Why Does Accessibility Matter When Installing A New Water Heater?
You can't wait to show off some appliances to the world, but most homeowners aren't in a hurry to put their water heater on display. Unfortunately, not all homes have large basements or other unused spaces to install unsightly appliances such as water heaters. If you are in this situation, it can be tempting to install your water heater in an out of the way, difficult to reach location.
While this can help maintain your home's aesthetics, hiding your new water heater in a tight or inaccessible place can have many negative consequences. Below you'll find three reasons that you should work with your plumber to install your water heater somewhere accessible.
1. Lower Installation Costs
You're paying someone to install your new water heater, so why should you worry about how challenging the process will be? The answer is straightforward: cost. Installing a new storage water heater is not typically a challenging or expensive job, but moving these bulky, heavy units into a tight space can add hours of labor.
If you're trying to place your water heater in an unusual spot in your home, always discuss this choice with your plumber first. You may find that your chosen location will add hundreds of dollars (or more!) to your installation costs. These costs will often be even higher if your new water heater is going into a different location than your old one.
2. Easier Maintenance
Conventional storage water heaters are not maintenance-free appliances. You'll need to drain sediment about once per year, and you may also need to perform other routine maintenance tasks, such as adjusting the thermostat or replacing the anode rod. Even if your water heater never suffers any unexpected failures, these essential maintenance items require easy access to the unit.
On the other hand, actual repairs can turn into a nightmare for water heaters shoved into tight closets or similarly restricted spaces. If possible, always try to ensure that at least two sides of the unit are easily accessible. When installing in unfinished areas such as basements or attics, ensure that safe and secure flooring is present all around the heater.
3. Less Replacement Hassle
You probably don't want to think about replacing your brand new water heater, but these appliances have a lifespan like any other. Most water heaters last less than twelve years, so it's not unreasonable to expect that you may still own your home when it's time to replace this one. Installing your new heater in an accessible location means less hassle and lower costs when it comes time to replace it.
Ultimately, your home's layout, size, and plumbing will dictate the best locations for a water heater. If you're unhappy with your current heater's location, be sure to discuss the pros and cons of moving it to a new spot with your plumber before making any final decisions.
If you have additional questions on hot water tank installations, reach out to a local plumber.