How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Heater? (2023)

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Heater? ›

With all these factors in mind, a water heater replacement cost can range between $2,500 to $3,000 for a new tank unit, and $6,500 and $7,500 for a new tankless unit installed in place of an old tank. Additional plumbing costs as well as tank disposal can add to the final total.

With all these factors in mind, a water heater replacement cost can range between $2,500 to $3,000 for a new tank unit, and $6,500 and $7,500 for a new tankless unit installed in place of an old tank. Additional plumbing costs as well as tank disposal can add to the final total.

Materials: Water heater installation requires various materials, including venting pipes, pressure valves, piping for water and gas, thread compound, solder, and more. A professional installer may use more materials for more complicated installations.

A 40-gallon water heater unit can cost from $400 to $7,000 and installation can cost $1,000 on average, bringing the project total to between $1,400 and $8,000. Costs can rise depending on the amount of labor needed, whether any additional water or gas lines are needed or extra plumbing or electric work.

Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age.

A water heater making strange noises could be a sign that the unit is beginning to fail. These sounds may include popping, banging, or even rumbling. Hot water heater noises are usually caused by sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. When this happens, it can cause the unit to overheat and eventually fail.

Many homeowners wonder “How often should a hot water heater be replaced?” In a typical situation, you should expect your water heater to last about ten years.

Old water heaters are much less energy efficient, both because they are aging and because standards were lower back then, which could mean more money you're paying each month in energy costs compared to a newer heater. It's generally accepted that most water heaters last an average of about 13 years.

The safety risk is obvious. Improper installation or a defective temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve can result in a spectacular and devastating explosion. Add water damage to the structural repairs required and the cost can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. The financial risk may be less obvious.

Replacing a water heater isn't difficult if you're handy with basic tools and have a bit of experience soldering copper.

How long does it take to install a water heater? ›

Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.

With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

According to water heater experts, a 50-gallon water heater costs less than a 40-gallon water heater. Moreover, a 50-gallon water heater is more efficient than a 40-gallon heater.

Water Heater Lifespan

If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.

Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.

Sediment Buildup

Minerals in hard water (such as calcium and magnesium) can lead to buildup in your water heater. In some cases, mineral sediment collects at the bottom of the tank, preventing heat transfer to the water. The affected heating elements get forced to work harder and eventually burn out.

If you're looking for a way to save money long-term, improve your home's energy efficiency and don't mind making an expensive investment upfront, a tankless water heater will meet all your needs and more. It's a great long-term purchase for your home that will leave you wondering why you didn't make the switch earlier.

How many showers should a hot water heater last? ›

For instance, a typical shower uses about 10 gallons of hot water. So, if you have a 40-gallon hot water tank, you should be able to get four average-length showers out of your hot water tank.

If you are comparing the efficiency of an electric water heater vs a gas unit, electric heaters are more efficient. Although gas hot water heaters are less expensive to run monthly due to the low cost of natural gas—a gas heater uses more energy to operate and releases waste into the environment.

If the tank rusts through, it could fail catastrophically and flood your home. You can avoid this disaster by replacing your water heater before it fails. A new water heater could lower your utility bills: You must invest in a new water heater, but it will start paying your back immediately in lower energy bills.

Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.

With nothing more than a once-per-year flushing maintenance service, a tankless water heater can easily last 20 to 30 years, and some will even last quite a bit longer.

A water heater has two shut-off valves. A cold water inlet valve (often identified by a blue handle) feeds cold water from the main supply into the water heater. This is the valve to shut off if you need to repair or replace the water heater.

In fact, it often makes sense to replace an inefficient water heater even if it's in good shape. The energy savings alone could pay for the new water heater after just a few years, and you'll be happy knowing that you are dumping fewer pollutants into the air and less money down the drain.

60-70 minutes (for a gas tank water heater) 120 minutes (for an electric tank water heater)

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.

Can a Tank Water Heater Convert to a Tankless? Absolutely! In fact, tankless water heaters are becoming the standard for new home construction because of the energy efficiency.

How much is a 50 gallon water heater? ›

Energy-Efficient 50-Gallon Water Heater

These units have the highest costs. Expect high-efficiency units to range from $1,000 to $4,000.

A small (50- to 60-gallon) storage tank is usually sufficient for one to two three people. A medium (80-gallon) storage tank works well for three to four people. A large tank is appropriate for four to six people.

