Hot water is something that modern homeowners cannot live without. If you have noticed that your hot water supply seems to be insufficient or that your water heater is aging, it may be time to invest in a new model.

Installing a water heater seems like it should be a straightforward process, but there are some important tips to keep in mind if you want your water heater to run safely and efficiently in the future.

1. Choose the Right Model

Since you will be installing a new water heater anyway, it is the perfect time to assess your current hot water needs. Many homes rely on water heaters with reserve tanks to meet their water needs. While these models can function just fine, they are not as efficient as their tankless counterparts.

Evaluate your monthly water heating costs, your family's hot water consumption, and the amount of space you have available for installation before determining if a traditional reserve tank or tankless model is the right water heater for your home.

2. Select the Right Location

You have the opportunity to relocate your water heater when the time to install a new appliance comes. The area where the original water heater was installed might not make the most sense now.

A lot of homeowners prefer to move their water heaters out of the home and into the garage. This will free up valuable space inside and allow you to remodel your home without worrying about working around the water heater.

Talk to your plumber about the additional cost of running new pipes to the garage if you want to move your water heater prior to installation.

3. Keep Safety in Mind

A water heater that falls over can become a serious threat. Toxic gases could leak out of the tank, contaminating your home. Earthquakes pose the most dangerous risk to traditional tank water heaters. It's important that you are keeping earthquake safety in mind when installing your water heater.

Invest in metal straps that can be used to secure the water heater tank to the wall. Place straps around the top, middle, and bottom for maximum stability.

You can also have your plumber ensure that you are installing your water heater near a stud in the wall. Securing the tank to a stud will help ensure that it stays safely in place no matter how much ground movement is created during an earthquake.

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