On Dec 25, 7:32*pm, Steve Barker wrote:
On 12/25/2011 1:47 PM, Davej wrote:
On Dec 25, 3:36 pm, bob *wrote:
On Dec 25, 4:28 pm, *wrote:

Davej wrote:
Looks like my electric hot water heater has sprung a leak near the
bottom next to the threaded hole for the drain. If I drained the thing
and unscrewed the drain pipe I could probably reach in and daub
something on the leak, but I'm guessing that wouldn't last and isn't
worth the bother.

...So I want to replace this electric with a gas water heater. I'm
guessing that means going to the county and pulling a permit so that
an inspector can check my work? I have a gas furnace and I'm tired of
having a $20 minimum gas bill every month all Spring, Summer and Fall
for nothing.

You may not need a permit - it depends on how much your county wants to rip
off its residents. Plus, if you start the bureacratic ball rolling, they may
insist that the work be done by a licensed and blessed plumber. Best to call
them and ask. Anonymously.

I don't think you'll need a bunch of pipe tools - dies, etc. Standard
lengths from the box store should get you close enough to the new water
heater such that a flexible pipe, three feet or so, can complete the
connection.

I'm with you on saving money. I live in a duplex - converted to single
family - and hooked the two gas supplies together. Then I had the gas
company shut off service to one side. Saved $18.00/month.

does your home have a convenient vent for the new gas water heater
chimney? thats essential

This 50 yo house still has the chimney that was used for the original
oil furnace so I am thinking I can use that for the hot water heater.
The current gas furnace has the PVC pipe scheme so the old chimney has
been unused and capped off. If I position the water heater next to the
furnace I shouldn't need to add more than a minimal amount of gas
pipe.

if that old 'chimney' is brick or pipe bigger than 5" diameter, you'll
want to line the thing with a stainless or alumnimum liner to prevent
condensation and insure proper draft. *Just sticking a 3" line into an
old chimney is done all the time, but is FAR from good.


This is a 5" chimney pipe that goes right up through the center of the
house. Maybe running a 3" aluminum pipe inside it would be a good
idea? I am also wondering about the acceptable amount of offset in the
basement -- as I don't really want to position the water heater
directly under the chimney pipe, but would prefer to have it several
feet over.