A water heater provides enough hot water to meet the needs of the whole family.
Location, start-up, maintenance... what you need to know before installation.
Where to install the hot water tank?
The first step is to choose the right location to install the hot water tank.
It is recommended to install it in a dry and well-ventilated place, protected from frost.
It must be placed near the drains and hot water inlets (shower, sink, bathtub) to limit heat loss.
The location must be easily accessible to allow regular maintenance of the device.
To fix your vertical water heater to the wall, choose a flat and solid surface to support the weight of the water heater, which can reach several tens of kilos depending on its capacity (50 L, 200 L, even 300 L).
Allow a space of 50 cm around the tank to facilitate maintenance and upkeep.
How to install a water heater?
The installation of a water heater must be carried out by a qualified RGE professional (plumber, heating engineer) to guarantee the safety and compliance of the installation.
Choose a model that meets the needs of the family in terms of capacity and power.
Electric water heaters are the most common and the easiest to install and connect, but there are also gas or solar water heater models that can be more economical to run.
The professional will install the tank, the safety group, the thermostat and the electrical and hydraulic connections.
Check that the installation complies with the standards in force and request a certificate of conformity at the end of the work.
To know
The installation of a new electric water heater will cost you between 450€ and 1000€ (excluding the price of the water heater).
Be aware that there is financial aid for the installation or replacement of your equipment (Prime Habiter Mieux Mieux Sèrance from the ANAH, MaPrimeRénov, etc.).
How to get started?
Once the installation is complete, it is time to start the water heater.
To do this, fill the water heater with cold water until the level reaches half of the balloon.
It is important to check that all connections are properly sealed before starting the water heater.
The plumber will then set the thermostat according to the desired temperature for the hot water.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overconsumption of electricity or gas.
How to maintain a hot water tank?
The average lifespan of an electric water heater is 10 to 15 years, and 20 years for a gas water heater.
This duration varies according to the quality of the water and the mode of use of the device.
Regular maintenance of a water heater can extend its life and ensure its proper functioning.
- Carry out an annual emptying of the tank to eliminate the impurities which can accumulate at the bottom of the tank.
- Check the status of the resistor and the safety group.
- Regularly clean the cold water inlet filter to prevent clogging and reduced hot water flow.
If in doubt about the working condition of the water heater, it is important to call in a professional to carry out an inspection and detect any anomalies.
In summary, we recommend that you have your water heater installed by a qualified professional who will be able to advise you on the ideal location for your equipment.
Carrying out regular maintenance will allow you to ensure its proper functioning and optimize your consumption (water consumption and energy consumption).
By following these recommendations, you will enjoy optimal comfort while preserving your budget and the environment.