Installing Your Electric Boiler
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| Installing Your Electric Boiler |
Installing a boiler is not impossible for the do-it-yourselfer but it does take precision and a bit of general knowledge. If you have to replace your boiler and you prefer to do the job yourself, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind. After you have chosen the right boiler for your home, check the manufacturer’s directions for installation.
Most boilers are installed in about the same way but you should always check to ensure that there are no special directions by the manufacturer for the specific boiler model that you have purchased. That being said, here are a few essential steps in replacing your boiler.
- You will first need to remove your old boiler and before you do this, all power should be turned off to the unit. If you are unsure of which breaker or fuse powers your boiler, turn off the main power source for the entire home until you are finished with the installation. This will ensure that you do not receive a shock.
- You will need to remove the water from the boiler tank before you remove the unit. You can drain the boiler into a pail or simply hook a garden hose to it and allow it to drain into a bathtub, sink or storm drain. Ensure that all water that will freely flow from the boiler has drained out before you proceed to the next step.
- Remember that you will need to open your hot water faucet to allow any air in the pipes to escape. This ensures that you do not have water going everywhere.
- Once all water is drained out you will need to remove the pipes that connect to the old boiler. Most pipes can be removed by using pipe wrenches and unscrewing the fittings from the boiler. If by chance the boiler pipes have been welded together you may want to cut them off with a pip cutter.
- When all water has been drained and you have disconnected the pipes from your old boiler, you can remove it safely from its location and dispose of it properly. When this has been done and you have cleaned the space where your boiler sits, you can begin the installation of your new unit.
- Make sure that you are following all codes and that you are being safe when handling your new boiler. Sit the unit in its location and hook up the water pipes in the reverse order of how you disassembled them from the old unit.
- When you have the unit properly in place and all pipes are correctly hooked up you can close the boiler drain and fill the water tank. Do this by simply turning on the cold water to the boiler. Turn on the hot water faucet while filling the boiler to ensure that all air escapes the system. Before you turn on the power, make sure that you have checked for water leaks.
- Your last step is to properly wire the boiler to your home. If you are unsure of what you are doing, you can consult with a professional. Many boiler retailers offer installation that can save you a bit of time and frustration, particularly if you are unsure of how to properly install the boiler. If you know that everything is ready to go, simply turn on the power to the unit and checked to ensure that it is heating properly.
