Hey everyone! I'm in the Pacific Northwest where the weather varies quite a bit. I've got an old Bradford White gas water heater that's 26 years old, and I'm thinking about replacing it. Is it possible to handle this DIY style? I don't have soldering skills—do I really need those? Also, I'm wondering about replacing an expansion tank at the same time; is that complicated? Any tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Are you working with gas or electric? If it's electric, I can confidently say you can DIY it, especially if you have some electrical training. But when it comes to gas, I’d leave that to professionals—it’s just too risky! If you’re using those new solderless connectors like SharkBite and PEX pipes, it’s usually straightforward. Just keep in mind that you might need a permit or an inspection from your local gas company.
Snap some pics of your setup and that can help a lot with advice. If your connections are pipe threads, some gas tape should do the trick. Just make sure you do a gas bubble test to check for leaks. If you’re handy, you can handle this! And by the way, copper piping can be a bit trickier, so be ready for a learning curve if you go that route.
I swapped my water heater out and reused the expansion tank using press fittings, and it went smoothly. Just make sure you’re ready for some heavy lifting—the old tank probably has a lot of mineral build-up, making it pretty heavy! Don’t forget to check all your gas connections for leaks with the soapy water test afterward. But remember, if you're feeling uneasy about any part of it, it's best to call a pro.
Absolutely! I had a similar experience, and the hardest part was definitely getting that old tank out. Good advice on the leak test too—safety first!
Great point about permits! Better safe than sorry. If you're not certified, definitely check if you need a permit to avoid issues later.