When will I need a gas water heater replacement?
To get your day started on a cold winter morning, you may be the hot shower kind of person. Or after a long day working out in the cold winter weather, you look forward to ending your day with a hot shower. Either way, if you aren’t getting hot water, you may need an electric or gas water heater replacement. In Chattanooga, TN, our team can be there to help when the time comes for a new gas water heater. But how do you know when it’s time for a gas water heater replacement? We’re here to answer some of the most common questions homeowners and business owners have.
What is the life expectancy of a gas water heater?
A quality brand of gas water heater replacement that is installed by a professional and maintenance and upkeep routines are followed, you can expect a lifespan between eight and twelve years. In comparison, an electric water heater replacement is typically needed between 12 and 15 years.
Is a gas water heater replacement better than an electric one?
There are pros and cons to both electric and gas water heater replacements. For example, gas water heater replacements are more expensive, have a shorter lifespan, and use more energy. However, the water gets hotter and natural gas burns cleaning that electricity.
An electric water heater replacement is less expensive, easier to install, and doesn’t use as much energy. However, the water doesn’t get as hot and electricity doesn’t burn as clean as natural gas.
Whether you need to purchase an electric or gas water heater replacement will depend on what is currently in place. If you choose to switch from one to the other or to switch to a tankless unit, you’ll need to prepare your budget to include additional work for electricity, gas, and water lines and possible construction changes.
What indicates a gas water heater replacement is needed?
If your gas water heater isn’t performing as it should, flushing or repairs may be possible. However, any of the following six issues typically are an indication you need a gas water heater replacement:
1. WATER POOLING AT THE BASE
If you find there is water pooling around the base of the unit, there may be a leak at the tank or along the bottom. Puddling water is a sign of eroded connections and/or pipes. It could also be condensation, but the safest thing to do is to have a professional plumber inspect the unit.
2. RUSTY COLORED WATER
A common issue in older homes is rust stains in the sinks, toilets, and tubs. This can often be resolved by having a gas water heater replacement. A water heater that is aging will often rust inside the tank, making the water rusty color.
3. METALLIC SMELL AND TASTE
When the water coming from the water heater has a metallic odor or metallic taste, this indicates the tank’s interior has started corroding and an electric or gas water heater replacement is needed.
4. WATER ISN’T GETTING HOT
If the water goes from hot to tepid and back to hot or isn’t heating up at all, it may be the element inside needs to be replaced. Or it may be time to shop for an electric or gas water heater replacement. A professional plumber can inspect the existing unit and advise what is needed.
5. AGE
All good things must come to an end, including your gas water heater. Replacement is typically needed between eight and twelve years, with the 10th year being the average.
6. FREQUENT WATER HEATER REPAIRS
If you have required several electric or gas water heater repair service calls, and the unit is reaching the 8th to 10th anniversary, an electric or gas water heater replacement is needed.
What is the average cost for a gas water heater replacement?
The purchase of the gas water heater replacement unit can range between labor costs between $500 and $1,500. The cost of the unit can vary based on the brand and size. Then there is the labor cost added to that amount, which can range between another $800 and $1,500.
The cost of a gas water heater replacement and its labor is typically higher than with an electric water heater replacement because there is more labor required. A gas water heater replacement installation takes more materials than an electric unit. There is piping required for venting pipes and different pressure valves. Depending on possible complications, the plumber may need additional materials and additional time to complete the gas water heater replacement.
Conclusion
Homeowners can sometimes do their own electric or gas water heater replacement. In most cities and municipalities, it is required to have the work done by a licensed plumber. The plumber will need to pull a permit with the local offices and once the job is complete have a city inspector examine the work and remove any hold tags. By having a plumber do the work, you have a warranty on the unit and the labor, which can be beneficial in the long run. And if you do think it might be time for a gas water heater replacement in Chattanooga, TN, just reach out to us. We can be there to help.
