Replace Your Water Heater Yourself in 10 Easy Steps

[@engineeringandtruth5162]

I was just quoted $3600 for a job ($2300 for the hearer and $1200 for service). They said it would be three days till they could schedule. I got a heater from Home Depot for $710 and got the job done in one day. Thanks buddy.

[@kevin3434343434]

Im getting quotes for $6,000 - $8,000! Are they out of their damn minds? I'll do it myself..

[@Fayn757]

😡

[@illmanneredplayer]

About to do the same my guy after getting quoted 2100 from home Depot here in California

[@bobbisqueena2285]

Thanks Loads from a grateful Mom- I just installed a 50 gallon gas water heater in my basement! Works Great! I included my daughter in the project because it’s very empowering to be self-sufficient and anyone can learn if they pay attention!

[@ClydeHernandez-mf9nd]

This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. kzbin.infoUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).

[@travisgarrett9398]

I was just quoted $1,700 for a 40 gallon water heater and install. I know the water heater that they install costs them about $600, leaving them a tidy sum for installation. I think I'll install myself. Thanks for the video.

[@lockdiesel8108]

What a rip! Still cheaper than the quote I got from Tom Drexler here in KY they want right over $2000 🥹

[@mikepxy]

@@lockdiesel8108 wat part of KY you in?

[@hey3214]

Lowe’s home improvement with install & replace. When you buy one.

[@wildhorses6817]

I just had one installed for $2100, yesterday there was leaking from pipes which stopped by the time they arrived here. So, now they are saying a leak can't stop it would still be leaking when they arrive at 2 pm. I am really frustrated. Regret hiring these people.

[@lockdiesel8108]

@@mikepxy Louisville

[@odzk1757]

Well. I just did it. Three trips to the hardware store and $600 dollars later, it's running smoothly. As a first time homeowner who was quoted $2100, this video was a life saver. Thank you. Truly, thank you.

[@LRN2DIY]

That's fantastic, my friend. Way to go!

[@jadesea562]

I know right? I was quoted $2350 with provided water heater, $1824 without provided water heater, then $1350 if I took a "membership" and agreed to a video interview for advertising, then $1125 if I would just shut up and let them stay at the house to do the job. But, I was already willing to pay $350 an hour for the labor, for 2 hours, because I already bought everything and put everything in close vicinity. The fact that they couldn't bring it down to $700 for labor as a very generous 2 hour job, I am just doing it myself. lol.

[@seinundzeiten]

yes it is usually 2000 and above for the heater(1000) plus labor...

[@helpfulneighbor2080]

i was quoted 2500. and they act insulted when you dont want to do it.

[@kevintheisen8373]

A lot of scammy contractors out there. You should not get 1000$ for 3 hrs of work.

[@jessecampos7290]

You saved me 💰💰 My water heater went out just 2 years after my plumber installed it. After fighting with the manufacturer and Home Depot I spent out of pocket $370 for a new water heater. Watched your video and it was super easy. I’m proud to say I am a Certified KZbin Mechanic lol. Thanks for the guidance and I’m tipping my cold beverage to you buddy. Thanks again.

[@brittanyrussell8851]

Many thanks! 40 yr old single mom here (lost my mom at 12 and dad at 16 so I know nothing about this stuff). I now feel empowered to replace my leaking water heater. Wish me luck! 🙏 (Been in my home 10 years and I think the water heater is about 12 years old. We also have super hard water).

[@dazed1nyc]

If you have hard water, I would recommend doing something he didn't mention in the video. While draining the water heater, you should open the cold water valve while it's draining, which will help flush some of the sediment out of the bottom of the tank. I would also recommend looking into a water softener because sediment buildup due to hard water usually voids most warranties on new water heaters.

[@kriswithakhogan8926]

You're using your channel locks backwards

[@utahagentz]

😂

[@LTVoyager]

Step number 0 is to get the proper tools so you don’t have to use Channellocks to chew up your hex fittings. A proper size open end wrench should be used or an adjustable wrench in a pinch.

