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Installing a new hot water heater is generally a much easier job than many homeowners think, especially if the new water heater is of the same type, gas or electric, as the previous heater. If a homeowner is switching from an electric heater to a gas heater or vice versa then electrical or gas lines may need to be installed.

Shut off the water connection to the old hot water heater. This can usually be done by simply shutting off a valve on the water line leading directly to the water heater. Shut off the gas line by turning the knob on the gas line so the knob is perpendicular to the line. Unplug the old heater if it is electrical.

Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater and run the hose to an outside location. Open the drain valve on the heater and allow the water to drain out.

Unscrew the water inlet fitting and the water outflow fitting on the top of your heater using your pipe wrench and your crescent wrench. It will take the use of both wrenches to unscrew the fittings. If you are removing a gas water heater you will need to use both wrenches to unscrew the fitting for the gas line as well.

Remove the flue hat on top of your tank so that the tank is no longer connected to the vent pipe.

Remove the old heater and discard properly as per codes and regulations in your area.Set the new heater in place and level it using shims if necessary. Make sure all controls on the new unit are accessible.

Wrap the threads of the water inlet and the outlet fittings on top of the tank with pipe tape and screw on the water inlet line and the outlet line to the top of your new unit using both of your wrenches. Open the water line to fill the tank. Open several water faucets in the house to allow air to bleed out of the tank as it fills with water.

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How to Install a Hot Water Heater | eHow

Expert step-by-step instructions for installing a conventional storage tankstyle water heater

Storage water heater is the most common type. Photo: Whirlpool

For many homeowners, replacing an old water heater is simpler than they imagine, especially if the new unit is similar to the old one. If you want to switch from electric to gas or vice versa, however, discuss the various installation options with a professional.

If your home is in an earthquake zone, you will need to install straps around the new water heater (check with your local building department for exact specifications).

If the new tank is a different height than the old one, use flexible pipe connectors for the water inlet and outlet; they will bend as needed to make the hookup.

If the pipes are not threaded, replace them with threaded nipples, and secure the connectors to the nipples with an adjustable wrench. Install a new temperature and pressure-relief valve on the new tank, and test it by squeezing the lever.

1. After draining the tank, unscrew the inlet and outlet fittings.

1) After shutting off the water and gas or power supply to the tank, connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, open the valve, and run it to a nearby drain or to the outdoors. Use two wrenches to unscrew the inlet and outlet fittings from the top of the tank.

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How to Install a Storage Water Heater | HomeTips

Check the Plumbing Measure the center-to-center dimension between the hot and cold water pipes on the top of the water heater and try to ensure the new heater has the same dimensions. That will make the plumbing job a bit easier. Take a look at the plumbing connecting to the old water heater. Make sure you have a gas union in the gas line if you have a gas water heater, and make sure there is a water shutoff for the cold water inlet pipe and a union connector for the hot water outlet pipe. If you don't have these you're job is a bit harder as you'll have to cut the pipes to remove the old heater, then install the cold water shut off valve, and / or gas union or hot water pipe union. But most plumbers did the right job in the beginning so hopefully everything is in place.

Setting Up Getting the water heater off the truck and down the stairs (if you have a basement installation) is a two person job. I also recommend renting an appliance dolly if possible. For around $20/day it makes bringing the new heater down and the old heater up a lot easier. They are bulky and heavy. Once you have the new heater brought down to the location of the old heater you're ready to go.

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Replacing a Water Heater - Installation Preparation

Heater installed
this is the summit racing heater and duct work installed.

By: Scott T.

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Heater installed - Video

(credit: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) Before you tear open that December gas bill, prepare yourself. It could be double what it was last month.

With colder weather moving in again, natural gas companies caution it could further increase consumption, which has risen as temperatures have fallen this month.

Consumption is 97 percent higher than last month due to temperatures that have been 36 percent colder than average for the first half of December, said Becca Virden, a spokesperson for CenterPoint Energy. Were letting our customers know ahead of time so they can be prepared.

The change in consumption has pushed bills higher, even as the commodity price of natural gas has stayed steady, rising from $0.65 to $0.66 per therm in the past month, a negligible increase.

Three things impact customers bills: commodity prices, the economy and consumption, Virden said. The only significant one of those factors (that has changed) in the past month is consumption.

CenterPoint Energy is offering customers advice to cut down on their usage, recommending the following tips:

Furnace: A furnace is the largest natural gas consumer, and typically makes up about 70 percent of your natural gas bill.

Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees when youre home and 65 degrees when youre not. By lowering your thermostat 10 15 percent for eight hours a day, you can save up to 10 percent a year on your heating costs. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you automatically control your heat usage. Add on extra layers of clothing to keep warm.

Change your air filters monthly. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can increase the operating cost of your furnace by as much as 10 percent. A good reminder is to change the filter each time you receive your natural gas bill.

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Tips On Keeping Warm Without Paying A Huge Gas Bill

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