On Wed, 1 Sep 2004 23:20:06 -0400, "John Gilmer" wrote:

Let me tell you a story..
Shortly after we moved into the house, our eight years old plus, 40 gal water
heater failed to remain lighted. I paid the plumber $80, 15 minutes to replaced
the thermostat. A few days later it again failed to remain lighted. Hmm... I
figured it will cost another $100 plus for the plumber to fixed the same problem
and there is there is no guarantee it will be trouble free.

I decided to replace it with a 10-year warranty US Craftmaster heater for $125.
I also bought copper pipes, pipe cutter, solder, two flexible PTFE hoses (high
temps stainless steel braided hose), a ball valve and precise length black gas
pipes. I took all safety precautions, checked and rechecked everything, then
spend a few hours to replaced the water heater, I am basically underweight.

I am NOT saying I know everything, but I will try to DIY. Everyone knows it cost
you an arm or leg if you call a plumber or electrician. I have experienced in
silver solder extreme pressure (10,000 psi high impulse) hydraulic hoses
couplings.

My only problems, will the Midwest freezing temp in winter affect the ball valve
and how to turn on the gate valve outside the house.

Anyway I do appreciate your concern and I will certainly let the City take care
of the valve outside the house.

Thanks again. :-)


Do you absolutely, positively "have to?"

NO.

It's a VERY good idea. First, they might get upset if they catch our
fooling around their meter. Second, (as another poster noted), if
something "goes wrong," someone else will likely pay for it.

Frankly, this is one area where it would pay you to pay a professional
plumber to handle the whole thing. With a good shut off valve you can do
almost any plumbing in your house without risk.