[@spoonstir8675]

That was my first thought also

[@outlet6989]

It amazes me how many DIYers begin a project without having the proper tools. I refer to this as the "Red Neck Syndrome." They are famous for saying, "This will do just as good."

[@spoonstir8675]

@@outlet6989 Yea and I'm a diy but I have most tools I need for projects. He should have at least used a couple cresent wrenches. And as someone else pointed out he was using the channel locks backwards

[@LTVoyager]

@@outlet6989 At least he admitted to being too lazy to do it right. 😂

[@retardranger7205]

I know master plumbers with 40+ years experience use channel locks and chew up fittings, its a water heater in an attic, who cares

[@PotatoFi]

I love how short and to the point this video was. Well done!

[@frankj5947]

Fantastic video covering all steps. I will start with step 10. Thanks!

[@inspired9239]

$100s. I would think you saved yourself more than a $1,000 given the quote I received today of $2,130 or is it because mine is in the attic of a 1-story? 👋BRAVO👋for being able to replace your own without the aid of a professional's overhead fees and labor. I seriously envy you.

[@wildhorses6817]

Yes, I just paid $2100. One month later I have pipes leaking. Since the leak stopped by the time they came to the house, they are not doing anything about it.

[@inspired9239]

@@wildhorses6817 Whoa! So sorry to hear that. After replacing mine, I placed a moisture detector in the pan and a hose bib cap on the spout to prevent anymore mishaps moving forward. BTW, I got 2 other quotes reducing the cost to $1,775 AND they threw in a better on/off valve for me too! That $2,130 quote showed negative reviews of overcharging so I knew they weren't for me.

[@justincider8892]

I was just quoted 2500 and the tank is easily accessible in the garage.

[@bdasalways]

Lowest quote for installing a self purchased one and hauling the old one myself was $1000.

[@JesseTim-e5c]

Just replaced my 40 gal hot water heater using just this video as my guide. This video breaks it down and makes the process super easy.

[@markgarland9000]

A bit of advice..make sure your flue opening atop the heater is covered when applying teflon tape to inlet/outlet threads. Its not much fun fishing the spool out of the bottom of the flue with a shop-vac!

[@jonhaber6999]

I've done 2 water heaters ; never thought of covering flue. Brilliant advice !!

[@oufannamedbrandon6715]

Haha fk !! That would suck!

[@saulalvarado6708]

Video is great! Very concise and to the point. Was quoted at $4,000 for unit and install. A new unit at Lowe’s is $700. I’ll be doing this myself

[@annas2nd]

Me too man!! 4000! No way!

[@runwayray]

Use pipe dope only on the ips, (iron pipe threads) only. Not on the flare side of the adapter. No dope ever. You run a great risk of getting dope into the gas valve. It makes its seal by the flare fitting hard surface against a softer metal surface of the csst, ( corrugated stainless steel tubing ). It’s usually fabricated with copper to seal with the adapter.

[@jackdolphy8965]

Small point- I’ve always closed the in line gas valve first, then the turn the water heater valve off. , to get the gas out of the piping past the line valve out.

[@srobeck77]

it doesnt matter at all. unless you turned off the water and came back a few hours later to turn off the gas. did u think this was a dont cut the red wire within 2 seconds of the blue wire or it will explode like a bomb situation?

[@richardfowler3254]

People that are talking about quotes to replace a water heater around $1,700-$2,100, Just remember that you are paying for the installer's knowledge, tools & time. You need to ask yourself "what is your time worth?" The contractor shows up with everything needed to do the job and you have someone to call if you have a leak or problem. I know that I can install one myself, but I paid to have one installed instead of doing it myself. Water heaters can be "Junk" nowadays and when you pay a pro to do it they handle any and all warranty work. I had a friend install his own heater and when it was determined that he had a defective heater, he had to drain and return it to the store and then take a new one home and reinstall it. If it had been done by a contractor, they would have done all that (and in a timely manner, not on the weekend when most people have the spare time to do such work...

[@stevenalejandro360]

Lol, I just had this issue, and sure enough, it took 48 clicks .

