WARNING: Be sure to get a price before having a plumber
come to your house. It is common in the water heater replacement business to refuse to give a price over the phone. A
service call is charged and may be deducted from any repairs, but the charge is always more than a price from a
company who quotes a price over the phone.
30 Reasons to Hire a Professional
When it's time for a new water heater, calling a professional may be the smartest thing
you could ever do. Here, then, are 30 reasons why we believe every consumer should hire
a professional to install a new water heater.
1. WE BELIEVE IN THE BEST FOR YOU
We're Premier, one of America's largest and oldest
water heater manufacturers. We believe we know water heaters
and their potential as well as anyone. We know how well
water heaters can work and how safe they can be when properly
installed. We also know the downfall and dangers of bad
installations. That's why we believe water heaters should
be installed only by professionals.
2. THE RULES HAVE CHANGED
As of July 1, 2003 all conventional 30, 40 and 50 gallon
residential gas-fired water heaters must comply with new,
stringent standards regarding Flammable Vapor Ignition
Resistance. Premier has created the Defender Safety
System™, a cutting edge technology that fully complies
with the new standard. Your professional installer knows
that he can count on Bradford White to meet these requirements
now and in the future.
3. A GROWING FAMILY NEEDS MORE HOT WATER
When your family grows or when you add a large tub,
a shower or even an entire bathroom, your demand for hot
water increases. A professional can help you with access
to models specifically built for these types of changes.
4.
THE SAFEST WATER HEATERS ARE INSTALLED BY PROFESSIONALS
The Bradford White Defender Safety System is only available
to professional installers – people whose knowledge, skill
and experience ensure that the right water heater, and
one designed to be very safe when installed correctly.
The peace of mind you realize by having a plumber install
your water heater is a priceless commodity you can get
at a reasonable price.
5. A PROFESSIONAL STANDS BEHIND HIS WORK
When you hire a professional to do the installation,
he's there to back up his work and to shoulder the responsibility
that comes with the job.
6. TROUBLESHOOTING IS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
If you're not familiar with what causes that rattling
noise, that sulfur smell or that sudden reduction in available
hot water, it's best to do the right thing first. Call
a professional.
7. ONE CALL DOES IT ALL
When you call a professional to install your new water
heater, you'll get a complete and efficient job well done.
The professional will answer all your questions and use
all the right materials.
8. A PROFESSIONAL DOES A FULL SERVICE JOB
When you hire a professional, you'll get delivery and
careful handling of your new water heater, proper installation
and removal of the old water heater from your home.
9. YOUR CHOICES AND OPTIONS ARE VARIED
A professional can show you water heaters with improved
features and higher operating efficiencies and tell you
how they may negate
the need for a large capacity model.
10. AVOID INSTALLATION MISHAPS
Installing a water heater can be a challenge. An inexperienced
installer could inadvertently dry-fire the elements, damage
delicate parts, cross thread gas connections or forget
to elevate the water heater or use earthquake strapping
where necessary.
11. A PROFESSIONAL UNDERSTANDS PROPER SIZING
Part of the professionals job is to properly size the
water heater. That includes calculating the demands from
multiple bathrooms, dishwashers, clothes washers and any
other points-of-use.
12. A PROFESSIONAL UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE
OF PROPER VENTING
It is critical to vent the unit to the manufacturer's
specifications. Improper vent size, total length or configuration
can lead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide inside
the home.
13. INSTALLING THE PROPER T&P VALVE
The temperature and pressure relief valve opens to relieve
pressure. Improper installation or the choice of an inadequate
valve can cause damage to the water heater or a hazardous
pressure build-up.
14. WORKING SAFELY WITH A GAS FUEL SOURCE
Oil and Gas-fired water heaters require knowledge of
the gas or oil fuel source and an understanding of gas
connections supply lines and start up. A professional has
this experience and knowledge.
