How to Relocate the Water Heater to Another Space

One of the most difficult DIY tasks you can attempt as a homeowner is to relocate your water heater. Due to factors like building codes, plumbing complications and whether your heater is gas or electric, moving your water heater is often an extremely delicate process that can go wrong in any number of ways. However, with a little know how and some effort you should be able to relocate your heater to a different room in your house. Keep reading to learn how to relocate a water heater and find out how moving your heater is much easier when you hire a local contractor to help out.

Get Your New Location Ready

Before you can actually begin the relocation process, you’ll need to prepare the room where your water heater will be moved to. This can actually be one of the most labor intensive portions of the project, as it requires a high level of specialized knowledge. Preparation of the heater’s new location can include installing new pipes and electrical lines in the walls, placing a new vent pipe and possibly building a platform for your heater, depending on your local building codes. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you have the necessary skills and materials that you will need to prepare this new heater location.

Disconnect Your Water Heater and Move It to Its New Home

Once you are satisfied that your new location is prepared, it’s time to get down to the business of moving your water heater. The first thing that must be done is to disconnect your heater from its water and power supplies. Disconnection can often be hazardous, so it’s important to handle this step with care. Turn off the water to your house, drain the water from the heater and then disconnect the water lines. Next, turn off the breaker on which your heater is located and then disconnect the power lines—if your heater runs on gas it is advisable to let a professional disconnect the gas line.

After your heater has been completely disconnected, move it very slowly and gently to its new location. Be as careful as you can, because water heaters are extremely delicate and any stray bumps may damage your equipment.

Carefully Reconnect Your Heater

When your heater has been properly situated in its new home, you need to go about connecting the new water and power lines. Start by reconnecting the water lines. Turn on a cold water faucet and allow this line to clear. After this, turn on a hot water faucet and allow that line to clear. Finally, connect your electric lines to the heater and then turn on the new breaker that your heater is hooked up to. If everything has gone well, your water heater should be up and running in its new home.

Move Your Water Heater with Help from a Plumbing Professional

When starting on a home improvement job, it may seem like you may be able to handle everything yourself. However, jobs like moving a water heater that require specialized knowledge can be too difficult for even the savviest homeowner, which means you need help to complete the job. To find a local contractor that can easily move your water heater to a new location, you need to sign up with ServiceWhale. By using ServiceWhale’s simple request wizard you’ll find your area’s most qualified contractors, who are all ready to complete your home improvement job at a great price. Partner with ServiceWhale today and move your water heater quickly and easily.