[@tomd5010]

Unfortunately, in the video it does not appear you covered replacing the water pressure relief valve, which some call the TPR valve. You did take the extension pipe off one on the old water heater at the start of the video. I don't know if the new water heater came with one, in my experience, they don't. Because it is a safety feature, the common recommendation is to discard the old one with the old heater and use a new one with the new heater. You can use the extension pipe you took off the old heater and put it on the new one as well.

[@Xyerth]

nice video! Owned my home for 20 years and the WH is the only thing left and today....is the day! I like the Shark Bite idea especially since they are exposed so if something happens I can fix it without tearing a wall out or something plus I have never sweat pipe. It doesn't look hard but I don't care to learn that if I do not need to and so far, no need. Looking forward to using this video as a guide. Thanks again!

[@haunthunterify]

You might one to specify flare connections do NOT need pipe dope. Only the other fitting side.

[@valencia6101]

I’m a girl- going to try to replace my hot water heater tomorrow. I’ve already disconnected it. Will be so amazed if it actually works. 😂

[@dazed1nyc]

Did it work? Lol

[@ritaree37]

Thinking of doing my own too

[@valencia6101]

The video was so helpful, thank you so much! I’m in AZ so our T&P valve has to be hard wired- so I bought a water heater from AZ Central Supply, a friend picked it up for me, unhooked the old one, moved it, put the new one on, hooked it up and had a plumber come and help me with the soldering. It sucked bc the drywall around the heater was really wet so I just cut those pieces out and put a fan on it to dry it out. Last year I spent around $80 to have someone replace one of those hoses on the top. Felt so stupid realizing they were only 10 bucks.

[@dazed1nyc]

@valencia6101 I'm glad it worked out, and I'm glad u took the time to find out what your local code calls for. The hard pipe you're referring to is called a drip leg that comes from the relief valve. It's there in case of a buildup of pressure, the spring in the valve activates, and the pressure is released out of the drip leg close to the floor, which is important because it'll be boiling water that mostly likely comes out.

[@lovecandles5672]

@valencia6101 hello valecia, so, how did it go? any major issues with the installation? I am just getting ready to do it myself as well.

[@mattgarcia4458]

First step , learn how to hold those channel locks lol .

[@LTVoyager]

I am fortunate that my water heater has the anode rod as part of the, as I recall, cold water inlet and has a pretty large hex fitting on it. Removal is one reason to use both teflon tape and liquid pipe dope as most plumbers do. The non hardening dope helps prevent corrosion and makes the anode easier to remove. And if you remove them every 5 years or so, they tend not to get so thoroughly corroded into place.

[@jaxbeach09]

Learn how to use channel locks properly 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@rjacobi840]

This video assumes the building codes have not changed and a city permit isn’t required. If so a different story.

[@dazed1nyc]

Yeahh teaching untrained people to touch live gas lines and smoke pipe that vents carbon monoxide is fine as long as they save some money 🙄

[@philloving3037]

Great video!!!! You saved this family a few hundred bucks for sure. You sir, just made my 2024 Christmas list!!!

[@saskwatch8580]

Thousand+. We were quoted 4,000 (Canadian dollars)…the water heater doesn’t cost more than 1,000. Savings of 3k

[@vrokhlenko]

One of the biggest issues with replacing is rigid piping. If a new water heater is taller and/or the gas connection point is not at the same level as the previous one - you would have a lot of work to do. One solution would be to switch to corrugated flexible pipes for both air and gas. I'd be too scared to use sharkbite stuff so i soldered threaded adapters and ran the flexible pipes from there. There are two types of flexible pipes - corrugated (brass and stainless) and braided. After some research the recommendation was to use corrugated one made by Brass Craft (Procoat). I chose stainless steel for both gas and water. The gas one I picked with the integrated ball valve since mine was done.

[@daleunroe6074]

this is exactly the same scenario I'm facing - thanks for the info

[@edwardmcdermott9948]

should also make sure the tank is properly grounded / bonded

[@jamesjenkins3384]

Same issue. My shorter heater was by dealership only. Bought one couple inches taller. Bought pipe cutter and sheet metal cutters, and Lok tight fittings with my purchase. Trimmed all to match and being the clumsy mechanic I am, was surprised everything went very smoothly. Had to trim exhaust pipe also that's why I got sheet metal cutters. Lock Tite for no soldering.