15. USING THE CORRECT MATERIALS
The choice of material types and sizes for venting,
water inlet and outlet pipes and electric feed lines is
best left to a professional.
16. THE JOB IS DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
When you have a professional install your new water
heater, you get the most for your money as well as the
satisfaction of knowing the job was completed with expertise
and experience you can trust.
17. A PROFESSIONAL WILL HELP YOU AVOID SCALDING
Water heaters are factory-set at a certain temperature
for your safety. Your professional will explain the settings
and the dangers of improper use of the water heater's thermostat.
18.
A SIMPLE WATER HEATER…ISN'T
With new industry-wide design changes like the Defender
Safety System™, today's water heaters are more complicated
than ever. Proper installation and service require that
water heater manufacturers provide training and education.
This valuable knowledge is only available to a professional
installer.
19. PROPER DRAINAGE IS A MUST
After several years of good service, a water heater
could leak or expel water due to pressure build-up. This
could cause damage to floor coverings and other items.
A professional will install a drain pan and pipe it properly
to a drain.
20. GETTING THE RIGHT GAS WATER HEATER FOR YOUR
HOME
Gas valves are designed to handle a specific type of
fuel. Some gas-fired water heaters are designed for certain
types of homes. Making the wrong choice can be a serious
hazard.
21. KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRICITY AND ITS USES
Installation of electric water heaters requires knowledge
of the properly rated wiring material as well as knowledge
of the home's electrical capacity. An adequate electrical
service is a requirement.
22. A PROFESSIONAL UNDERSTANDS THERMAL EXPANSION
Do you have an open or closed water system? Closed systems
are subject to thermal expansion and pressure build-up.
Open systems can become closed when check valves, water
softeners or water
meters are added. A professional will add an expansion
tank to avoid
problems.
23. PRESSURE BUILD-UP IS A SERIOUS MATTER
Even if your water heater tank doesn't rupture from
thermal expansion, pressure inside the tank can cause a
constriction of the flue tube. This, in turn, can cause
a back up of combustion gases and carbon monoxide inside
the home.
24. MULTI-PURPOSE WATER HEATERS MAY BE THE ANSWER
Dual-purpose models can be used for space heating and
snow melting when properly connected to a hydronic piping
system. A professional knows where to find these special
models.
25.
MANY SPECIAL WATER HEATERS AREN'T SOLD TO CONSUMERS
As with Bradford White's Defender Safety System™, some
water heaters cannot be purchased by the public. There
are literally thousands of models with important variations
and safety features that you'll never know about unless
you call a professional.
26. IT MAY BE TIME FOR A TRADE-IN
Even if your water heater is functioning adequately,
maybe you're not getting as much hot water as you need.
It may be time to upgrade. It's tough for a retailer or
non-professional to advise you. A professional can give
you guidance and explain your options.
27. GETTING A PROPER DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM
If your water heater looks fine but it just won't make
hot water, a professional can diagnose what may be a simple
problem. You may just need an inexpensive replacement part.
28. A PROFESSIONAL HAS THE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
IT TAKES
A professional has taken years to hone his craft. Installing
water heaters is one of the things he does for a living.
When a plumber comes into your home, he knows exactly what
to do.
29. A PROFESSIONAL IS ON TOP OF NEW TECHNOLOGY
Because professionals often attend trade association
meetings, events sponsored by water heater manufacturers
and also subscribe to trade magazines, he or she is the
first to know when more efficient models or technology
changes are available.
30. LAWS GOVERNING INSTALLATION
In many parts of the country, state agencies and local
municipalities have laws and codes governing the installation
of water heaters. These laws state that a water heater
must be installed by a licensed professional.
Safety Reminder: Do not use or store flammable products
such as gasoline, solvents or adhesives in the same room
or area near any gas fired appliance. Gasoline and other
flammables can be
dangerous if not used safely. Also, water temperature
over 125°F can cause severe burns instantly from scalds.
Always feel water before bathing or showering.
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