Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a water heater installation business requires more than just technical skills—you need to understand plumbing fundamentals, business operations, and customer management. These resources will give you a solid foundation before your first job.
Modern Water Heating Systems by James E. Brumbaugh
This technical manual covers the full range of water heating equipment, from traditional tank systems to tankless and heat pump models. It’s essential reading if you’re new to the industry or want to deepen your understanding of how different systems work, their installation requirements, and common troubleshooting issues.
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Plumbing Installation and Repair by Floyd M. Mix
Water heater installation involves proper venting, gas line connections, and water supply plumbing. This book walks through the codes and best practices for connecting systems safely and correctly, which protects both your customers and your liability.
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The Pocket Plumber by James O. Kakiuchi
A practical, quick-reference guide that covers common plumbing scenarios, code requirements by region, and troubleshooting tips. Keep this on your truck for fast answers on the job site.
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Profitable Plumbing: A Complete Business and Marketing Guide by Dave Yates
This book addresses the business side—pricing, estimating, customer acquisition, and scaling. Water heater installation is often a standalone service, so understanding how to market it and charge appropriately is crucial to profitability.
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Equipment You Need
Water heater installation requires both hand tools and specialized equipment. You don’t need everything at once, but investing in quality tools early prevents delays and protects your reputation. Most of these items will last for years and pay for themselves quickly.
Essential Hand Tools
- Adjustable wrench set: Required for connecting and disconnecting water and gas lines
- Pipe wrench (two sizes): Critical for gripping and turning pipes during installation
- Socket set and ratchet: Needed for securing tank supports and fasteners
- Screwdriver set (Phillips and flat): For thermostat adjustments and panel removal
- Hacksaw: For cutting copper or PVC pipes to length
- Torpedo level: Essential for ensuring tanks are properly installed
- Flashlight or headlamp: Many installations happen in basements or tight spaces
- Tape measure: For planning placement and measuring connections
- Needle-nose pliers: For working with small fittings and thermocouple connections
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Specialized Plumbing Tools
- Tubing cutter: Cuts copper pipe cleanly without burring the edge
- Flaring tool: Creates proper flares for copper tubing connections on gas lines
- Pipe threader or die set: If you’re cutting and threading new galvanized supply lines
- Compression fitting tool: Helps seat compression fittings properly for leak-free connections
- Teflon tape and pipe dope: For sealing threaded connections on water and gas lines
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Safety Equipment
- Work gloves (leather and nitrile): Protects hands from sharp metal edges and hot surfaces
- Safety glasses: Essential when cutting pipe or working near sediment
- Steel-toed boots: Protects feet if a tank or heavy equipment shifts
- Hard hat: Required in some installation settings, especially renovations
- Work apron or tool belt: Keeps frequently needed items within reach
- Respirator or dust mask: For dusty basements or when working around old insulation
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Testing and Diagnostic Equipment
- Pressure gauge: Checks water pressure before installation and diagnoses system issues
- Temperature and pressure relief valve tester: Ensures T&P valves function correctly
- Leak detection fluid: Identifies small gas leaks at connections
- Thermometer: Verifies water temperature output after installation
- Gas line pressure regulator test kit: Confirms proper gas supply pressure
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Lifting and Transport Equipment
- Appliance dolly: Essential for moving 40-80 pound tanks safely without injury
- Furniture sliders: Helps position tanks in tight spaces without damage to floors
- Heavy-duty straps: Secures tanks in your vehicle during transport
- Stair climbing cart: Necessary if installations involve basement access down stairs
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Supplies and Materials
- PVC and copper pipe in common sizes: Keep stock of 1/2″ and 3/4″ for quick jobs
- Solder and flux: For copper line connections on gas or water lines
- Compression fittings in assorted sizes: Backup connection method for difficult situations
- Dielectric unions: Prevents corrosion between different metal types
- Expansion tank: Needed for closed systems to handle pressure buildup
- Drain pan: Catches leaks and condensation during operation
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What to Buy First vs Later
Start with hand tools and safety equipment—these are non-negotiable and apply to every job. Specialized diagnostic tools can be added as your business grows.
- First: Complete hand tool set, pipe wrench set, torpedo level, and safety gear. Budget $400–$700 total.
- First: Pressure gauge and thermometer for testing. Budget $80–$150.
- First: Appliance dolly. Budget $150–$250. This prevents injuries and protects customers’ property.
- Second: Tubing cutter and flaring tool once you’ve done a few jobs and know which connections you handle most. Budget $100–$200.
- Later: Advanced diagnostic kits and specialized tools for gas line work if you plan to offer that service. Only add these once you’re licensed and insured for gas connections.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy hand tools new. Quality wrenches, cutters, and levels are inexpensive insurance against mistakes on the job. Used tools often have hidden wear that creates sloppy connections and frustrated customers. A rusted wrench can slip and damage fittings.
Used equipment where it’s safe: appliance dollies, drills, and basic supplies can be purchased used or refurbished to save money. However, never compromise on safety gear—gloves, glasses, and boots should be new. Never buy a used pressure gauge without testing it first, as inaccurate readings lead to improper installations. For specialized plumbing tools like flaring tools, buy new to ensure precision and accuracy.
Where to Buy
- Lowe’s and Home Depot: Good for basic hand tools, PVC fittings, and supplies. Stock is usually available locally, and return policies are flexible.
- Ace Hardware: Often has better selection for professional-grade wrenches and plumbing tools. Local stores build relationships with contractors.
- Supply houses (local plumbing wholesalers): Usually offer contractor discounts after you establish an account. They stock specialized fittings and pressure gauges that big-box stores don’t carry.
- Ferguson, Watsco, or regional plumbing distributors: Wholesale pricing for bulk purchases and hard-to-find items. They often offer jobsite delivery.
- eBay or Craigslist: Source used appliance dollies, tool bags, and straps to reduce startup costs.
- Tool rental shops: Rent expensive specialty tools (pipe threaders, stair climbing carts) for occasional jobs instead of buying.