09-11-2011, 05:59 PM
BernDog wrote:
No offense, but it sounds like you know just enough about what you're doing to be dangerous (again, no offense intended...I'm in the same boat). Couple years ago, I needed a new wh. Found a good deal on a discontinued floor model, drug it home in the back of my SUV myself, lugged it downstairs, and paid my plumber $75 to put it in. Yeah, I probably could have done it myself, but I also could have really effed it up. It was worth $75 to trade the pride I'd have felt in doing it myself for the peace of mind of knowing that it was done correctly. Plus, it wasn't in my attic.
No offense taken. It's hard to gauge someone's experience level just by reading a few specific questions. I know how to make sure gas pipe is sealed properly and as I wrote in a previous thread that you probably missed, I've been through two hot water heater replacements this year. At the point that it looks like I can't complete this safely, I have help I can call in. The gas valve is in the off position presently and will stay that way until the appropriate moment, so nothing will be exploding any time soon.