Identifying the Need for Water Heater Replacement
A water heater is an appliance we depend on every day, but you likely don’t give much thought to it until there’s a problem. Then one day, as you get ready to take a hot shower, you notice there isn’t any hot water. A few selective words are tossed about and then you realize a water heater replacement will be needed.
Is there any way to know ahead of time when to replace a water heater, or does it have to be a wait and you’ll know when it quits working thing? With the water heater being used at least twenty times per day, per person, it is amazing how long water heaters last, typically between 8 and 12 years, some may last 20 years.
If you’re an attentive homeowner, there are some indications how to tell if you need a replacement water heater, you just need to be aware of these:
1. Banging, Knocking, Tapping Sounds: If you hear banging, knocking, or tapping noises coming from your water heater, replacement time is knocking too. That noise is from sediment buildup that has created tears in the metal lining. If you don’t get a water heater replacement soon, you’ll start noticing water puddling up around the heater or leaking from the top. You could come home one day to a flooded house.
2. Insufficient Hot Water: If your water heater is good for one shower or one load of laundry, you either have too small of a water heater or your water heater is filled up with sediment and there isn’t enough water in the tank to heat up for multiple uses. Depending on how old the water heater is and how long you’ve been dealing with this insufficient amount of hot water, it may be time for a water heater replacement.
3. Fluctuating Temperature: Once you set the thermostat on your water heater, it shouldn’t move on its own. So, if the temperature is getting cool in the midst of your morning shower, or isn’t as hot as it was before, reset the thermostat. If it moves again, the thermostat is bad and you may be able to replace the thermostat to fix the problem. If that doesn’t work though, a water heater replacement is your next option.
4. Leaking Water: Water leaking from the water heater isn’t something to ignore. Check all the water connections to the water heater and tighten them if needed. If there are water puddles under the unit or water leaking from the top, this is more than just water connections leaking, it is time for a water heater replacement.
5. Cloudy or Smelly Water: As you’re washing dishes, bathing, or doing laundry, if the water is smelling like rotten eggs, or it is brown rusty color, this is an indication that the inside of your water heater tank has rusted, usually, because the built-in anode rod isn’t doing its job. A professional plumber can change the anode rod out and flush the water heater. If that doesn’t fix the problem though, you’ll need a water heater replacement.
6. Older Than 10 Years: A water heater hits 8 years, you’ve gotten an average lifespan, if it hits 10 years, you’re beyond the average maximum. How often should you replace a hot water heater? Even if your current water heater is still working, start shopping for a water heater replacement now and make plans to have it professionally installed.
How do I choose a replacement water heater?
Price will always be the main factor for a water heater replacement, but there are other factors that should be considered too. Like the size of the household, make sure you’re getting a large enough capacity. A 20-gallon water heater replacement won’t be sufficient for a household with more than one person! But a 50-gallon water heater is more than a 2-person household needs.
As far as the energy source, if you have electric or gas, you’ll want the water heater replacement to be the same in most cases. If you’re making any changes, a professional plumber can help you with that choice as well as what brand and the capacity. Trust the experts and ask about rebates and tax incentives.
How much is water heater replacement?
The brand, the size, and the power source are all going to factor into the cost for your water heater replacement. They can start as low as $800 and cost as much as $1,200 or more for the water heater itself.
Labor can run between $50/per hour for a plumber up to as much as $800 flat rate. If you need an electrician, you can expect to pay $150/per hour.
Can a homeowner replace a water heater?
If you’re a handy DIY homeowner and have the tools, sure, physically you can. However, depending on where you live, there may be local governing requirements for water heater replacement. Do I need a permit for water heater replacement? It is possible that you will need a permit, the water will be shut off during the installation and won’t be turned back on until the local governing body has inspected the installation job.
A water heater replacement installation isn’t as simple as it may sound. A gas-powered unit will need to be vented, there is an overflow waterspout that needs to be installed to flow outside the house, and the electrical part of a water heater replacement can be challenging.
It is best to leave the installation to the professionals that know how to remove and replace a hot water heater. The work will come with a guarantee and warranty, and if there is an issue with the water heater, the manufacturer may deny any warranty if not installed by a professional.
In Closing
A common question by any homeowner that has experienced a leaking water heater, is a leaking water heater covered by insurance? If the unit is old and just worn out, no, the insurance company will not reimburse or cover any expenses of the water heater replacement, or any damage caused by it leaking.
However, if the water heater leaking is caused by some unforeseen event, like a hurricane, earthquake, or anything a homeowner could not prevent, they may pay for the damage caused by the leaking unit. Check your homeowner insurance policy to confirm what is and isn’t covered.
