Water Heater Replacement

[Maverick7340]

I'm going to be replacing my water heater myself. I was wondering what the opinions are on the those connector kits to hook up the water lines instead of soldering copper pipe in?

It's looks like and easy job. Anything I might need to know?

 

[twotonevert]

Soldering is pretty easy, just heat it up with your torch and put some solder to it. It will take less time than mechanical connections. Unless you are installing all new copper, then the new connections might be the ticket.

 

[orangeRcode]

Working with copper isnt bad. Heat the fitting not the tubing. Use a good flux and clean everything first. If you don't already have the torch and solder you may want to go with the connect kit. Depending on how your old heater was connected it should be pretty straight forward.

 

[reddog1]

Man, I called a local plumber, they said over 1300 bucks, did it myself for about 500. Easy!!!

Just be sure to have it inspected.

 

[gl55]

And get a Bradford White tank from Locke Supply. Where is the tank located? Could be some new code requirements depending on location.

 

[reddog1]

And get a Bradford White tank from Locke Supply. Where is the tank located? Could be some new code requirements depending on location.

Thats what I did... man that thing is on about 1/4 and the water is HOT!!!!!

 

[Dave70968]

The secret to soldering: heat the work, not the solder.

Apply your heat evenly to the pipes, then introduce the solder to the joint opposite to the flame. If it doesn't melt, keep heating the joint. When it starts to melt, move the solder around the joint, keeping it out of the flame (move the flame if you need). If the pipes are hot enough, the solder will melt and wick freely into the joint, adhering to both pipes. If you have to apply heat to the solder, you'll get a blobby-looking mess that doesn't actually seal.

 

[Perplexed]

If you have to apply heat to the solder, you'll get a blobby-looking mess that doesn't actually seal.

Same principle when soldering wire.