Sometimes, the best (and only) choice is to replace the water heater entirely.
It isn't ideal, but replacing a water heater is like anything else - inevitable. Below is a list of reasons customers typically find themselves replacing their water heaters. You may notice that the list is very similar to that of the Water Heater Repairs page. This is due to the fact that many minor repairs are often left untreated and become even bigger problems over time. Save yourself some time and stress by reading all about our Routine Maintenance services. These services are in place to prolong your water heater's lifespan by allowing it to perform at it's very best.
Alas, sometimes life gets in the way or issues are unavoidable. In these cases, it's always best to call a professional team such as First Hour Water Heater Repair. We're here to save the day... and save you some money.
Reasons Your Water Heater May Need Replaced:
#1. Age
No matter how much TLC you give your water heater, age will always win out in the end. Depending on the type of water heater you have incorporated into your home, the lifespan of your unit could vary. For instance, tankless water heaters are known for outlasting storage models significantly. With proper maintenance care, a tankless unit can last between 20-30 years, while storage tanks only last about 10-12 years (at best). Many times, water heaters will be replaced before they reach their end, due to the inefficiencies their age can bring. The fact is that if your home isn't being provided a consistent pipeline of hot water from your current heater, then it's probably time to upgrade.
#2. Leaks
Leaking is considered the death of a water heater. Although some leaking can be an indication of loose plumbing or tubes, most times leaking is due to corrosion and cannot be repaired. Regular checks for leaking is always a good practice, the longer a water heater goes leaking, the more severe the consequences. Look for puddles of water beneath your unit, or slow dripping from the base. These are both good signs that a leak is present and should be examined by a professional.
#3. Lack of Hot Water
As we addressed above in the "Age" section, many times homeowners will replace their water heater units simply because it isn't providing hot water. There are several causes for this that can be remedied with inexpensive fixes but once all options are exhausted, replacement is the only way to go.
This can even apply to water heaters that are working perfectly fine, but are smaller tanks. Many storage tank units hold between 30-80 gals of water. The standard size is 50 gals. If larger families or businesses use more water, a 30 gal unit isn't going to cut it. Thus, it will need to be replaced with a larger tank. It's always important to check the size of the unit before purchasing or renting a new home, just in case it cannot accommodate the need of your family.
#4. Sediment
Sediment is the silent killer of water heaters. The build up develops over time and can be catastrophic if it isn't regularly flushed. Flushing is an extremely effective maintenance technique which involves draining the tank of it's water and clearing the plumbing of sediment build up. Most storage tanks can go a year or two without flushing, however tankless models require flushing services every six months. You see, sediment can clog up drains and plumbing, resulting in permanent damage to your heater. Be sure to check out our section on Routine Maintenance to take action against this totally preventable scenario.
#5. Hard Water Build Up
Similarly to sediment, hard water build up can clog the lines in your water heater. This occurs when water becomes over-mineralized by calcium, magnesium, and other mineral elements. These build ups can permanently damage your water heater and shorten its lifespan significantly. Some indicators that your water heater may be over-mineralized is:
#6. Rust
When it comes to your water heater, rust is something you do not want to see. Rusty water is a good indicator that corrosion has begun to occur within your water heater. Corrosion, of course, will eat away at your water heaters tank and plumbing, resulting in leaks and eventual demise of your unit. When rust occurs, there's very little to be done but to replace the water heater entirely. If rust becomes apparent in your unit, call your water heater specialist ASAP to avoid greater damage and consequences.
If the time comes for replacement, the rule of thumb is to always act quickly. If the damage isn't significant and the water heater can be replaced easily, the installation can be relatively inexpensive. Most water heater horror stories are a result of waiting too long to get a professional involved.
Typical Pricing
Although the price for the unit is relatively consistent, depending on the model, installation can be where the largest fluctuations can occur. Again, this is all due to the type of tank system you currently have, the one you which to incorporate, and how severe the damage was prior to the replacement being done. Below is a relatively realistic look at how much your water heater replacement can be.
Storage Tank Water Heater
These conventional water heaters are easily the most inexpensive of the two. Storage water heaters are external to the plumbing system and can be easily removed and replaced. They are also available in a variety of sizes and models. Typically, with installation, a 50 gal unit can cost anywhere from $550-$950. Since the installation is similar for gas, electric, and propane tanks, this price is consistent across the board. However, the larger the tank, the more expensive the unit.
Tankless Water Heaters
Although tankless is pricier to install, it's said to actually be more cost effective over time. In fact, the installation of a tankless water heater can save home owners an average of $100 per year. Adding that into it's increased lifespan of 20-30 years, versus traditional 10-12 year systems, tankless water heaters can save you a lot of money.
Their installation is really what makes them so much more expensive. Unlike storage tank water heaters, tankless installations are invasive and require opening the wall. Installations are typically several hours long and can cost anywhere from $1140-$1500 for a family of 3-4 people. Obviously the more people in the household, the higher the expense for water heater.
All in all, whether your water heater has kicked the bucket or you're looking to add a larger model, water heater replacement doesn't have to be scary. At First Hour Water Heater Repair, we want to make the transition from water heater to water heater as simple as possible, and we strive to allow the experience to be as pleasant as possible. If you have any questions about water heater replacement or would like to schedule consultation, please click the button below and give us a a call.
