It’s cleaned your dirty dishes day in and day out, washed your clothing, warmed your bath and shower water without a complaint, but now it’s time to say goodbye to your water heater. Whether you have a traditional tank heater or a newer tankless one, when the time comes to replace and install a new one, there’s only one place to go, Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services. If you’re still unclear about the different types of water heaters and how much installation might cost, the following information is for you!

What are the different types of water heaters?

Traditional water tanks come in a wide variety of sizes from the smaller 23 to upwards of 80 gallons. They are most commonly made of cast iron, and at Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services, we stock them in both gas and electric-powered versions. They are sizeable and occupy a tremendous amount of space. Whether you install one in your furnace or laundry area, they will rightly take up and a large amount of square footage. But offer enough hot water for an entire household to fulfill all of their hot water needs.

Then there’s their smaller-sized high-efficiency cousin: the tankless water heater. We also sell this type of model in either a gas or electric version. They are the size of a small suitcase and can fit on the wall in your home both inside and out. It heats water on an as-needed basis and lasts longer than the traditional water tank.

Tankless water heaters do not require continuous temperature maintenance to ensure your hot water supply. They only heat the water as needed, unlike storage tank water heaters that require ongoing heating of the water in the tank.

Tankless water heaters are a little more expensive to purchase and install, but the energy savings in the long run, particularly for a busy household, will add up quickly.

How much does it cost to have a professional plumber install a water heater?

The cost to install a water heater can vary greatly depending on the make and model you’ve selected. At Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services, our costs range from $800.00-$8,500,00. Those prices include the water heater. Our electric water heaters vary in price from $800.00-$1,800.00. In comparison, our gas water heaters range in price from $800.00-$2,200.00. In contrast, our tankless models are the most expensive at $4,000.00-$8,500.00.

Can I install a water heater myself?

Unless you are a professional, all water heaters must be installed by a licensed plumber. Since 2007, Texas law has required a plumbing permit for a water heater replacement and installation. This permit requires a licensed plumber to install the water heater in compliance with the State of Texas and any local municipality plumbing codes.

If you choose to install a water heater yourself, you can do so; providing your home is homesteaded, and you are the owner. You can buy a water heater through a big box store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot and follow one of the installation guides available online.

But according to Texas law, you are required to have a licensed plumber inspect your installation and confirm the water heater has been installed correctly. It does not create a hazard, is working correctly and safely. Many things can go dangerously wrong if an error exists in a water heater installation.

How much does it cost to install a water heater from Home Depot?

Usually, a water heater at a big box store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s costs between $1,500-$5,000. Typically, that includes the water heater itself, removal of the old one, the value of the plumbing permit, the work required to bring your plumbing connections up to code, the length of your new warranty, and any energy efficiency certification and other special features on the new unit.

However, if you decide to go the route of a big box store and buy one of their water heaters, install it yourself and then have it inspected at a later date, you will not be buying a professional grade product such as what we offer at Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services. Nor will you have access to the customer service and knowledgeable staff that has helped our business grow for the past 40 years.

When should I install a new water heater?

Even if your water heater is only a few years old, you may want to consider a new installing a new one before things go wrong. At Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services, we tell our customers that the average lifespan of a traditional electric or gas water heater is ten years, and a tankless is 20 provided they’ve been appropriately maintained. If you’re unsure of your water heater’s age, you can find it by locating the serial number on the manufacturer’s stickers near its top. Typically, the first two numbers represent the year the tank was manufactured.

Yet, many people still try to squeeze a few extra years out of heaters beyond their ‘best before dates’ sometimes to their detriment. The following are a few red flags that your beloved water heater is trying to tell you it’s days are numbered, and it’s time to install a new one.

If the color of the water that’s coming out of your pipes is not clear, meaning the water is rusty, that’s an indication that your water tank could be rusting from the inside. To see if your hot water is rusty, fill three or four five-gallon buckets of hot water only. You probably need a new tank if the water coming from your tank is rusty. By comparison, if your cold water is rusty when you run it, then the problem might be in your pipes.

If your warm shower keeps ending in a sharp cold blast of water, you may need to install a new hot water tank. This is one of the most common signs that your hot water tank will fail. This sudden blast of cold water is usually because sediment from hard water has built up over time in the tank and occupies space where hot water could go. Slowly over time, you run out of storage space for your hot water. Every time you shower, you’re never sure when you’ll run out of hot water and be blasted with cold.

As water heaters, age sediment from the hard water will build upon the bottom of your tank. As the water in your heater is warmed and reheated, that sediment will expand and make noise. Some people describe it as a banging noise; others say it sounds like a rumbling. Either way, when your water heater starts to produce sounds on its own, you know it’s time to start looking for a new tank.

And if the noise and rusty water don’t get your attention, your aging water tank will save the best for last-leaks. It may start as a few drips, or your water tank might rip open and start gushing water on the floor. Either way, it will catch your attention and hopefully not do a tremendous amount of damage before you notice!

What to consider when installing a new water heater?

Finding and installing the right water heater is about more than simply going online or heading to your nearest big box store and picking out the most visually appealing one. Whether you chose to install a tankless or traditional tank version, the right fit for your home and family can bring you tremendous long-term benefits, including lower energy bills and long-lasting heating capabilities. But there are three critical factors that you must consider before you make this type of investment.

Consider your needs. Yes, everyone needs hot water in the home to do laundry, clean their dishes, shower, or bathe. But take a look at how many fixtures you have. Do you have a large family? You need to consider all the occupants (family or otherwise in your home) and their hot water needs. When you can establish what you want out of a new water heater, the easier the choice will be.

What type of water heater do you want? Today’s market offers buyers a wide range of choices. At Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services, we offer electric, gas, and tankless water heaters. They all come with their pros and cons.

The size of your water heater and your needs often go hand-in-hand. At Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services, before you begin selecting a water heater, we will take the necessary measurements and inspect your home to determine what type of tank will work best within your physical space. Choosing the incorrect sized water heater can result in a myriad of problems.

Water Heater Installation

It’s always been there, your water heater dutiful and reliant. You never realize how much you need it until it’s gone. But when it no longer works and the prospect of taking a cold shower or washing your dishes by hand is upon you, you ask yourself why you didn’t take better care of your water heater?

That’s where we can help. At Nick’s Plumbing and Sewer Services, we can advise you on selecting and installing a new water heater. Additionally, we can help you maintain and service your new tank or tankless model to ensure optimal use. So that every dish continues to be cleaned and that your showers remain hot!

Leave a comment

ThemeREX © 2024. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Schedule an Appointment


This will close in 0 seconds

Join our VIP membership program for just $19.79 per monthLearn More
+