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Tankless Water Heater Installation Guide

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Safety Warnings

  • Gas-fired installations require professional venting to avoid fire hazards and carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Electrical installations require direct wiring into the home's service panel; ensure power is off at the circuit breaker.
  • Always check for gas leaks (rotten egg odor) before igniting any gas-powered unit.
  • Scalding risk: Do not set water temperature above 120ยฐF.

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 โ€” Phillips #2
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Adjustable 8-inch โ€” adjustable 8-inch
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Tubing cutter โ€” standard
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Soldering iron โ€” standard
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Materials

Copper tubing โ€” 6-inch lengths(as needed)
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Teflon tape โ€” standard(1 roll)
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Temperature and pressure relief valve โ€” matched to heater rating(1)
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Copper couplings โ€” standard(as needed)
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Steps

1
Consult the manufacturer's installation manual and contact your city or town to obtain necessary permits and verify local building codes.
2
If replacing an old unit, turn off the cold water supply valve, shut off the gas valve or circuit breaker, and drain all water from the existing system.
3
Mount the tankless water heater to the wall, ensuring it is secure and aligned with existing water and gas/electric lines.
4
Install the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve into the designated opening, applying Teflon tape to the threads to prevent leaks.
5
Solder copper adapters and pipes to connect the unit to the home's water lines, using elbow joints if the pipes do not align perfectly.
6
Connect the fuel source by either wiring the unit into the electrical service panel (following US color codes) or connecting the gas line using a pipe joint compound.
7
Turn on the cold water supply and open a hot water faucet to purge air from the system and check all joints for leaks before powering on the unit.
8
Activate the unit by flipping the circuit breaker or turning on the gas supply, then use the digital controller to set the temperature to 120ยฐF.
9
Since this installation involves gas and high-voltage electricity, have a licensed plumber or electrician perform a final inspection to ensure the system is up to code.

Pro Tips

  • To maximize efficiency, consider installing a water filter before the heater to reduce mineral buildup.
  • If the household has high simultaneous hot water demand, consider installing two or more tankless units.