With the abundance of information online these days, many homeowners are learning to do home improvements on their own instead of calling professionals. DIY is a great option. DIY method has its pros and benefits, which include saving money. But, in some cases, cutting corners may cause more costs in the end.

A variety of plumbing tasks, such as the installation of a tank-mounted water heater, should only be attempted by people with the right skills and experience, for example, an authorized plumber. There are many errors that homeowners make when they attempt a DIY installation of a water heater, which include selecting the wrong size tank or location, to a poor selection of material, not adhering to the building codes, and so on.

Be careful not to make these errors when installing your tank water heater.

1. Making the wrong choice by choosing the wrong size

The new water heater could be set for failure even before it has warmed up the very first gallon. Tank water heaters range between 30 and 80 gallons. The size you require is contingent on the number of persons living in your home and your use of hot water. If you purchase the wrong size water heater, it will be small; you'll end up often running low on hot water. If you buy a tank that's too big, then you'll end up spending the money you pay for your monthly energy bill by heating water constantly that you don't really need.

2. Installation in a hazardous place

The location you put your water heater is important to ensure safety, convenience, and effectiveness. Based on the local code, it is possible to find prohibited or restricted places to put tank water heaters like attics, storage closets as well as under flooring. If you're replacing an older water heater, don't think that the same place is suitable since the latest models are more efficient in insulation and are wider than older models. A skilled plumber will ensure that the water heater is equipped with access to it and enough room for airflow.

3. Not putting a drain pan beneath the tank

Drain pans are suggested (or necessary) beneath a tank water heater to catch any water that might escape or leak out of the heater. The drain pan has to be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials and should be at minimum 1.5 inches high and 2 inches wider than the dimensions of the tank water heater. Not putting in the drain pipe or using the wrong dimensions can increase your chances of water damage in the near future.

4. Insufficient setup of the valve to relieve pressure

The valve for pressure relief is a safety device that lets water out of the tank in the event that the pressure or temperature becomes excessively high. When the release valve or valve isn't properly installed, you are at the risk of having your water heater bursting or even going off.

5. Connections and material selections are not ideal.

The installation of a water heater with no adequate training and understanding could cause negative consequences. It is, for instance, essential to choose the appropriate kind (and dimension) of pipes, stay clear of mixing metals, employ the correct soldering technique, and also arrange your plumbing in a particular manner. A mistake could void the warranty of the equipment, harm the performance of the water heater and efficiency, or even lead to a system malfunction.

6. In the absence of a permit or using codes

If homeowners are performing DIY tasks, they typically believe they are not subject to permits and building codes; however, this is not the case. The regulations are put in place to serve a purpose; not following these steps could prove dangerous and expensive. A reliable plumber will make sure that your water heater installation goes in accordance with the rules.