipe.

3. Remove the old water heater and set it aside. Find a spot on the wall where you want to place the new tankless water heater. Install the mounting bracket to the wall with the power drill and then mount the tankless water heater on the wall.

4. Connect one end of a threaded iron pipe to the gas output line on the propane tank with the adjustable wrench. Run the iron pipe into the house and connect it to the tankless water heater with a union nut or fitting.

5. Attach the one end of the union nut to the iron pipe and the other end to the tankless water heater. Tighten the large nut with the adjustable wrench to secure the connection.

6. Attach the copper pipe for the water supply line to the tankless water heater. Tighten the fitting on the heater with the adjustable wrench.

7. Open the main water shut-off valve and then check the copper water supply pipe for any leaks. Turn on the propane from the tank and then plug the power cord for the heater into an electrical outlet.

8. Set the temperature of the water on the tankless water heater's control panel to 120 degrees to complete the project.

Tips & Warnings

• Drain the existing water heater before moving it out of the basement, garage or utility closet.

• If you are unsure about soldering the copper pipe for the water line a plumber should be hired.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Propane Tankless Water Heater