Is it possible to relocate my water heater?

August 10th, 2022

You would like to move your water heater, but you wonder if it is possible. It does happen that this device is in a place that is cumbersome or that its movement becomes necessary for certain renovations. How to do this type of work safely? What are the steps to follow? Is it really a good idea to start this type of business yourself? The following article will try to answer some of your questions on the subject.

What moving a water heater entail

Moving a water heater is no small task and it involves several aspects. Indeed, the work requires bringing the cold-water supply, power supply for resistance, etc. The water heater is connected to the sanitary installation of the house, it is therefore necessary to provide a connection to the hot water circuit of the house. This therefore requires certain knowledge to carry out the move smoothly and to ensure the optimal and safe operation of the device in its new location.

Questions to Ask Before Moving a Water Heater

The first question to ask is undoubtedly that of its location. The tank should be as close as possible to the appliances that use hot water and should ideally be installed in a place protected from freezing. If it’s in an unheated area, like a crawl space, you’ll need to insulate the pipes. Will it be attached to the wall of the room? In this case, it must be ensured that the type of wall of the new location allows installation by fixing. The strength of the wall of the room must be able to withstand a significant weight. The second issue to consider is energy intake. Indeed, a water heater needs a dedicated electrical supply. You must think about it when choosing your new location. Wherever your water heater is placed, it must be connected to your electrical panel by a protected circuit. The terminals must be tight to avoid any risk of overheating. It must also be considered that major plumbing work will be necessary since the water must go to the water heater. Moving a water heater requires connecting it to domestic hot water. You will need to connect the hot water outlet of the tank to a hot water pipe in the house. You will need to ensure that the drain valve and controls are accessible and that the floor drain is close to the tank. The water heater also needs to vent its overflow (water pressure) frequently. This is the role of the security group. The safety group dodges any pressure problem in the ball, this work is mandatory.

A sometimes-complex project

Moving a water heater in a home is complicated. Given the level of difficulty involved, calling on professionals could be inevitable and will allow you to avoid a lot of inconvenience. Think about it, and do not hesitate to call on specialists!