[@fredost1504]

Bah. Sharkbites are the bomb. Use them all the time except behind walls.

[@halverde6373]

As I retired, PEX and similar brands became the industry standard as it required zero soldering or pipe threading skills. Those take a while to master.

[@humberton2306]

This has got to be one of the best and straight forward instructions on KZbin.

[@gregorygarcia4311]

Not even close

[@TheMixmastamike1000]

I just did this for my cousin and saved her $700 from the best quote she found out of 3+ she got ( quote was $1500 with water heater, water heater was roughly $700 )

[@GhostSal]

A plumber told me they would charge $1000 just in their labor to do it (for a 40 gal gas tank, that replaces the same). I asked how long it would take and he said between 30mins and 1 hour. The guy wants $1000 an hour (and that’s regular business hours during the week).

[@oilandfireguy1739]

I mean, do you have tools to detect gas leaks, the ability to solder, can you pull permits. A combustion analyzer to ensure it's burning clean? No warranty on work. I don't work on gas, I work on oil but would definitely pay a pro to make sure it's done right.

[@srobeck77]

@@oilandfireguy1739 u literally mix dawn dish soap and water then spray on the gas threads. Doesnt take a genius to do that. U never use a combustion analyzer on a water heater. Thats for furnaces only. I done a half dozen full water heater installs (for relatives, im not a plumber) with all plug+play sharkbite fittings, no soldering ever. Clearly u need a professional, but the rest of us here dont have money to burn on non-sense and incorrect things u stated here.

[@johnfournier6633]

Fantastic video on removal and installation of new hot water tank. Directions were perfect and made the install a seamless plug and play process👍

[@philipcamis4377]

Thanks a million. You saved me hundreds of dollars. I've never done a water heater before, and this one went off without a hitch. Thanks again.

[@AlexGray]

How long did it take you?

[@philipcamis4377]

@@AlexGray About 1.5 hours.

[@jamielukens9810]

Just installed my water heater thus week on my own you can do this guys 👌👌

[@Tom-jy3jd]

Using channel locks and backwards make me cringe, good video though

[@stevenmoomey2115]

Another simple thing you can do. Take a piece of #14 or #12 wire, strip it and wrap around the connections right next to the water heater, go from cold to hot, and too the relief valve, if the metal pipe off of it touches anything, such as concrete or metal. Also wrap wire around your in coming metal water pipes to ground them to each other and go with the wire to the Metal gas line to the water heater. This will provide paths for the slight amounts of electricity that contributes to the corrosion. Not a Fan of Teflon Tape, it can result in Stretching of the Copper and Brass fittings. For first time, every time leak free connections, use Loctite PST 565 Pipe Sealant, it never hardens. A small tube can be purchased at Automotive parts stores. Plumbing supplies will have larger size, professional tubes.

[@ukrainaunfiltered5435]

Had to stop at 3:08 iykyk

[@skyonedesignersplus1066]

❤Thank you so much for this video 😂 #1 estimate $2800 plus #3200 plus however l do need extra plumbing but C'Mon Mann😢😢😢 Earthquake straps l will have to add to the list.

[@psan72]

Generally speaking, when you replace a water heater, you should also replace your water supply flex lines. Then you know everything is new.

[@donschmidt4256]

Perfect instruction sir, very clear and easy to understand. Saved me $1500!

[@CupOfCheer]

I was just Quoted $3800 and $3200 to replace a 40 gal water heater in my attic of my townhouse 😮 I'll definitely be trying this

[@GhostSal]

A Lowes’ “recommended” plumber told me it would be $1000 just in labor to replace a 40 gal gas hot water tank. This was the plumber that called from Lowe’s after I called Lowe’s directly and requested a call back for an estimate. I asked how long it would take and was told it’s usually between 30 mins and an hour to install. So he wants $1000 an hour, who is paying that? He must be getting it or he wouldn’t charge that much. Out of curiosity I asked how much all together and he said $2500 for a 40 gal AO gas hot water heater with a 12 year warranty and labor. So then I asked about a tankless system and he told me 5k total including the unit which is $1600. That’s crazy to me, they want that much money to install it. A 40 gal unit shouldn’t be more than $250 in labor (maybe I could see $300) and that’s if it includes pick up and removal. A tankless shouldn’t be more than 1k in labor costs. I really don’t get how they get away with those crazy high prices for installation.

