How to Install a Water Heater - Professional Tips from Fly Plumbing

Oleg Fedorovich • August 15, 2024

At first glance, water heaters don’t seem like they should be that difficult to replace. After all, it seems like you simply unplug the old one and plug in the new one. However, it’s much more complicated than that, especially if you’re installing anything other than a basic electric water heater. Consider the following reasons why you should consider having a professional install your new water heater.

The Wide Variety of Water Heaters

First, it’s important to understand that not all water heaters are created equal, and some are more difficult to replace than others. There are, of course, the big differences, like whether you have a tank or tankless style. Within the gas models, there are atmospheric vents, power vents, and direct vent varieties. Each of these variations requires a different knowledge set and sometimes different tools. Professional plumbers come prepared to handle whatever variety of water heater that best suits your home and have invested in the right tools and equipment, including some that may be cost-prohibitive for the average DIYer.

Finding the Right Water Heater for Your Home

With all the different types of water heaters, it can be challenging to find the right one for your home. Even if you know the kind of water heat you want, you also need to know the right size and ensure that it’s compatible with the infrastructure available in your home. An experienced plumber will know the right questions to ask to help you critically think through what will best serve your home. Professional plumbers know how to evaluate your water needs to ensure you get the proper size.

Home and Family Safety

It’s easy to take safety for granted with how common water heaters are and the relatively little attention the average person gives them. However, water heaters come with significant risks if not installed properly. With a gas water heater, there’s the obvious risk of a gas leak and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, regardless of model type, all of them contain hot water, which, if not installed properly, can build pressure and leak or even burst, leading to scalding and burns on anyone around. It can also cause catastrophic failure of the water heater and significant property damage. 

Proper Function

Once your water heater is installed, you want to be sure that it functions properly over its expected lifespan. However, this lifespan is predicated on proper installation at the beginning and proper maintenance on a regular basis. With improper installation, a gas unit can have ignition problems, failing to maintain the standing pilot. It can have ventilation problems, affecting the entire burn process. Additionally, if it’s not installed properly, safety features like the pressure control valve may not work properly, increasing the risk of a failure that can harm your family or damage your home. Finally, if it’s not level when it’s installed, it can cause unusual wear and issues with water, fuel and exhaust flow.

Building Code Compliance

Most local ordinances allow private property owners to install their own appliances, including water heaters. However, attempting to do so on your own may compromise building code compliance. Further, if you have to move or modify a gas line, you may be legally required to either have a gas plumbing license or hire someone who does. Failing to do so can leave you legally liable if there’s an accident that results in damage that extends to affected private or public property. When you go to sell your home, having compliance issues can either reduce your home’s value or require work to bring it up to code before the sale.

Minimizing Operational Costs

Running your water heater includes multiple facets of operational costs. The part that most people focus on is the cost to run the water heater itself, such as the cost of electricity or natural gas and the water. However, part of the operational cost is also the cost of repairs over the life of the unit. When a unit is improperly installed, it may cause the unit to run less efficiently, driving up the cost of fuel or electricity. Less efficient operation also means more wear on the system, which can translate into more repair costs and a shorter service life. By simply hiring a professional to install your system you drive down all of these costs for a fraction of what they could cost you.

Protecting Warranties and Insurance Policies

A factor many property owners don’t consider when weighing this decision is the unintended implications for their manufacturer warranty and homeowner’s policy. For the unit warranty, most have a term that stipulates that a professional plumber perform all service, including the installation. Further, some homeowner’s policies won’t honor a claim if the unit fails and causes damage if the insuring company finds out that it was installed by someone other than a licensed plumber. This can leave you with significant bills that should be covered by insurance or a factory warranty, sometimes costing you multiples of the installation cost you incur.

Longer Service Life

Part of evaluating the cost of a water heater is the annualized cost of the unit. The average cost of professionally installing a water heater is around $1,400, but can certainly range both higher and lower. With an average life of about 11 years, this means the annualized cost is about $127. However, shorten that life to 5 years because of bad installation, and you’re now looking at an annualized cost of $280. Consider that most manufacturers offer a warranty ranging from 6 to 12 years, and you can see how trying to save installation costs by DIY installation can dramatically increase your overall costs.

Old Unit Disposal

Unless you’re installing a water heater in a new construction, you’ll have to dispose of the old unit after the project. Unfortunately, this is usually not something you can set out at your curb for waste disposal pickup. Rather, you’ll have to find a way to get it to one of the few landfills permitted to handle them or to a scrap yard. This can be both expensive and time-consuming, especially if you don’t have a sufficient vehicle and help to load and unload. When you hire a professional plumber to install a new unit, they’ll haul away the old one and ensure that it’s properly disposed of.


For more than 15 years, property owners around Wheeling have turned to Fly Plumbing & HVAC to ensure their homes remain comfortable, safe, and functional. Our team of expert plumbers and HVAC technicians provide water heater installation and repair and comprehensive residential plumbing services, including drain cleaning, frozen pipe repair, toilet unclog and repair, and frozen pipe repair. Our experienced team also offers heating and AC installation, maintenance and repair, and indoor air quality solutions. Call to schedule a consultation with one of our water heater experts to find the best solution for your home.


