1) unbolt old water heater
2) bolt in new water heater
it doesn’t get much easier than that
If your water heater needs a drip pan then there is something wrong- if it is in the basement, I would not worry- if it is on a hardwood floor- than OK why not
It is the pressure relief valve and pipe that is usually the biggest drip concern
The point about the drip pan is it is sort of an easy warning system more than a preventative.
I knew my water heater is old, so have been checking it regularly, it is sitting on a hardwood floor, not a basement. I would say it could not have been leaking for more than 2 days before I saw it.
So if I get a pan, it’s almost like the next thing to add would be an audible alarm if a leak starts.
The GE I’m thinking about has 6 yrs warranty, the one going out the door had only a 5 year, but lasted for about 17 years. Can’t say I’m disappointed with that!
That’s why I sorta splurged on the Sharkbite fittings. I’m done messing with hose clamps!
Just went through water heater replacement. Went with a tankless and love it.