Hot Water Heater Installation/Replacement
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater
You may wonder if it’s okay to repair the hot water heater instead of replacing it. There are some signs that it’s time to replace it, and here’s what you need to look for:
- Rising utility bills: According to the Department of Energy, the hot water heater accounts for 18 percent of your home’s energy use. If it needs to be replaced, it will use more energy to do the same amount of work.
- Age: The average lifespan of a hot water heater is between eight and 12 years. Of course, there are variables that determine how long your hot water heater will last. This includes things such as brand, maintenance, repairs, and model. According to ENERGY STAR, if your hot water heater is 10 years old, it’s beneficial to replace it with a new, more energy-efficient model.
- Frequent or expensive repairs: As your hot water heater ages and starts the end of its lifespan, you may find yourself calling for more repairs, and they may become more expensive. It’s a good idea to discuss the option of replacing the unit during these visits.
- Less hot water and more time needed to heat water: Have you noticed that your morning shower becomes cooler faster? It might be a sign that it’s time to replace your hot water heater.
- Discolored water: If your water heater has begun to rust inside, you’ll find that your water has a reddish tint to it. This means that the water has rust from inside the unit in it. It also means that it’s time to replace the heater.
- Strange noises: Does your hot water heater make a rumbling sort of sound? During its lifespan, your water heater accumulates sediment. When the sediment hardens, it’ll create a rumbling sound in the heater.
- Leaks: You shouldn’t find water around your hot water heater. This water is a sign that your unit is leaking. It’s usually because small holes have been created in the unit by rust. This can’t be repaired and must be replaced.
- Metallic smell: As the water ages and begins to breakdown, the metal inside will flake off into the water, creating a metallic smell.
What Size Hot Water Heater Do You Need?
If you know that you need to replace your hot water heater, you begin to wonder about the size. The units come in a variety of sizes from 20 gallons to 50 gallons and larger. The size hot water heater you need for your home depends on the number of people living there. A single person needs a lot less hot water than a large family with three kids.
You want to make sure that you have enough hot water, but you don’t want a heater that’s bigger than you need because it’ll run up your utility bills unnecessarily. According to the Department of Energy, you need to determine how much hot water is used in your home during the time that you use hot water most. Once you decide when the peak time is, the Department of Energy offers a worksheet to determine how much hot water you’re using.
If you’re still unsure what size hot water heater you need, it’s always a good idea to turn to a professional that you can trust.
What Is the Cost of Replacing a Hot Water Heater?
Of course, there are many variables that go into the cost of replacing your hot water heater, including brand, model, location, and more. The two main costs of replacing your water heater are the cost of heater and the cost of installation.
You might consider installing the water heater yourself. However, you’re working with water and gas or electricity, and this can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing even trained professionals need to be careful.
The average cost of replacing a hot water heater in the United States is between $804 and $1,549 according to Homeadvisor.com. If you opt for a tankless hot water heater, it can be more expensive.
At Red Rooter Plumbing, our team of professionals is ready to help you replace your hot water heater whenever you need it. We offer competitive pricing on gas, electric, tankless and commercial water heaters. Contact us today for more information.
Call us at (561) 462-2724 for fast, reliable emergency plumbing services! Find your local Red Rooter today for fast, reliable emergency plumbing services in your area!