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| The dip tube from this particular tank had, in fact, broken off and fallen into the bottom of the tank, where particles were getting distributed into the house's hot water supply. |
A tank-style water heater works by keeping a tank of water at the right temperature. This means that heat is being applied to the tank all day long, and once the supply of hot water is exhausted, it takes time to refresh the supply. |
Tankless versions, on the other hand, heat water on demand. When hot water is turned on anywhere in the house, the unit starts and water is brought up to temperature instantaneously as it flows through an internal heat exchanger. |
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| Installation of a tankless water heater system begins when the old water heater is removed. A licensed plumber installs a "T" valve in the existing gas line. |
A new corrugated stainless steel gas supply line (which is used in place of black iron gas lines in many states) is connected to the "T" valve, and will supply the tankless heater with gas. |
New water lines are tied in to the existing ones, and copper pipes are run the last few feet to the new water heater. |
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| The water pipes are mounted to the wall near the tankless unit with special brackets called bell hangers. These will hold the pipes securely in place and prevent them from coming into direct contact with the walls. |
The ends of each section of copper pipe are polished with an emery cloth until they are shiny and clean. This is important because greasy buildup, dirt and oxidation can cause leaks in the soldered joint. |
Next, soldering flux is applied to the end of the pipe that will be inserted into the fitting. It is important that a test fit of the pipe into the fitting works cleanly before any solder is applied. |
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| When heat is applied to the fitting with the inner flame tip for about 10 seconds, the metal is hot enough to pull the solder into the joint with capillary action. Start by touching the solder to the highest point and work your way around both sides until the joint is filled. |
This platform is built from two-by-fours and plywood, and will allow the tankless heater to be mounted about four inches out from the wall. This will allow the vent to clear the floor joists as it passes to the outside. |
Use a carbide-tipped masonry bit to drill pilot holes in the concrete wall through the back of the platform. Tapcon screws like these are actually masonry anchors that cut threads into concrete and hold the platform securely to the wall. |
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| Once the platform is attached to the wall, a face plate can be secured to the front with self-tapping wood screws. |
The tankless water heater can now be attached to this face plate with screws. |
A licensed plumber can attach a gas shutoff valve to the unit. |
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