How to Install Service Valves for Tankless Water Heater

Installing service valves for your tankless water heater is an important part of ensuring that your system works properly. Tankless water heaters have become a popular choice for homeowners because of their energy efficiency and versatility. However, while many people may be familiar with using and maintaining a tankless water heater, some may not know how to install service valves on the unit. 

How to Install Service Valves for Tankless Water Heater

This article will show you how to install service valves for tankless water heaters to be sure that everything is in proper working order. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the job done! We will also provide instructions on troubleshooting common problems with service valves. Read on to learn more!

What Are Isolation Valves for Tankless Water Heaters?

Isolation valves, also known as service valves, are important for any tankless water heater installation. These valves allow you to shut off the water supply to the unit without turning off the entire house’s water supply. This is useful if you need to make repairs or do routine maintenance on the unit. 

There are two types of isolation valves: primary and secondary. The primary valve is located near the water heater and is used to shut off the water supply to the unit. The secondary valve is located further away from the unit and is used to shut off the water supply to your home’s plumbing system. This valve helps to prevent any backflow from the tankless water heater into your home’s plumbing.

How Do Isolation Valves Work?

Isolation valves work by allowing you to shut off the water supply to the unit without having to turn off the entire house’s water supply. This is useful if you need to perform maintenance on the unit or if there is a leak. To install isolation valves, first shut off the water supply to the house. Next, locate the cold and hot water inlet ports on the unit. Each port will have a threaded fitting.

Use a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts that secure the flexible hoses to the inlet ports. Once the hoses are removed, screw the isolation valves onto the inlet ports. Use Teflon tape or pipe dope on the threads to create a watertight seal. Once the valves are in place, turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

Use a Pipe Wrench

Tighten the valve handles if necessary. Finally, turn on the power to the unit and test it by running water through the faucets. If you need to install an isolation valve but are unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional plumber. They will be able to help you choose the right type of valve for your unit and walk you through the installation process.

Step by Step Guide: How to Install Service Valves for Tankless Water Heater

Step 1: Turn Off the Power.

Before you begin any work on your tankless water heater, it is important to shut off the power to the unit. This will prevent you from accidentally electrocuted while working on the unit. If you are unsure of how to shut off the power, consult the owner’s manual for your specific model.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply. 

Next, you’ll need to shut off the water supply to your home. This will ensure that no water is running through the system while you’re working on it. Next, locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it to the “off” position.

Locate the Main  Water Shut-off Valve

Step 3: Remove the Flexible Hoses. 

Once the power and water are off, you can remove the flexible hoses from the inlet ports. First, use a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts that secure the hoses to the ports. Once the nuts are loose, carefully remove the hoses from the ports. When you’re finished, you should have two bare ports.

Step 4: Locate the Inlet Ports.

Now, you’ll need to locate the inlet ports on your tankless water heater. These are typically located near the bottom of the unit. Each port will have a threaded fitting. If the Inlet ports are not visible, you may need to remove the access panel on the unit.

Step 5: Attach the Service Valves.

Once you have located the inlet ports, you can begin attaching the service valves. Screw the valves onto the inlet ports, careful not to over-tighten them. To create a watertight seal, you may need to use Teflon tape or pipe dope on the threads. If you think the valves are not tight enough, use a wrench to give them an extra turn.

Step 6: Turn on the Water Supply.

Once the valves are in place, you can turn the water supply back on. Then, slowly turn the knob on the main water shut-off valve until water begins flowing through the system again. Once the water is turned on, check all connections for leaks.

Step 7: Check for Leaks.

Once the water is turned back on, check all connections for leaks. If you see any water leaking from the valves or fittings, use a wrench to tighten them. Once all of the leaks have been patched, you can turn the power back on to the unit.

You Can Check It Out to Determine Breaker Size for Water Heater

Check for Leaks

Step 8: Test the Unit.

To test the unit, turn on all of the faucets in your home and let them run for a few minutes. If the unit is working properly, you should see a steady stream of hot water. If the stream of hot water is not steady, or if it is not as hot as you would like, you may need to adjust the temperature setting on the unit.

Some Helpful Tips and Suggestions

  1. When working with water and electricity, it is always important to take safety precautions. Be sure to shut off the power and water to the unit before beginning any work.
  2. If you are unsure of how to install the valves properly, contact a professional plumber. They will be able to help you choose the right type of valve for your specific model and walk you through the installation process.
  3. Once the valves are installed, check all of the connections for leaks. If water leaks, use a wrench to tighten the connection.
  4. To test the unit, turn on all of the faucets in your home and let them run for a few minutes. Then, check the pressure gauge on the unit to ensure that it is reading correctly.
  5. Contact the manufacturer if you think the unit is not functioning properly. They will be able to help you troubleshoot the problem and determine if there is a need for repairs.
  6. Make sure that, if you have a gas tankless water heater, the gas line is properly installed and there are no leaks. If you see any signs of a leak, shut off the unit immediately and call a professional to come and check it out.
  7. Regular maintenance is important for all water heaters, but it is especially important for tankless units. Be sure to flush the unit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help to remove any sediments that may have built up in the unit.
Shut Off the Unit Immediately

Why Do You Need to Install Service Valves for Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters are a great option for those who want to save space and money. They are also very efficient, providing hot water on demand without storing it in a tank. However, like all water heaters, they require some maintenance from time to time.

One of the most important things you can do to keep your tankless water heater in good shape is to install service valves. Service valves help you to easily shut off the water supply to your tankless water heater without turning off the main water supply to your home.

This is important because it allows you to service your tankless water heater without disrupting the rest of your home’s plumbing. It also helps to protect your tankless water heater from accidental damage. For example, if you think the main water supply to your home has been damaged, you can simply turn off the service valves to isolate your tankless water heater from the problem.

Final Words

Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular because they save homeowners money on their energy bills. However, installing a service valve for your tankless water heater is an important step in maintaining your unit and ensuring that it runs efficiently. In this blog post, we have shown you how to install service valves for tankless water heater. 

Always install service valves when working on your tankless water heater. This will help you to flush the system and troubleshoot any potential problems in the future. If you have any questions about how to install service valves or need assistance with your tankless water heater, be sure to let us know!

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