From bathing to cleaning, heated water is a must for the comfort and health of every family. This is why hot water system installation is not something that should be taken lightly. Incorrect installation puts your family at risk of potential hazards (such as electrical shock or even fire), not to mention effects the energy efficiency of the system (which can negatively impact your bank account). To ensure safe and efficient installation, you should always use a professional.
A professional will possess the knowledge, skills, and experience required to handle the installation correctly. They will be well-versed in the latest industry standards and regulations, ensuring that the system complies.
A professional will guarantee a high-quality installation. They will use tools, techniques, and materials that are appropriate for the correct functioning of the system, minimising the potential for future risks and malfunctions.
A professional installation will be covered by a warranty and the company will also offer after-sales support. If any problems or concerns were to arise, you can rest assured that they will be dealt with in a timely manner.
1.Choose a Location – When choosing the best location for the system, you should look for a place that is close by to the primary water usage areas (such as the bathrooms and laundry) to minimise heat loss.
2.Prepare the Area – The space where the system will be installed needs to be cleared. You need to ensure that there is space for the unit itself, as well as adequate access for maintenance in the future.
3.Shut Off Utilities – Your home’s water and electricity supply will need to be shut off to ensure the safety of the installer and your family. You may be able to turn off just the electricity supply to the unit rather than your whole house.
4.Drain the Old Unit – If you’re replacing an existing unit, you’ll need to drain any water out by attaching a hose to the drain valve (located at the bottom of the tank). It can take some time for the tank to be completely drained.
5.Disconnect the Old Unit – Once it’s drained, the installer will disconnect the existing unit. This includes various plumbing connections (such as the hot water outlet, cold water inlet, and pressure relief valve).
6.Prepare the New Unit – The installer will prepare the new unit to be installed. Some come with components that require assembly (such as the temperature and pressure relief valves) to ensure proper function.
7.Install the New Unit – The installer will carefully position the new unit and connect the required plumbing. It’s important that the system is level and stable with all fittings tight (but not over-tightened) to prevent future issues.
8.Check for Leaks – Once all the connections are made, the installer will check for any leaks by slowing turning on the water supply and carefully inspecting each connection point. They’ll deal with any leaks that are present.
9.Connect the Power Source – The installer will connect the power supply, which involves connecting cables to the designated terminals on the unit. It’s essential that all electrical connections are made correctly and safely.
10.Fill and Test – The system will be tested by turning on a hot tap in your home. This will allow air to escape as it fills with water. The installer will check the unit again for leaks (and to ensure it is properly filled if it’s a tank unit).
11.Adjust the Temperature – The temperature settings of the unit will be adjusted to your desired level, ensuring that the water is hot enough for your needs while not being so high that you waste energy in heating it.
12.Final Checks – Before leaving, the installer will perform a final round of checks to ensure that all connections are secure and that there aren’t any leaks. They’ll also test the hot water at all outlets in the home to ensure it’s reaching them all.
While you might be tempted to tackle electric hot water system installation yourself, it’s highly recommended that you engage a professional to do this for you. Not only will this ensure that the installation goes as smoothly as possible, it will ensure the compliance and safety of the system – you're working with some potentially hazardous elements, after all. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the warranty and after-sales support that comes with a professional company.