[@williamshafer9182]

Because people will pay that kind of money.

[@jeffa847]

$2,200 and $2,400 "at least" were the two quotes I got to replace a 40 gal tank. Nothing special no major upgrades to do.

[@ilovethewiggle-crypto8033]

contractors are charging more than neuro surgeons make. rediculous.

[@allenferreira90]

Thanks for the vid, I know that I will need to replace a heater in my 2 family soon. I work IT for a Plumbers Supply Company and can get the heater at cost, but didn’t want to pay for installation. Thanks youtube!

[@dougmate2378]

With the anode rod being stripped you might be able to drill out, and then remove using an extractor.

[@christophermoore2398]

Thanks for this. I was planning to do it myself (again), but in order to "just get it done" now my wife called a local, recommended plumber for a quote. To replace my 20 year-old electric water heater with a comparable model ($429 retail), the bid was more than $1700. I understand the value of (and need for) well-trained plumbers for complex tasks or those you can't or won't do yourself. But it is easily accessible in a walk-in garage and will not require code updates, expansion tank, additional venting, etc. If you figure $100 for parts and the cost of disposal of the old tank, do I assume 10+ hours of labor cost? Two new flex lines for water (maybe), a strain relief clamp for the Romex, wire nuts, and some PVC to the (included) pressure relief valve.... What am I missing?

[@ilovethewiggle-crypto8033]

i am a 60 year old female and the quotes that I have been getting are enormous. Over 2k, and some over 3k. Some listed the technician labor costs per hour and they are by far more than what a neuro surgeons makes per hour. These contractors are getting rediculous. Who do they think they are? I will have to do it myself!

[@victoriapetrakis1051]

a power vented tank is like 1400 minimum@@ilovethewiggle-crypto8033

[@chrisbaty3824]

Did you ever do the water heater install? How’d it go?!

[@kolobkolobkolobkolob]

Putting water heaters in garages is almost 100% against code and a bad idea I would relocate mine if I was in that situation.. Also make sure u do not need a permit to put a new one in.

[@JeandeGraillyIII]

I had two companies give me estimates. Install for both was over $1500 for install alone. So you're saving more than a few hundred!

[@rickymyers1062]

Getting ready to replace a gas water heater for the first time. After watching this video I'm completely confident that I can completely do this without having to pay a professional. Already have the new water heater in the garage so after a cup of coffee in the morning im going to start on it. Wife told if I do it right I get some baseball cards.

[@joakimlindblom8256]

Great video! Have just one quibble: the video shows using teflon tape when connecting the water inlet and outlet. When I replaced my water heater, it had a gasket fitting and no tapered threads, and thus teflon tape would have been superfluous (I did not used teflon tape, and the seal has been completely leak free). Maybe there are different water heaters with tapered threads that need teflon tape, but in my DYI work I've encountered many cases where previous work has been done with unnecessary use teflon tape on non-tapered threads, which is kind of a pet peeve one mine (a.k.a "hapless application of teflon tape" ;)

[@Alrukitaf]

If you use teflon tape, I would hope there’s no leaks. Most likely if a leak did happen, it could be the lack of teflon tape. Anyhow, I think it’s alway better to err on the side of caution.

[@MrKentaroMotoPI]

Those connectors are pipe thread (tapered), but they seal on the end like a flare fitting. Sometimes they don't and tape helps The other benefit of using teflon tape on such a connector is that it acts as an anti-seize to aid in disassembly. Or you can paint anti-seize compound on the threads.

[@kolobkolobkolobkolob]

I use tape plus liquid sealant regardless tapered or not just me opinion.

