kjpro @ usenet.com wrote in message
...

"Bob F" wrote in message
...

"dgk" wrote in message
...
I've been floating around the past few days on this subject. It looks
easy but the gas has me a bit worried. It seems that all I need to do
is a bit of pipe work and the thing should be ok. The vent looks
tough. The current on really doesn't slope up much if at all, and I've
read it should go up an inch every four feet.

The new heaters all seem to be a bit taller than the old one, so it
will be even worse without major work venting it higher through the
wall. I guess I need to find a water heater that is the same height or
a bit lower. That seems to be tough so far.

And gas does scare me just a wee bit.

Search for a shorter heater. They are out there. Don't depend on the big
box
stores.

Gas work is not rocket surgery. Get the needed permits, and ask questions
of
the inspectors if you need to. I have found them VERY helpful as long as
you do
your homework first. Their advice is way more reliable than the kid at the
hardware store.

Ideally, you can disconnect the old heater, ending up with a 1/2" male or
female
thread to which you can attach a flex line to the heater. Use pipe dope on
any
pipe thread connections you make

Too often, I see people using pipe dope on flare fittings. rolleyes
Just recently, I came across a water heater with a male flare screwed into
the valve!!!
They couldn't figure out why it keep leaking.
This is one task that should be left to a professional!!

Or a reasonably thinking home-owner. Sure - there are a few idiots out there.
That doesn't mean most do-it-your-self-ers are the same.

Bob