Water Heater Installation In Charlotte, NC
At Parks Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electrical, we use our many years of experience helping customers with water heater installation and replacement to keep your water warm and home cozy. In the Charlotte, NC, area, this is especially important as temps drop during the winter months.
You may be wondering what’s involved in the water heater installation and replacement process and how to tell when you need a new water heater. This is your complete guide to installing and replacing a new water heater in the Charlotte, NC, area.
Water Heater Installation in Charlotte, NC
The water heater installation and replacement process is unique, especially when it comes to plumbing your system and the water heater we install.
The first step is to figure out the size heater you need and how we will plumb it so that it connects with your existing plumbing infrastructure.
In some cases, you may not have plumbing already in place. In this case, we could still choose the water heater that best fits your needs based on the size of your home, the number of occupants, typical water usage habits, and your energy conservation preferences.
If you already have your plumbing infrastructure set up, connecting your water heater to it is relatively straightforward.
Typically, a home in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area has a single water heater that services the entire home. Plumbing this water heater involves connecting it to your hot water system. In some cases, a hot water system consists of a manifold that distributes hot water to the pipes that then continue to the fixtures in your home.
In other cases, you may have a single hot water supply pipe that comes from the water heater, and individual pipes branch off and take the water to each receptacle.
Regardless of the setup your home has, your new water heater will plumb into your hot water supply line and ensure the rest of your home gets the hot water it needs.
How Your New Water Heater Works
How does your water heater get the water it needs to warm up? Regardless of the type of water heater you have, it comes with an inlet that takes cold water from your supply line. Typically, this pipe would branch off your existing cold water supply, and we would connect it to your water heater.
Once the cold water flows into your water heater, the heating elements inside heat it and store it inside the tank. The back pressure from either your water supply or a pressure tank keeps the water in the heater’s tank at a pressure high enough to push it through the rest of the home. However, until a faucet, shower valve, or other valve gets turned on, the hot water stays inside your plumbing. Your hot water pipes, even with insulation, may feel warm to the touch.
Once you create negative pressure in the plumbing system by opening a valve, such as by turning on the hot water in your kitchen sink, the hot water in your tank and plumbing is pushed through the system out of the receptacle.
How We Maximize the Efficiency of Your System
The above details are important because we use them to decide how to match your new water heater with your existing plumbing. For example, if you have especially long plumbing runs from your water heater to receptacles, it may be necessary to install a larger water heater that can make the system more efficient.
If, for instance, there’s a high ratio of water in your pipes to water in your water heater’s tank, your unit may have to work harder than it should. The unusually high volume of water in the pipes is constantly cooling down, so you may end up running your taps longer to get water that’s as warm as you’d like it to be. This wastes water and forces your water heater to constantly take in more cold water, expending electricity or gas to heat it.
Water Heater Replacement in Charlotte, NC
Replacing your water heater typically involves fewer plumbing-related concerns than installing a new one. However, we still have to check some key components before starting the replacement.
Check Your Current Plumbing
First, we have to examine the plumbing connecting to your old water heater, which could explain why it failed. Even though water heaters degrade slowly over time, some external plumbing issues can hasten their decline.
For instance, there may be a leak at the connection between the plumbing and the water heater. If so, the water seeping out can cause your water heater to corrode faster than it normally would.
If you have a gas-heated water heater, we may also have to check the gas supply valve. If, for example, it doesn’t open all the way, that could result in poor water heater performance and its early demise.
Shut Off Your Old Water Heater’s Supply
Once we’ve thoroughly checked for any possible plumbing issues, we will shut off the water headed to your water heater to start plumbing your new heater. In most cases, your new water heater will be about the same size as your old one, especially if it didn’t break down because it was too small for your home.
Empty Your Old Water Heater’s Tank
Once we’ve stopped the cold water flowing to the water heater and closed the valve at the hot water outlet, we run the hot water using the valve or receptacle closest to your water heater. Then, we connect a hose to the drain valve of your water heater and drain the water out of it into buckets or down a nearby drain. Once the tank is empty, we remove it by first disconnecting the water supply lines. If we have to cut them, we keep them as long as possible, which makes it easier to plumb in the new one.
Install Your New Water Heater
Installing your new water heater starts with putting it in place and, if necessary, installing a new temperature and pressure (T&P) valve.
We then plumb a discharge pipe into the T&P valve, which we’ll use to check the pressure after we’ve installed the water heater.
Plumb and Brace Your New Water Heater
Next, it’s time to plumb your new water heater by connecting it to the rest of your system. To do this, we first connect the cold water and any necessary fittings using some plumber’s tape, which we wrap around the threads before twisting the fittings together.
Since Charlotte, NC, requires seismic bracing for water heaters, we will then install seismic straps. These get attached to the upper and lower thirds of your hot water tank. Per building codes in North Carolina, the straps are anchored against wall studs, which, if the unit’s against a flat wall, will be about 32” apart.