Electric tankless water heaters cost between $170 and $800. Some electric tankless water heaters can use solar power for operation. Gas-powered hot water tankless heaters cost between $230 and $2,300 while propane-powered tankless water heaters cost between $195 and $2,200.

The initial cost of a tankless water heater is greater than that of a conventional storage water heater, but tankless water heaters will typically last longer and have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset their higher purchase price.

Sediment in most water heater tanks is usually the result of limescale buildup and rust. Sedimentation is one of the most common problems affecting your heater's ability to heat water and shortening its life. 2. Aggressive / corrosive water causes the tank to start corroding.

In general, a 50 gallon water heater will provide enough hot water for a family of 4 to take showers, wash dishes, and do laundry. However, if your hot water usage goes beyond the typical levels, then you may need to get a larger unit. How many people will a 50 gallon water heater serve?

Typically, the rule-of-thumb is that you want a 40 gallon tank for 1 to 4 people, a 50 gallon tank for 4 to 6 people, and a 50 gallon high recovery or 75 gallon tank for 6 to 8 people. Energy consumption for 40 and 50 gallon standard water heaters is quite comparable.

However, if your old water heater did not provide enough hot water, you can consider going with a larger unit—changing from a 40-gallon to a 50-gallon unit, for example, though there must be enough space for the larger heater, the flue size must be correct with proper pitch, and the supplied gas line must be adequate ...

It's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman.

Sediment or scale can sometimes plug the drain valve so the water can't drain. Open and close the drain valve 3 times to get rid of all sediment. You can also use compressed air to force sediment out the drain and back into the tank. If you aren't sure what to do or have problems, call a plumber.

Why does my shower go cold after 10 minutes? ›

Low water pressure

If your shower goes cold after a few minutes, it might be that you've been unlucky enough to be showering just as the water pressure dropped. The best thing to do is see if other taps are experiencing lower pressure, plus check if your neighbours are experiencing a problem too.

Signs of Sediment Buildup in a Water Heater

Water temperature fluctuates, going back and forth between hot and cold. The water is taking longer than average to heat up. There is no hot water at all. You hear popping or rumbling noises from the water heater's tank.

Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age.

Sediment Buildup

— As an aging water heater is continually called upon to heat and reheat water, sediment starts to form on the bottom of the tank. Over time, the sediment hardens and grows thicker along the tank floor.

Old water heaters are dangerous, especially if they have not been well maintained. Mold growth, bacteria growing in sediment, critter infestations, bursts, and explosions are all potential dangers that old water heaters present for the homeowner. Old water heaters should be replaced for safety.

Typically, the rule-of-thumb is that you want a 40 gallon tank for 1 to 4 people, a 50 gallon tank for 4 to 6 people, and a 50 gallon high recovery or 75 gallon tank for 6 to 8 people.

If your needs change before then, your water heater wears out or you just want an upgrade, you can replace the electric water heater yourself. If you need to replace a failing electric hot water heater or install a new one, you need a dedicated electric wire and a cold-water supply line.

With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Electric hot water tanks, on the other hand, will take a little longer.

It typically costs somewhere between $650 and $2,400 to replace a 50-gallon hot water heater. Though 40-gallon tanks are the most common, 50-gallon tanks better accommodate households with four to five people and heat 3 to 5 gallons per minute. You can keep costs down by replacing your water heater with the same type.

How big of a water heater do I need for a family of 4? ›

A small (50- to 60-gallon) storage tank is usually sufficient for one to two three people. A medium (80-gallon) storage tank works well for three to four people. A large tank is appropriate for four to six people.

If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you're left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you'll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit.

If the tank rusts through, it could fail catastrophically and flood your home. You can avoid this disaster by replacing your water heater before it fails. A new water heater could lower your utility bills: You must invest in a new water heater, but it will start paying your back immediately in lower energy bills.

Murky or rusty water is another of the common signs your hot water heater is failing. Water heater tanks have a coating that slows corrosion, but it doesn't last forever. Once the coating begins to thin, rust forms fast. Rusty water is one way to know if your hot water tank is going bad.

Can a water heater last 30 years? It is unusual for used water heaters to last 30 years. Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.

A shower should last anywhere from 10-15 minutes with a 40 gallon water heater. This can vary depending on the water temperature, the size of the showerhead, and how many people are showering.

After completing your installation, check the draft. Close all exterior doors and windows and turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. Then open a nearby hot water faucet until you hear the gas burner in the water heater ignite.