Skip navigation

Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc.
Quality Assured since 1998 - Family Owned & Operated

Serving all of Northern VA

571-322-6209

24/7 Emergency Service Available

oasis@oasiscooling.com

Menu

What To Expect from the Water Heater Installation Process

A large neutral-colored water heater, with a focus on the system's water temperature controls and pipes.

Upgrading or installing a water heater in your home is a significant step in maintaining convenience and comfort. Knowing what the installation process involves can help you prepare and ensure a smooth experience. Here, we break down each stage of work professional installers will complete so you know what to expect from the water heater installation process.

Inspection of Your Current Water Heater’s Condition

It’s common for the first step in the process to be an assessment of your current water heater. Technicianswill evaluate the system to determine the following:

  • Its capacity and performance levels.
  • Its safety and ventilation requirements.
  • Compatibility with your existing water supply, electrical wiring, or gas lines.

This step allows them to identify any leaks, corrosion, or rust that could affect your water heater’s functioning. They’ll also checkpipes, valves, and electrical systems to verify they work.

Efficiency Testing of Your Water Heater

Examining your water heater’s efficiency means ensuring the systemcan meetyour household’s needs while consuming the least energy. An inefficient water heater strains your energy bills and may not provide consistent hot water.

Inefficiencies that outweigh the ability to restore your water heater’s performance are often a sign to consider installing a more modern unit that best suits your needs.

Determining the Right Type of Water Heater for Your Home

Choosing between a tank and a tankless water heater is one of the most critical parts of the installation process. Professionals assess your household’s hot water usage patterns, energy consumption, and available space to recommend the most suitable option.

Tank Water Heater

Tank water heaters are ideal for homes with higher water usage, as they store a large volume of heated water. However, they can take up more space and may not be as energy-efficient in the long run. An expert technician will explain the advantages and limitations of this option,especially if your current setup involves a tank system.

Tankless Water Heater

On the other hand, tankless water heaters heat water on demand without storing it, saving energy and space. These areparticularly ideal for smaller households aiming to maximize energy efficiency. A professional can evaluate the compatibility of your home’s plumbing and electrical systems with a tankless option, as these units sometimes require modifications to support their advanced technology. Whatever your choice, professionals provide all the necessary information so you can decide based on your household’s needs and preferences.  

Talk With Technicians Well-Versed in Various Water Heating Systems

A person in a blue worker's uniform and cap touching the temperature control dial of a water heater with their left hand.

You will receive expert guidance regarding the cost and performance differences between a tank or tankless water heater and the benefits of each when you rely on Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration for your hot water service replacement. The installers on our team can examine your current water heater and give you expert advice and guidance concerning which type of water heating system best suits the needs of your household. We can also initiate an installation plan at your convenience.

Preparing for Installation

Once you’ve chosen the right water heater, the installer willmove into the next phase, which may include:

  • Turning off the main water supply and power or gas connections.
  • Draining the old water heater to avoid spills.
  • Ensuring the new heater complies with local building codes and safety standards.

Next, a professional will expertly remove your old water heating system and begin installing the new one.

Installing the New Water Heater

Next, comes the actual placement of your new water heater. This process involves positioning the unit in the designated area and anchoring or securing it to prevent movement.

Inputting a Tank Model

The installer will connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes if your new water heater has a tank.They often do thisusing flexible hoses or soldered fittings.

Inputting a Tankless Model

Additional steps might include wall mounting and ensuring the electrical or gas supply is adequate for the system’s higher demands for tankless models.

Guaranteeing Leak-Free Connections to Water, Power, or Gas

They may do so using proper seals and fittings when the installer connects the pipes after the physical setup of the system to avoid leaks. A professional may use other leak detection methods, including pressure testing or applying soapy water to gas lines to confirm all connections are airtight.

A Demonstration of How To Operate Your New Water Heater

Once the Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration team completes an installation, our expert technicians will thoroughly guide youthrough using your new water heater. We begin by explaining how the system works and how to monitor its performance for optimal usage. This step equips you with the necessary knowledge to maintain the system and prevent potential issues.

Our water heater installers and repairers demonstrate how to adjust the thermostat to control water temperature effectively.We will emphasize finding a temperature setting that meets your needs without compromising energy efficiency or safety, as necessary. For example, we remind homeowners and residents that setting the temperatureon their water heating systemtoo high can increase the risk of scalding in keeping with our leading, high-quality customer service.Simultaneously, a lower setting can save energy and reduce costs.

Preparations for Preventive Care and Maintenance

A young woman holding her smartphone in her left hand as she examines what appears to be a smart water heater or boiler.

The experts at our company care about your water heating system and want to help you properly care for it. We’ll help you get familiar with specific maintenance tasks required for your system.

For instance, tank water heaters may need periodic flushing to remove sediment buildup, while tankless systems require occasional descaling. Likewise, we can point out safety features to you and explain when and how to test them, such as pressure relief valves. This thorough overview ensures you can confidently handle day-to-day operations and minor maintenance.

Arranging Annual Inspections for Your Water Heater

Routine inspections and care tasks can help you identify developing issues early, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your system. An annual appointment allowsour technicians to complete upkeep tasks, such as:

  • Checking for wear and tear
  • Testing heat retention, performance, and efficiency
  • Performing necessary adjustments

During these inspections, professionals will often examine components prone to wear, such as valves and anode rods. Catching minor problems early can prevent costly repairs or potential system failures. These visits also ensure your water heater continues to meet safety and efficiency standards. Once you know what to expect from the water heater installation process and follow-up inspections, schedule an installation and future inspections and maintenance to guarantee your hot water service replacement investment works well over time.

Comments are closed.