Only professional plumbers should install and repair water heaters!
Installing or replacing a water heater often requires lengthening or shortening pipes. There are special requirements for bonding PVC piping to prevent leaks, and plumbers have experience in not only bonding PVC, but also cutting pipes.
Also, performing any maintenance on gas water heaters requires knowledge of natural gas piping and connections. Natural gas is very flammable and inexperienced homeowners should not operate on gas lines. Electrical water heaters combine the force of 110 or 220 volts of electricity and water - never a good combination.
Water heaters also pose an inherent risk. Average water heaters are large and made of steel (i.e. they are really heavy). Plumbers normally have assistants who can help them move the heavy appliances, and all people involved should be insured against injury.
On the other hand, the average homeowner is not only uninsured, but unprepared to undertake the task of moving something so large. The greatest risk of weight, however, is not just a strained back. Because most water heaters are fitted for small cabinet spaces, precise lifting is required to remove and reinstall the appliance.
Without proper assistance, most homeowners have a high likelihood of having the water heater fall on their foot, or worse, roll on top of them. Avoiding plumber costs could mean accepting emergency room costs, as well as pain and suffering.
Another reason to have a professional plumber complete water heater maintenance is assurance that building codes and safety measures will be followed. Most water heaters require a manufacturer specified minimum distance to surrounding walls and fixtures - this measure exists to prevent fire.
Most municipalities also have statutes known as building codes which may place stricter requirements on minimum distances. If an owner's home is ever inspected for adherence to codes and the water heater is installed improperly, s/he could face a very large fine and costly re-installation of the appliance.
Common problems which can be traced to the water heater include:
- The water is not heated.
- Hot water supplies are exhausted prematurely.
- Water is rust-colored.
- Water smells like sulfur (rotten eggs).
- Water heater makes rumbling or popping noise.
- Water heater makes high pitched whining noise (electric water heater).
- Water leaks at the base of the water heater.
Some of these problems could potentially be solved by homeowners, but professional plumbers will provide a guaranteed repair and do the job safely. Before each problem can be tackled, the water heater must be drained properly. Missing one step in draining the water heater could result in damage to equipment or physical injury.
Remember, water heaters hold pressurized, scalding hot water and electrical or natural gas equipment. Avoid injury or death and let the professionals do the job they are trained to do!
In conclusion, saving money by cutting corners is never acceptable for a professional or do-it-yourself homeowner. The loss of life and limb that can result from improper installation or repair technique is not worth the extra dollars saved.
The absolute best course of action that any homeowner can take is to hire a professional, licensed and insured plumber that will provide reliable, guaranteed services.