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By Donny Wells March 26, 2025
Heat pumps are a popular choice for both heating and cooling homes, offering energy efficiency and versatility. However, like any HVAC system, they can encounter problems that impact their performance. At Fly Plumbing, we understand the importance of keeping your home comfortable, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top issues that heat pumps can face, from leaks to frozen coils. This guide will help you identify potential problems and understand how to address them. Understanding Heat Pumps Before diving into the common issues, it’s helpful to understand how heat pumps work. Heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another using a refrigeration cycle. In the winter, they extract heat from the outside air (even in cold temperatures) and transfer it indoors. In the summer, the process reverses, cooling your home by removing heat from the indoor air. While heat pumps are generally reliable, several factors can lead to performance issues. Here are some of the most common problems homeowners may encounter. 1. Refrigerant Leaks What Happens Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your heat pump, circulating through the system to facilitate heating and cooling. A refrigerant leak can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy bills, and inadequate heating or cooling. Signs of a Refrigerant Leak Inconsistent Temperature: Rooms may feel warmer or cooler than the thermostat setting. Hissing or Bubbling Sounds: You may hear noises coming from the unit, indicating a refrigerant leak. Ice Buildup: Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to further complications. What to Do If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s essential to contact a professional HVAC technician. They can locate the source of the leak, repair it, and recharge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant. 2. Frozen Coils What Happens Frozen coils can occur in both the evaporator and condenser coils of your heat pump. When the coils freeze, airflow is restricted, and the system cannot operate efficiently. Causes of Frozen Coils Low Refrigerant Levels: Insufficient refrigerant can lead to freezing. Poor Airflow: Blocked or dirty air filters, closed vents, or issues with the blower fan can restrict airflow, causing the coils to freeze. Low Outdoor Temperatures: Extreme cold can cause the outdoor unit to freeze, especially if the heat pump is struggling to extract heat from the air. Signs of Frozen Coils Ice on the Coils: Visible frost or ice buildup on the coils. Reduced Heating or Cooling: The system struggles to maintain the desired temperature. What to Do To address frozen coils, first, turn off the heat pump to allow the ice to melt. Check and replace air filters if they are dirty, and ensure that vents are open and unobstructed. If the issue persists, call a professional to check for refrigerant levels or other underlying issues. 3. Thermostat Issues What Happens The thermostat controls your heat pump’s operation, adjusting the temperature according to your preferences. If it malfunctions, it can lead to inconsistent heating and cooling. Signs of Thermostat Issues Incorrect Temperature Readings: The thermostat displays a temperature that doesn’t match the actual room temperature. Unresponsive Controls: The thermostat doesn’t respond to temperature adjustments. Frequent Short Cycling: The system turns on and off rapidly, failing to maintain a consistent temperature. What to Do Check the thermostat settings and replace the batteries if applicable. If issues continue, it may need recalibration or replacement. An HVAC technician can help diagnose and repair thermostat problems. 4. Airflow Problems What Happens Proper airflow is crucial for your heat pump to function efficiently. Issues with airflow can lead to reduced efficiency and comfort. Causes of Airflow Problems Dirty Filters: Clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder. Blocked Ducts: Debris or obstructions in the ductwork can impede airflow. Fan Issues: Problems with the blower fan can lead to inadequate airflow. Signs of Airflow Problems Uneven Heating or Cooling: Some rooms are warmer or cooler than others. Noisy Operation: Strange noises may indicate airflow issues, such as a struggling fan. What to Do Regularly check and replace air filters, typically every 1-3 months, depending on usage and dust levels. Schedule routine maintenance to clean ducts and ensure that the blower fan is functioning correctly. 5. Drainage Issues What Happens Heat pumps generate condensation during operation, which must drain away properly. If the drainage system becomes clogged, it can lead to water damage and reduced efficiency. Signs of Drainage Issues Water Leaks: Puddles of water around the indoor unit. Increased Humidity: High indoor humidity levels, indicating poor drainage. What to Do Inspect the condensate drain line for clogs and clean it as needed. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove blockages. If you’re unsure, a professional can ensure proper drainage and prevent further issues. 6. Electrical Problems What Happens Electrical issues can arise from various components, including the compressor, capacitor, and wiring. These problems can lead to system failures or reduced efficiency. Signs of Electrical Problems Tripped Circuit Breakers: Frequent circuit breaker trips may indicate an electrical issue. Burning Smell: A burning odor from the unit can signal serious electrical problems. Unresponsive Unit: The system fails to turn on or responds intermittently. What to Do If you suspect electrical issues, turn off the heat pump and contact a licensed electrician or HVAC technician. Do not attempt to fix electrical problems yourself, as they can be dangerous. 7. Old Age and Wear What Happens Like any mechanical system, heat pumps have a lifespan, typically ranging from 10 to 15 years. As they age, wear and tear can lead to various issues. Signs of Aging Increased Energy Bills: Higher operating costs may indicate declining efficiency. Frequent Repairs: An increase in repair needs can signify that the unit is nearing the end of its life. Inconsistent Performance: Fluctuating temperatures or prolonged heating/cooling cycles may indicate age-related issues. What to Do If your heat pump is approaching the end of its lifespan, consider scheduling a replacement. An HVAC professional can help you evaluate your options and find a more energy-efficient model. Conclusion Heat pumps are an excellent choice for year-round comfort, but they can experience issues that impact their efficiency and performance. By being aware of these common problems—such as refrigerant leaks, frozen coils, and airflow issues—you can take proactive steps to maintain your system. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs will not only extend the life of your heat pump but also ensure a comfortable living environment. If you encounter any issues with your heat pump or need assistance with maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Fly Plumbing. We’re here to help you keep your home comfortable all year round!
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