Even though Metro Atlanta’s water supply is moderately hard, it can still lead to mineral buildup that may damage your water heater and plumbing over time. The key to enjoying a consistent supply of hot water is making sure your water heater is installed properly to avoid costly issues. Fortunately, the experienced team at Chen Plumbing has a list of five common water heater installation mistakes homeowners make and how to avoid them. With proper installation from the licensed pros at Chen Plumbing, your new water heater will produce a reliable supply of hot water for years to come.
Proper Installation Is Just as Important as Choosing the Right Water Heater
Choosing the right type of water heater is an important factor when it comes to reliability, yet many Atlanta homeowners don’t realize there are several water heater installation mistakes they should also avoid to ensure the new unit operates even more consistently. Chen Plumbing is Metro Atlanta’s trusted water heater installation expert, providing professional installation services for all water heater styles.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Size Water Heater
Selecting the right size unit is a vital part of any new water heater installation. Whether you’re in Buckhead or Midtown, it’s important that your water heater is the appropriate size. If the unit is too small, you’ll run out of hot water too quickly. tankless water heaters will heat your water on demand, not instantly.
To select the right size, consider several factors, including your household size and average water consumption during peak demand. Atlanta’s cold winters may also impact sizing once the groundwater temperature drops and forces your water heater to work harder, making a larger tank-style water heater necessary to keep up with household usage.
Home layout and available space also impact which size water heater is best, so contact Chen Plumbing to schedule a professional assessment with our experienced water heater installers for adequate sizing.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Local Plumbing Codes
When scheduling water heater installation in Atlanta, it’s important to obtain the required permits and follow local plumbing codes. Atlanta follows the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) and other Georgia plumbing codes, which are locally enforced. If these codes are ignored, your water heater may leak, break down prematurely, or fail to heat your water properly.
Professional water heater installation from Chen Plumbing ensures that your new equipment follows Atlanta’s local codes, including:
- Installing approved Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valves to prevent tank leaks or gas issues.
- Using thermal expansion tanks on closed water distribution systems to absorb extra water volume during the heating process.
- Placing drain pans and floor drains in locations where leaks may occur to prevent water damage.
- Including thermostatic mixing valves or other controls helps to deliver water at safe temperatures to avoid scalding.
- Installing appropriate venting for gas units to support safe combustion.
Mistake #3: Improper Venting or Gas Connections
Whether it’s a water heater replacement or new installation, improper venting and/or inadequate gas connections are another major mistake that can easily be avoided. The incorrect pitch of vent pipes can keep exhaust from exiting your home properly, while using improper pipe materials may lead to a dangerous gas leak. Vent pipes placed too close to insulation, wood, and other combustible materials can start a fire.
Loose gas fittings may allow flammable gas to escape. The wrong connections may eventually crack under movement or stress, and failing to install vertical capped tees on gas lines before the control valve can lead to water heater clogs over time. Contact our Atlanta team to schedule your next water heater install. Our licensed plumbers are highly trained and experienced with installing gas water heaters to ensure proper installation, venting, and operation.
Mistake #4: Skipping Necessary Plumbing Upgrades
Another water heater installation mistake to avoid is skipping necessary plumbing upgrades when installing a new unit. Omitting extras like adding a required thermal expansion tank or ignoring improper pipe sizing can lead to serious issues later. You may also need to upsize your existing gas line for tankless units or larger tanks to prevent safety hazards.
If you don’t make the required upgrades at the time of installation, it could void your product warranty, violate plumbing codes, or result in major leaks that cause significant property damage. Schedule a water heater installation near you with Chen Plumbing to ensure your Metro Atlanta home gets the plumbing upgrades it needs.
Mistake #5: Forgetting Routine Maintenance After Installation
No matter what type or size water heater you install, if you fail to maintain it, you’ll likely encounter problems. Routine maintenance keeps your new water heater running smoothly and prevents issues like leaks, loud noises, and performance problems.
Drain and flush your tank regularly to remove sediment buildup, inspect the unit for leaks, and schedule professional maintenance once per year. Chen Plumbing’s Complete Home Plumbing Protection Plan includes a free annual plumbing inspection, a free annual water heater flush, discounts on repairs, and more.
Tank vs. Tankless Installation: What’s Different?
Before you choose a traditional tank or tankless water heater installation, it’s important to know the differences between the two. Here’s what’s different between a tank and tankless water heater installation:
- Cost and time to install: Tank water heaters are typically installed in a few hours and cost less than tankless models, which take a full day or longer to mount and reconfigure utility hookups.
- Performance: Tankless water heaters heat your water instantly, while tank units use a storage tank that heats the water whenever you need it, so they take longer to work.
- Usage: A tankless water heater supplies hot water consistently so you don’t ever run out, but tank-style systems can run out quickly once the storage tank needs to reheat stored water inside.
Benefits of Professional Water Heater Installation
Hiring a licensed plumber to install your water heater ensures everything is up to local plumbing codes and keeps the warranty valid. It can also prevent safety hazards like gas leaks, fires, or plumbing leaks that could cause serious damage to your Metro Atlanta home. Professional installation also helps your water heater last longer since it’s installed by skilled plumbers who understand the proper techniques required for safe, effective installation.
At Chen Plumbing, we always install new plumbing and appliances with professionalism and care, and you can contact our Atlanta team to get a quote before you schedule. We also offer flexible financing on qualifying projects to make paying for your new water heater easier.
Schedule Your Water Heater Installation With Chen Plumbing Today
Whether you need an energy-efficient tankless water heater or a gas tank water heater installation for your Metro Atlanta home, trust the experts at Chen Plumbing for proper sizing and a seamless installation process. Contact us today at 404-809-3213 to get a quote for a new water heater.
