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Determine the correct-sized expansion tank that you’ll need. A thermal expansion tank limits pressure in a closed system. A 2-gallon expansion tank should work with heaters up to 50 gallons. For water heaters up to 100 gallons, use a 5-gallon expansion tank.
Connect the cold water supply pipe to the cold water inlet on the heater tank, using an approved supply connector and thread-seal tape for plumbing connections. Connect the hot water outlet on the tank to the hot water piping with an approved connector. Position the heater so it is properly aligned with the existing gas supply, water piping, and vent duct. Secure the heater tank to the wall and floor, as applicable, using the brackets or strapping provided by the heater manufacturer. In most cases, water heaters are replaced with new units that use the same fuel source as the original. The most common fuel types are electric and gas, but there are also some fuel-oil units.
Not sure which water heater you need?
If you want a gas tankless water heater, confirm that it will use your type of gas, likely propane, rather than natural gas used in a traditional home. Regardless of whether you have a single- or double-wide mobile home, the location of a mobile home water heater is especially important if it is a gas unit. Most mobile homes will be able to use a 120-Volt water heater.
Ventilation is easier to achieve if the unit is located on an exterior wall. Water heaters can be installed in bedroom or bathroom closets, if necessary or preferred, but only if they're an electric, direct vent or sealed combustion chamber unit. Other water heaters that use fuel combustion are not permitted to be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms or closets that open into these rooms.
Skills Needed To Install a Water Heater
The drain pan should have somewhere to attach a drain pipe that runs near the ground and out of your home to discharge water if your tank fails. For instance, you can only install a water heater in Texas if you have an installation permit. Even after you are through with the installation, the local municipality should inspect everything to ensure that you complied with the code. Make sure to check your local building codes or talk to someone at your local building or planning department. Apart from a water heater permit, you often need a plumbing or electric permit as well. However, whether you need one depends on your location and the type of heater you intend to install.
Start the pilot light on the heater following the manufacturer's directions. We are licensed, bonded and insured experts here to help you with all of your residential plumbing needs. It will allow the solder to flow directly into the joint and create a water-tight connection. Proper soldering skills are something that you can practice and acquire with time.
Common Mistakes When Installing a Water Heater
All mobile home heater installations must include sufficient space and ventilation for the equipment, and the heater tanks must be secured to prevent movement. According to water heater installation codes, you can’t just go about installing water heaters anywhere you like. Most of the time, you must follow the ICC model, which standardizes commercial and residential building codes worldwide.
Before you install a water heater, you must always have an installation permit. If your water heater is installed in the living space or attic, a water heater pan is required. The drain pan will need to have a discharge pipe to expel water to the exterior. In condos and apartments, your drain pan will likely pipe to a 3 inch drain pipe that directs water outside. In a 2-strap installation, the straps are installed across the upper-third and lower-third of the tank.
This is roughly half the power and capacity that you would have in a typical house. (That’s a standard of 240 Volts, just in case you wanted to know.) So, if you were worried about electric bills, don’t be. Mobile home water heaters are actually fairly good when it comes to energy conservation.
There are a lot of reasons for this, including the fact that their pipe placements aren’t the same as well as the fact that they can be converted from propane to gas. Many water heaters also don’t have non-adjustable temperatures. Some also don’t have pressure relief valves, though that’s rare.
There is no strapping requirements if you are installing an electric or gas tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are secured to the wall with lag bolts with is sufficient. Place the discharge pipe from your T&P relief valve to the drain or floor. If you don’t have a drain under the pipe, you can put a bucket there to catch water dripping from your discharge pipe. Cut the pipe, so it’s less than 6-inches above your bucket or drain pan. While installing a water heater, you must make sure that you do everything according to the set standards and codes.
Believe it or not, manufacturers make water heaters that are specific for mobile home use. They are nationally HUD-approved, which means that they can be converted from gas to propane in a pinch and have the right layout for easy mobile home installation. Let the tank fill until water flows at full force out of the hot water tap , then close the faucet tap.
Identify the wall studs that are closer to the strap measurement and then drill pilot holes. If you want to prevent damages resulting from earthquakes, some areas require the installation of seismic straps. The straps hold the water tank on the wall, thus preventing it from toppling over. However, you don’t need to install seismic straps if you aren’t in an earthquake zone. You can prevent flooding by routing a pipe to a drain from the drain pan.
On your water heater, you’ll notice a knob on the thermostat or gas valve. If you apply a flame to an empty gas heater, it’ll also overheat and lead to tank crack. At all times, the shutoff switch should be visible from the location of the heater.
On gas water heaters the lower strap must be 4 inches above the thermostat. With a full line of Rheem® tank and tankless water heaters to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s the right fit for your family. Whether you need high water delivery or low energy costs—or both, we have your next water heater. You will probably have a hard time installing it.While regular water heaters have all the same parts, their location can make it hard for them to use in a mobile home. You might have to add extra pipes or parts to make it happen.
For older homes, you might need additional permits before installing a water heater. The permit assists you in installing the heater according to local codes and safely. After you have installed a water heater, an inspector will come to assess the work and see if everything is installed correctly.
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