When you think of plumbing services, you probably think of clogged drains or water leaks. However, a plumber also installs and works on gas lines. If you're thinking of switching to a gas water heater, you'll need a plumber to hook up both the plumbing and gas. Here's a look at installing a gas water heater for the first time. 

You'll Need A Gas Supply

If your home already has natural gas or propane for an oven or fireplace, then you won't have to worry about hooking up to a gas supply. If you live in the city, you may be able to hook up to natural gas and use the gas through a meter in a similar manner to how you use water.

If you don't have access to natural gas, you'll need a propane tank. You'll need to have a propane company set up a tank in your backyard and run a line to your house. Once the gas supply is in place, your plumber can go to work hooking up the gas to where you want it, including the water heater.

Set Up The Gas Line

Decide where you want your new water heater. Putting it in the place of your old heater is a good choice since the water connections are already there. If there's an old gas line present, the plumber can use that, but if not, they'll need to run a gas line from the main line to the water heater. They'll probably place a shut-off valve in a convenient location so the gas can be cut off if needed.

Once the water heater is set up, the plumber can attach the heater to the water pipes and gas line.

Install A Vent

A gas water heater needs to vent to the outside. The plumber connects the vent to the top of the heater and then passes it through the ceiling and up through the roof of your house. Once the vent is installed, the plumber can check that it's working by placing a smoke pen or match that's releasing smoke near the bottom of the flue to ensure the smoke is pulled up the flue and away from the water heater.

Installing a gas water heater is more complex than installing an electric heater, and involves multiple plumbing services. The plumber has to hook up water, gas, and the flue. Plus, they have to make sure the safety valve and expansion tank are in place so your water heater works safely.

The job will probably require a permit and an inspection by the city since it involves working with gas, but the plumber will handle working with the city's code office and inspector so you don't have to worry about it.

Contact a plumbing services company for more information.