Many handy homeowners can get tempted to replace their own water heater when the time has come. After all, they have installed shelves, repaired fences, and tightened fixtures around the house, and they’ll save a few bucks in labor costs. However, a water heater system replacement is nothing like replacing a faucet.

Water heater replacement requires substantial knowledge of your home’s plumbing, electric, and gas lines and can lead to dangerous accidents if done wrong, such as gas leaks or power short circuits. Hence, although it may be possible in some situations to replace it on your own, it is not recommended, and it’s better to call licensed plumbers.

5 reasons why you shouldn’t do a water heater system replacement by yourself

Water heater replacements often take a full day.

You may think that replacing a water heater is as simple as removing the old unit and installing the new one, but this job involves a lot of labor and can be more time-consuming than expected. On average, a water heater replacement takes between 3 and 4 hours, but it can take up to a full day if the new heater isn’t the same as the old one.

This long timeframe is because replacing a water heater requires draining the old unit to dispose of it, turning off power and gas sources, disconnecting them from the main water and gas lines and the house’s electric grid, connecting the new one, and testing the voltage to ensure it’s consuming what it needs.

If you upgrade your heater or need to move it to another location, you must alter plumbing, gas, and electrical connections. For these reasons, calling a professional for a water heater replacement is better.

Some replacements require working with gas.

Many home and business owners choose gas water heaters because they are often more powerful and efficient in meeting their hot water needs, paying back the upfront costs. However, they are more complex to install and, in most cases, you’ll need to get a permit before you can proceed with your hot water heater system replacement.

Besides connecting the new unit to your gas lines, which can result in gas leaks and even explosions if you don’t have enough knowledge and care, you also need to connect it to a draft hood to vent out the fumes and prevent gas intoxications. Likewise, you must ensure your gas water heater replacement is up to Florida’s building code.

Water heater replacements require permits.

A water heater system replacement is often considered a “mini construction project,” meaning that, in most cases, you’ll need a permit from your building department before starting. This is especially true for projects with gas-fueled water heaters and changes in the style, capacity, and location of plumbing and electrical systems.

Likewise, some cities in the Treasure Coast may require a water heater inspection after the job is completed to ensure it meets the safety and installation standards stated in the building codes. Failing to obtain the required permits and inspections could result in fines and legal issues with your local authorities.

Because of this handful of paperwork, most homeowners prefer to have licensed plumbers handle their water heater replacement. Professionals often bundle the permit work into the rest of the job, including it in the estimate, ensuring you have the required permits, and scheduling inspections before starting the replacement.

Installing a water heater involves electrical and plumbing skills.

Water heaters are connected to your home’s electrical wiring and plumbing lines, so installing a new unit with all the necessary plumbing fittings can become quite complex if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing. Thus, leaving your water heater system replacement in professional hands is always recommended.

Whether you get an electrical, gas, or hybrid water heater, you must connect it to your home’s electrical wiring. If you’re upgrading your unit during the water heater replacement, you’ll often have to replace the wiring before connecting the heater. If you don’t have enough electrical knowledge, you may use the wrong materials or mix up the connections and risk damaging your water heater and electric grid.

In other cases, you may also need to connect new-length pipes, assemble adapters, and solder fittings together, which requires trade knowledge you may lack.

Some insurances require licensed work to remain valid.

Many homeowner insurances and manufacturer’s warranties require a professional to do your water heater system replacement. An untrained person could make a mistake with devastating consequences, hence, they need to ensure these jobs are done correctly and don’t pose a risk to your home’s integrity.

Hence, attempting a DIY water heater replacement can void your warranty and insurance, leaving you unprotected if you ever need it.

Protect your safety and water heater’s lifespan with Swiftline Plumbing.

Proudly serving all of the Treasure Coast, the Swiftline Plumbing crew will be there when you call us to take over your hot water heater system replacement. We will ensure a stress-free, legal-compliant, and safe experience so you can enjoy hot showers again in no time.

If you want to guarantee your water heater is safe to use and don’t wish to deal with issues in the future, contact us today!