How to Install a Tankless Water Heater & Water Softener

Tankless water heaters save you both space and money

A tank less water heater operates without using a storage tank and heats the water directly. It is also referred to as a demand or instantaneous water heater. Using a tank less water heater is cost efficient and can reduce costs by 30%. Installing a water softener in collaboration with a demand water heater works to reduce hard water problems in the home. Using these appliances enhances the quality and utility of a home.

Things You'll Need

• Close quarter cutter
• Rotating pipe cutter
• Tube cutter
• Wire brush
• Soldering torch
• Emery cloth
• Screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Gloves
• Pipe wrench
• Bucket
• Hammer
• Drill
• Garden hose
• Pipe wrenches
• Curb key

Instructions

1. Consult with the store where the heater was purchased. Installation may be available at an additional charge Consider hiring a home repair person to do the installation. Make sure a professional installer is hired with appropriate training and credentials.

2. Prepare the heater's electrical source. Conceal wiring in the wall to prevent moisture and water damaging the wiring. The outlet needs a 220 voltage plug.

3. Install the Water Softener. Choose a location and system. Determine the amount of water consumed everyday. There must be 10-inch piping between the water softener and water heater. Ensure that the area's level, dry and distant from direct sun rays. The area must also be close to an electrical outlet. The temperature must be above freezing (32 degrees Farenheight). The system must be near a drain and a major waterline.

4. Shutoff the water, then drain the lines. Close the major water source by utilizing a curb key. To drain the waterlines, turn the faucet on at the lowest and highest point.

5. Turn off the water heater's valve and power.

6. Connect the new waterlines. Use two pipe wrenches to gradually loosen the waterline's union to tap the new waterlines into the existing waterline.

7. Install a remote bypass. It's a pipe system that allows water to get into the water softener. The short pipe will connect the service line and feed-line pipe to create the by-pass.

8. Apply flux at the pipes' ends. After that, attach the fittings to the water pipes. Use a torch to heat the pipes. Solder the joints and reconnect them to the major waterline. Turn on the water at the major pipe. Then, turn on the water heater. Open the water heater's stop valves and inspect if there are leaks.

9. Take out the barbed fitting with a pipe wrench. The barbed fitting must be removed for the drain line to be installed. After that, apply the Teflon tape on the threads. Then, reconnect the barbed fitting. Attach the half-inch drain tube to the barbed fitting. Use cable ties so the drain tube is secured to the pipe.

10. Reach the drain line. The line needs a 4-inch gap between the open drain and the line's end to avoid back flow. Be familiar with water code regulations to ensure proper maintenance.

11. Install the brine line. Take off the lid of the brine tank. Then, push the tube into the hole on the tank's side. Attach the compression fitting into the tube's end, then connect the safety valve.

12. Connect the drain tube on the brine tank. Then, drain the tube and plug the system.

13. Shutoff the bypass. After that, check if there are leaks in the valve that's connected to the water softener. Remember that the service valve must be opened so the water can flow through.

14. Pour salt into the tank and then finish the installation. The tank must be filled with salt to finish the install. Run your unit in all the rinsing stations three to five minutes to flush out resins and other mineral build-up.

References

• Hot Water Heaters Reviews: Installing a Tankless Water Heater
• Tankless Water Heater Guilde