Dec 02
Carlp asked:
I have a fairly new natural gas hot water heater but where I’ll be using it at has a propane bulk tank. A friend of mine said he heard that the burner has to be changed but we aren’t sure about that at all.
I have a fairly new natural gas hot water heater but where I’ll be using it at has a propane bulk tank. A friend of mine said he heard that the burner has to be changed but we aren’t sure about that at all.
7 Responses to “How do you convert a gas hot water heater to work on propane?”
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
you need to replace your heating element and gas coupling
December 4th, 2008 at 3:58 am
You have to readjust the flux capacitor to accept the chemical reaction of the propane.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:51 am
you need a licence to do that . the job is very simple but you must have it done by a professional or your insurance is void
December 6th, 2008 at 5:18 am
You need to contact your local Propane supplier and give them the model number on your hot water heater. Some heaters can be converted, some cant. The propane supplier will be able to tell you if a conversion kit is available for your model of heater.
December 6th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Propane has more BTUs per cubic foot than Natural gas, so the orifice that meters the flow has to be smaller, you might need a change to the pressure regulator, too. Check with the manufacturer of the water heater, and they can probably supply you with the conversion parts. It’s not difficult.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:55 am
That is not recommended. There are differences in the orifice, Gas valve, as well as the burner. Venting is another difference, as a propane unit burns the gasses differently.
After everything is converted, it has to be adjusted by someone that knows what they are doing. The whole process will cost much more than a new WH. (The parts are worth more than the unit)
Here is a similar question and answer.
For safety sake, do not even attempt it.
December 12th, 2008 at 11:55 am
most models you will only need to replace the orfice tube out, however if you have never done this you need to call a plumber. I have converted over a few and never changed the burners out. The W/H will also have a data plate to let you know if it is capable of being converted over