It isn't ideal, but replacing a water heater is like anything else - inevitable. Below is a list of reasons customers typically find themselves replacing their water heaters. You may notice that the list is very similar to that of the Water Heater Repairs page. This is due to the fact that many minor repairs are often left untreated and become even bigger problems over time. Save yourself some time and stress by reading all about our Routine Maintenance services. These services are in place to prolong your water heater's lifespan by allowing it to perform at it's very best.
Alas, sometimes life gets in the way or issues are unavoidable. In these cases, it's always best to call a professional team such as First Hour Water Heater Repair. We're here to save the day... and save you some money.
Reasons Your Water Heater May Need Replaced:
#1. Age
No matter how much TLC you give your water heater, age will always win out in the end. Depending on the type of water heater you have incorporated into your home, the lifespan of your unit could vary. For instance, tankless water heaters are known for outlasting storage models significantly. With proper maintenance care, a tankless unit can last between 20-30 years, while storage tanks only last about 10-12 years (at best). Many times, water heaters will be replaced before they reach their end, due to the inefficiencies their age can bring. The fact is that if your home isn't being provided a consistent pipeline of hot water from your current heater, then it's probably time to upgrade.
#2. Leaks
Leaking is considered the death of a water heater. Although some leaking can be an indication of loose plumbing or tubes, most times leaking is due to corrosion and cannot be repaired. Regular checks for leaking is always a good practice, the longer a water heater goes leaking, the more severe the consequences. Look for puddles of water beneath your unit, or slow dripping from the base. These are both good signs that a leak is present and should be examined by a professional.
#3. Lack of Hot Water
As we addressed above in the "Age" section, many times homeowners will replace their water heater units simply because it isn't providing hot water. There are several causes for this that can be remedied with inexpensive fixes but once all options are exhausted, replacement is the only way to go.
This can even apply to water heaters that are working perfectly fine, but are smaller tanks. Many storage tank units hold between 30-80 gals of water. The standard size is 50 gals. If larger families or businesses use more water, a 30 gal unit isn't going to cut it. Thus, it will need to be replaced with a larger tank. It's always important to check the size of the unit before purchasing or renting a new home, just in case it cannot accommodate the need of your family.
#4. Sediment
Sediment is the silent killer of water heaters. The build up develops over time and can be catastrophic if it isn't regularly flushed. Flushing is an extremely effective maintenance technique which involves draining the tank of it's water and clearing the plumbing of sediment build up. Most storage tanks can go a year or two without flushing, however tankless models require flushing services every six months. You see, sediment can clog up drains and plumbing, resulting in permanent damage to your heater. Be sure to check out our section on Routine Maintenance to take action against this totally preventable scenario.
#5. Hard Water Build Up
Similarly to sediment, hard water build up can clog the lines in your water heater. This occurs when water becomes over-mineralized by calcium, magnesium, and other mineral elements. These build ups can permanently damage your water heater and shorten its lifespan significantly. Some indicators that your water heater may be over-mineralized is:
- Stains or water marks on flatware
- Dull clothing
- Itchy skin
#6. Rust
When it comes to your water heater, rust is something you do not want to see. Rusty water is a good indicator that corrosion has begun to occur within your water heater. Corrosion, of course, will eat away at your water heaters tank and plumbing, resulting in leaks and eventual demise of your unit. When rust occurs, there's very little to be done but to replace the water heater entirely. If rust becomes apparent in your unit, call your water heater specialist ASAP to avoid greater damage and consequences.
If the time comes for replacement, the rule of thumb is to always act quickly. If the damage isn't significant and the water heater can be replaced easily, the installation can be relatively inexpensive. Most water heater horror stories are a result of waiting too long to get a professional involved.
Typical Pricing
Although the price for the unit is relatively consistent, depending on the model, installation can be where the largest fluctuations can occur. Again, this is all due to the type of tank system you currently have, the one you which to incorporate, and how severe the damage was prior to the replacement being done. Below is a relatively realistic look at how much your water heater replacement can be.
Storage Tank Water Heater
These conventional water heaters are easily the most inexpensive of the two. Storage water heaters are external to the plumbing system and can be easily removed and replaced. They are also available in a variety of sizes and models. Typically, with installation, a 50 gal unit can cost anywhere from $550-$950. Since the installation is similar for gas, electric, and propane tanks, this price is consistent across the board. However, the larger the tank, the more expensive the unit.
Tankless Water Heaters
Although tankless is pricier to install, it's said to actually be more cost effective over time. In fact, the installation of a tankless water heater can save home owners an average of $100 per year. Adding that into it's increased lifespan of 20-30 years, versus traditional 10-12 year systems, tankless water heaters can save you a lot of money.
Their installation is really what makes them so much more expensive. Unlike storage tank water heaters, tankless installations are invasive and require opening the wall. Installations are typically several hours long and can cost anywhere from $1140-$1500 for a family of 3-4 people. Obviously the more people in the household, the higher the expense for water heater.
All in all, whether your water heater has kicked the bucket or you're looking to add a larger model, water heater replacement doesn't have to be scary. At First Hour Water Heater Repair, we want to make the transition from water heater to water heater as simple as possible, and we strive to allow the experience to be as pleasant as possible. If you have any questions about water heater replacement or would like to schedule consultation, please click the button below and give us a a call.
