James Roland
New Member
As most of the bids I am receiving are well over $1,500 to replace my current "low boy" 50 gallon heater, I am contemplating buying one (about $659) and installing it myself as I have (what I think) is enough skill to do it. First off, if the images illustrate improper installation, please be aware, this is how it was when I moved in, and NOT anything I did myself!
1. My biggest concern is that the water heater sits on a slab with no drainage in the floor. As you can see, the current set up is using a PEX tube to the washing machine drain in the next room. I have been advised that this is not an ideal situation as that type of tube is not rated to handle those temperatures.
Should I add a drain pan underneath the heater and a traditional straight copper pipe down from the relief valve to the pan? Or is routing out through that PEX tube still a better option?
2. I am thinking of adding (soldering) a 3/4” threaded nipple to the hot water out side for easy addition of new copper flex lines. Anybody see and potential problems with this idea?
3. Anything else I should be aware of for this install? I know to shut off all power to the old heater and drain it, then and fill the new one with water (opening a hot water faucet) before turning the power to the heater back on…
PS: Lastly, what is the large, roundish valve in the cold water line, sitting directly over the heater?
1. My biggest concern is that the water heater sits on a slab with no drainage in the floor. As you can see, the current set up is using a PEX tube to the washing machine drain in the next room. I have been advised that this is not an ideal situation as that type of tube is not rated to handle those temperatures.
Should I add a drain pan underneath the heater and a traditional straight copper pipe down from the relief valve to the pan? Or is routing out through that PEX tube still a better option?
2. I am thinking of adding (soldering) a 3/4” threaded nipple to the hot water out side for easy addition of new copper flex lines. Anybody see and potential problems with this idea?
3. Anything else I should be aware of for this install? I know to shut off all power to the old heater and drain it, then and fill the new one with water (opening a hot water faucet) before turning the power to the heater back on…
PS: Lastly, what is the large, roundish valve in the cold water line, sitting directly over the heater?