[@DavidIskra-h9c]

Thank You this was Awesome ! I’ve done tanks before but this was a perfect refresher course ,,!!! You were clear & Precise. Video was clear and easy to watch.. Thanks Again

[@kolobkolobkolobkolob]

I'd also suggest add a vacuum valve for the out going water valve so when you do any draining with a hose from bottom of water eater you can easily relief the vacuum pressure inside tank, this old house video shows and recommended and makes sense. Its simpler then having to turn off the water to tank and then loosen that connector so air can get in so damage doesn't happen when draining the tank for what ever reason. Blessings and really nice video, I can hear the audio really well, the speech well spoken and narrated. Super.

[@AndrewAhlfield]

Such a well done and comprehensive video! Love that you cut the old water heater open and talk about how to make your new one last a long time!!

[@t-techvids9659]

Useful Tip - Use an 1/2 IMPACT DRIVER to remove the anode rod every 2-3 years. Works like wonders.

[@puchman1983]

Thank you for the video. You just saved me a bundle, easy install thanks for posting 🙌🙌🙌

[@martingalindo7327]

Huge thanks! Your video was excellent as it provided step by step instructions. It eased my sense of worry and dread as I followed your steps. It’s been over 25 years since I had to replace our water heater. Talk about right time information! Thank you!🎉😊

[@UrVPOPContent]

Never do this yourself, especially with gas. Danger such as gas leak, fume, very dangerous. Nothing is worth a piece of mind.

[@thefreesoulchannel]

Did I miss the electrical hook-up? I get it runs on gas but how does the board run with the status light?

[@n.c.2537]

I've installed my water heater and added a expansion tank yesterday and I just want to thank you for making this video.

[@atlasfueloilinc.2421]

I like and enjoy you videos but not the recommendation of shark bites on a water. As most people find out they do fail. I would recommend compression fittings to diy guys first. Shark bites are good for a temporary fix, in my experiences Keep up the good work.

[@1947froggy]

Nice video, I am replacing cold water conn. (leak) now. Froggy

[@AEMBowers]

Hey Froggy! Fancy to see you here. I've used your videos to repair my 2004 Lexus is300 a bunch of times. Thanks! Too bad a drunk driver totalled it last year, but I got a good 7 years out of it. Now in a 2019 GLA 45 AMG, and learning how to care for that myself too. Going to be doing a hot water heater swap soon. Cheeers!

[@billhennigan3773]

As a pipefitter for over 30 yrs in a Detroit steel mill, You never, never use channellocks on brass fittings. cresant wrenches only!!! cl tear up the brass

[@AMERICAN1971baby]

Well my electric Water Heater lasted almost 30 years to the day. I think I got my money out of that one.

[@S.T.A.R.Sorcery]

very grateful, just saved me 5,000 but you destroyed all those nuts, you need a crescent wrench.

[@Robert.Blodgett]

Great video. Very helpful. Just replace my water heater and did it myself. Thank you.

[@kath011]

Great video! easy to follow instructions, and under nine minutes. You're the best. Thanks! 👍👍

[@johnhappy73126]

Hello ! This is a great video ,wow! What is the name of that grey color glue? And what is the purpose of that? Thanks again

[@PeteBasel]

We had a Bock 32E installed in 2016 and my theory is that the inlet has had slow seepage for many years that caused the threads on the nipple to rust away, then the inlet popped off! I believe that the nipple threads into the tank, but so far it doesn't want to move, is it designed to thread out or no? Should I apply heat and keep trying or is there something to help release the rusty threads? Strange thing is that the nipple on the hot side is shiny, galvanized and looks brand new, cold side is so rusted that it looks to be 100 years old. The tank looks like new or is it time to replace the whole thing? The anodes have never been replaced, tried but they were stuck in.

[@actualsurfer]

"You can save hundreds of dollars..." Try "Thousands of Dollars!!!" I just had a plumber give me a $3200 estimate and another gave a $3500 estimate to replace a HWH. No way I am paying someone $800-1000/hr to do something I can do myself.

