If you’re considering installing a new water heater yourself, you may want to reconsider after you’ve been able to evaluate all of the risks. It’s not a simple project, and the consequences of making mistakes are serious. Just like you probably wouldn’t represent yourself in court or be your own doctor, you shouldn’t install for your own water heater either.
At first glance, installing a water heater on your own may seem like the cheapest route. Unfortunately, unless you are a professional, it is dangerous without the proper training and background experience. Most water heaters are gas, so even the smallest of mistakes made during installation can cause added expenses, property damage, injury, or even death.
The Top 5 reasons you should hire a professional to install your water heater:
1. Risk of Fire and Explosion
Most water heaters in New Mexico use natural gas and this means you have to burn combustible fuel to heat your water. These fuels are extremely flammable, so even one mistake during installation can cause a serious fire or even an explosion! Doing your own installation isn’t worth putting your family’s lives at risk, not to mention the resulting property damage.
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Ventilation is vital for gas burning water heaters. When there isn’t enough airflow, carbon monoxide builds up. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a medical emergency and people exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide risk permanent brain damage and death. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, so if there were a leak, you wouldn’t be able to detect it (unless you have a functional carbon monoxide detector). Seemingly small mistakes can have serious impacts when it comes to installing products that use natural gas.
3. Product Knowledge
Remember that online and in person salespeople are typically not water heating professionals. They may have good intentions, but they cannot match the product knowledge of a trained and licensed plumber. In order to get the water heater that best meets your family’s needs, you need to ask a professional.
4. Home Re-Sale Issues
A time may come when you want to sell your home. If you installed the water heater yourself, you will have to pay to get it inspected and permitted. Failure to pass inspection requirements can mean repairs and maybe even re-installation. So it’s possible that you may end up paying twice. You don’t need this stress and inconvenience while trying to sell a home!
A licensed plumbing professional will ensure that your water heater is permitted and up to code upon installation. Choose a reputable company that stands behind their work and offers a warranty or guarantees their work. If an issue comes up while the unit is under warranty, your professional can address.
For example, TLC recently helped donate their time and products to help out a local non-profit. During the walkthrough, the technicians discovered that the water heater’s installation was out of code. One part in particular, the T&P (which is the pressure relief valve) was not installed correctly. This part needs to slope down and the T&P valve needs to be able to pop and relieve pressure, otherwise, the minerals and water can freeze the diaphragm, which can cause excessive pressure, and could make the take erupt!
5. Peace of Mind
When you go with a licensed plumber, you’re not just buying a job well done – you’re giving yourself and your family peace of mind. It’s a relief to know that won’t be faced with property damage, loss of health or life, or any issues if you decide to resell your house.
Don’t risk your family’s safety and comfort to save a few dollars. It isn’t worth it. Give yourself peace of mind and call a professional.