Fill Your New Water Heater
Once the tank has been plumbed and braced in place, we start the filling process by slowly turning on the cold water supply. At this time, we check the plumbing for leaks, and if there are none, we continue filling the tank.
Flush Your Plumbing System and Do a Pressure Check
After the tank is full, we flush any air or debris out of the hot water plumbing system by running a nearby faucet for three minutes. Our electrician can wire your water heater and turn on the power if it’s electric. If you have a gas water heater, we can plumb the gas connection, turn on the valve, and test the system.
After the water has been heated sufficiently, it’s time for us to check the discharge pipe. If there’s water running out of the T&P valve and into the discharge pipe, the pressure between the cold water intake and the tank is probably too high, so we’ll lower it to somewhere below 80 PSI.
How Do You Know You Need to Replace Your Water Heater?
The most common sign that you need to replace your water heater is that your water either doesn’t heat up at all or takes a long time to reach a warm enough temperature. This could be a sign that the heating element or the electrical or gas system that heats it has failed.
You also might notice water leaking from your water heater. If this is the case, give us a call, and we can come check it out. The first thing we’ll check is the plumbing to your water heater to make sure the leak isn’t coming from there.
What Makes Parks Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electrical’s Water Heater Services Unique?
At Parks Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electrical, we take pride in excellent customer service, which starts with transparent, honest communication. We provide upfront and flat-rate pricing for your water heater service. In this way, there are no surprises when it comes time to pay for your service.
If you make a same-day appointment, we can waive the dispatch fee. We also offer 15% discounts for active and retired military service members. And we’re not new to the game. We’ve been installing and replacing water heaters in the Charlotte area for over 50 years. This means we do it right the first time. Discover the Parks way by reaching out to us today
Call Parks at 704-596-8200 to schedule a Water Heater Installation in Charlotte, NC, or the surrounding areas today.
Why Choose Parks HVAC for Your Water Heater Installation and Replacement?
When it comes to water heater installation and replacement in Charlotte, NC, Parks HVAC is your trusted expert. We focus on delivering exactly what you need, whether you’re installing a new water heater or replacing an existing one. Our top priority is to provide professional, reliable service that gives you peace of mind, ensuring the job is done right the first time.
With over 50 years of experience in water heater installations and replacements, we’ve honed our ability to respond quickly and make scheduling as seamless as possible.
At Parks HVAC, we offer a 15% discount to active and retired military personnel as a token of our appreciation. To further ease the process, we provide flat-rate pricing upfront, so you know exactly what to expect. Plus, when you schedule a same-day appointment, we’ll waive your dispatch fee.
Water Heater Installation in Charlotte, NC or the surrounding areas by calling 704-596-8200 today.
Charlotte, NC Water Heater Installation Services FAQs
How Do I Know If I Need a New Water Heater?
It can be challenging to determine if you need a new water heater, especially if the issues are minor or not immediately noticeable. However, signs such as inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water supply, or strange noises from the unit could indicate that it’s time for a replacement.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Water Heater Is Failing?
If you suspect your water heater is failing or notice signs that could indicate a problem, contact a professional technician immediately. A failing water heater can lead to a lack of hot water when you need it most, so addressing the issue quickly is crucial. Your technician will inspect the unit to diagnose and repair any problems or recommend a replacement if necessary.
Can I Prevent Water Heater Failures?
While it’s impossible to prevent all failures, regular maintenance and inspections can significantly reduce the risk of water heater issues. Scheduling routine maintenance can catch problems early before they turn into major failures.
How Much Do Water Heater Installation Services Cost?
The cost of water heater installation services varies based on the specifics of the job, including the type of water heater and the complexity of the installation. At Parks Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical, we provide upfront cost estimates so you know what to expect.
What Should I Do if My Water Heater Stops Working?
If your water heater stops working, the first step is to ensure it’s properly connected and has power or gas supply. If it still doesn’t operate, contact a professional technician to diagnose and fix the issue. Timely service can prevent further damage and ensure your water heater is ready when you need it.
Does Installing a New Water Heater Take a Long Time?
Installing a new water heater can often be completed relatively quickly, sometimes in just a few hours. However, the actual installation time depends on the type of water heater and the complexity of the job.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of a New Water Heater?
Your insurance company will determine your coverage based on your policy, but some homeowners’ insurance policies may cover the cost of a new water heater, especially if it’s needed due to a covered event. It’s best to contact your insurance company to clarify what’s covered.
Call Now for Same-Day Water Heater Installation Services
For Charlotte homeowners, water heater installation services should be entrusted to the experts at Parks. We have proudly served the Charlotte area for over 50 years and offer unparalleled customer service. With licensed, experienced technicians, Parks can help homeowners with water heater installations, repairs, and maintenance.
Schedule your water heater installation in Charlotte, NC, or the surrounding areas by calling 704-596-8200 today. Contact us today for a free estimate for a water heater installation!