[@Tom-gr9ii]

The city I live in California requires dielectric union, expansion tank, gas sediment trap , bottom tray for water heater installation. To remove stubborn anode rod, I use impact wrench to remove it within seconds.

[@srobeck77]

Id use a bottom tray if my water heater wasnt in my basement next to a floor drain. Also its code everywhere to have a gas trap for sediment. Just look at the gas line on your furnace.

[@ThenZ6]

Our bathtub is filling up yellow. The heater was installed in 2016. Shouldn’t these last like 20 years. Should I bother having someone come diagnose an issue and do a repair or should I Just replace the whole thing?

[@fraks72]

Great video but you didn’t tell them to replace the washers on the lines. Sharkbite is not a good idea, seen many of them go bad due to improper install or their just not dependable. I know people who swear by them but I have also had to repair many of them. You also need to explain how to replace the water lines coming out of the walls. Are they galvanized pipe or solder copper? There are many issues involved that the majority of people don’t know how to repair. What about the drip tee on the gas line? To many issues. But I don’t charge an arm or a leg to install a water heater. People buy your own water heater but know that plumbers are required by law to follow code. Many times that’s the cost to do the work. If your going to do it yourself just make sure you don’t use shark bite and really research

[@welkinator]

I too cut my old water heater tank open... and found about ten pounds of limestone sediment inside!

[@srobeck77]

Jesus H bruh. You gotta either install a water softener or flush out your tank every 6 months from now on.

[@welkinator]

@@srobeck77 Yep. It was a very old heater that had been sporadically drained. When it wouldn't drain it was replaced - and then we cut it open. Surprise!

[@daleunroe6074]

could step 9-1/2 be to loosen that anode rod once before you start using that new water heater ...perhaps doing that and lubricating things will make replacing it in a few years much more likely an easier task

[@youngrav2311]

My guy is holding channel locks backwards like a dum dum 😂 yeah this guy doesn’t really know what he’s doing. The information is decent, but you can tell he has very minimal experience with water heaters and plumbing. 7 out of 10 people are much better off getting a professional to do it. Especially if they have never messed around with natural gas or electricity.

[@PaulAliceJ]

Only a jack leg uses channel locks. Look how you damaged the brass fittings. Proper tool for the job.

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

Our water heater is a HOTPOINT brand that was installed back in December of 2002. If finally fail and leak yesterday of October 2, 2023. 22 years it lasted, worth every penny. Now that I'm getting a new one it scares me knowing that things aren't built like they use to and don't last as long also. Seeing these newer water heater lasting 5-7-10 years and already leaking is frustrating. When our old HOTPOINT lasted for 22 years. I don't care about efficiency and technology this and that I just want a product that's reliable and can last as long as our old HOTPOINT did, 22 years.

[@srobeck77]

5-7 years isnt the norm, more of a rare case if u polled thousands of people. Also Id also always recommend getting the mid range version of the water heater and never the lowest end. EX: Rheem has 3 versions of the same water heater depending on what you want to spend.

[@lademon2622]

bruh holding the channel locks backwards 😭🤷🏻‍♂️ to each their own but over all not bad this plumber approves of this instilation video 👍 also if your connections are leaking get plumbers dope and do dope teflon tape and dope the teflon tape the connect will never leak then

[@subaruamazon]

this is what i have. installed three in my life - 2 gas one electric so I have some experience. this one is gas. I replaced this one with my own hands due to Sandy in 2012. Basement in NJ. all is copper. sharkbite cold. sweated hot out. sharkbites cold are in great shape. for the hot out, I have the niple, the copper threaded adapter, 4 inches of 3/4 pipe straight up and a 90. the seams of the 90 are leaking. green and corroded. after the 90, i have 1 foot of 3/4 and another 90. again 90 green corrosion and leaking. must be due to moisture in basement and 12 years lol. I want to hacksaw the pipe before the first 90. I want to sandpaper the 4 inch piece due to deposits and sharkbite 90. after want to use use pipe and sharkpipe 90 if i need to use a small sharkbite connector after the second 90 so be it. how do i deal with the hot water? good shut off on the cold water side. good ball valve. can shut building off if need to. I am comfortable with the the repair but not with the hot water. How do i repair an active gas hot water heater? thank you.

