Water Heater Replacement (Tank)

Purpose

Standard procedure for replacing a tank-style water heater at Spartan Plumbing service calls.

Verify customer authorization and signed estimate in ServiceTitan

Confirm the replacement unit is correct: size (40/50 gal), fuel type (gas/electric), and specs match the estimate

Assess the installation area: access path, clearances, venting requirements

Identify water shutoff, gas shutoff (if gas), and electrical disconnect (if electric)

Protect the home: shoe covers, drop cloths on the entire path from door to work area

Shut off water supply, gas supply (or electrical), and drain the old unit

Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and route to a floor drain or exterior

Disconnect water lines, gas line (or electrical), and vent (if gas)

Cap the gas line immediately after disconnecting — do not leave an open gas line

Carefully remove the old unit — use a dolly on stairs, protect walls and floors

Take the old unit to your truck — do not leave it at the customer's home

Position the new unit — ensure proper clearances per manufacturer specs and code

Connect water lines: cold inlet and hot outlet. Use new flex connectors or hard pipe as appropriate

Install expansion tank if required (check local code and existing setup)

Gas: connect gas line, check all connections with leak detection solution

Electric: connect wiring per manufacturer specs and local code

Connect vent/flue (gas units) — ensure proper draft and pitch

Fill the tank completely before turning on power or gas — running dry damages elements/burner

Set thermostat to 120°F

Apply Spartan water heater sticker with installation date and service info

Check all water connections for leaks

Gas: perform bubble test on all gas connections — zero leaks allowed

CO test at draft hood and flue — document readings (see CO Detection & Response)

Verify proper draft at the vent

Check for backdrafting

Run hot water at a fixture and verify proper heating

Check expansion tank operation

Pressure test — verify system pressure is within range

Photo the completed installation from multiple angles

Photo the model/serial number plate on the new unit

Document all test readings in ServiceTitan

Provide customer with operation and maintenance information

CO testing is mandatory after every gas water heater installation — no exceptions
Ensure the old unit is disposed of properly — return to shop for recycling
Check for open exhaust vents during installation — address per Open Exhaust Vent SOP
Always install a new gas flex connector — never reuse old flex connectors