[@MrCanManD]

I recommend a Sediment Buster for the drain if your water has a lot of sediment. Also, a cheap drill powered transfer pump is a time saver.

[@giantessmaria]

thanks for you wonderfully concise and comprehensive videos. 1 question i have regarding the inlets. do you lean towards the copper or stainless steel braided lines? is there a difference to their durability? thanks again!

[@RA-do6et]

Is the warranty honored (6, 8 or 12 years) if it is installed by the homeowner (not a professional) as a DIY project, without a licensed plumber or a licensed water heater installer?

[@billw6903]

Rheem honors 6 year no question

[@srobeck77]

of course its honored, why do u think they sell to homeowners at all big box stores?

[@marlonoliveira6516]

Muito bom serviços de manutenção em português. Sou plumber no Canadá e. Ao vimos muito isso aqui. Boa iniciativa

[@meetube30]

My plumber is saying to touch the gas line I need to have a license and only registered plumber can do that. Is it true in Central Texas?

[@LRN2DIY]

That's extremely unlikely but you may have to pull a permit from your city or county. This is a job that is very DIY friendly.

[@srobeck77]

Homeowners can pull their own permits

[@Rapture9999]

Just fyi did a 50 gal in August 2024 for $900 myself. Price went up on heaters.

[@edwardjdm]

I was unprepared and unorganized so it took me 6 trips to the Depot. But my buddy and I did the job in 5 hours.

[@RKWWWW]

Many times, upon start up, I've experienced significant condensation drip appearing at the bottom of the unit. This might lead to some thinking there is a leak when there really isn't. Once the water temp in the tank raises, the condensation will stop.

[@RunE076]

Step #1 learn how to use the tools. This guy is using the channellocks backwards lol. Step 1 turn off gas, step 2 open the drain valve to let the pressure give you a good flow when draining it, step 3 turn water off

[@blaketube14]

Thanks for the video. I thought I had it figured out going in, but it was nice to confirm and see tips like venting the air first! Great vid

[@johnhironimus5748]

Your not allowed to replace it yourself this must be completed by a certified plumb er gasfitter its code if you replace by yourself and something happins your insurer will void your insurance

[@Ramonet3000]

Quoted $5000 for a 75 Gallon install. Based on the comments the prices are all over the place but the labor is almost double the cost of the tank itself.

[@fikalaredo5762]

Your leak was probably from not tightening enough which happened cause you were using your channellocks backward

[@brandynblack4784]

HOME DEPOT QUOTED ME $900 IN JUST LABOR COST FOR THIS WTF! I hung up on that dude lol

[@geniferteal4178]

My indirect water heater is worth 1500. It doesn't even supply the heat. Wondering how much benefit there is over those cheaper ones people are talking about here.

[@markruocco08]

What happens if it's not inspected by the city, a permit was never issued, and it burns your house down? Wont the insurance company have grounds to deny your claim because it was not installed by a licensed plumber?

[@patcupolo9274]

Reuse the temp. Pressure relief valve, are you the supreme unprofessional , plus using channels locks on fittings, what an unprofessional video🤬

[@carrieresammy]

The way you used your channelocks backwards made me cringe lol. Perfect instructions otherwise

[@smoberdeen]

There's a right and wrong way to use channel-lock pliers. The person in the video @ 4:02 was using the pliers backwards.

[@josephaltaha9352]

Thx for this! U just gave me enough confidence to save some money 🤙

[@ronswoodshack]

Mine is leaking sediment. Just looked and my heater was installed 30 years ago!!! Dang!!

[@SoopSah420]

Thank you so much for the ez step by step guide🙏 saved me a good chunk of 💸💸💸💀

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Best to not re use the flexible water supply connectors, replace them, especially if they are the copper ones. Stainless steel flexible connectors are easier to work with and don't kink as easily as the copper, and the stainless braided hoses. use Teflon tape plus pipe dope on top of the Teflon. Plumbers grease on the connector washer is likely not needed but a extra help.