If your water heater is leaking, or if you’re running out of hot water, it’s time for a replacement. Fortunately, the job is not difficult for someone with basic tools and soldering skills.
Changing your water heater is also an opportunity to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. New storage tanks and tankless models use less gas, which lowers your utility bills. For professional help, contact Water Heater Replacement Denver.
The cost of water heater replacement depends on several factors. Some of these include the type and size of the water heater, the fuel type, brand, installation location, and labor. Choosing a water heater that is energy efficient can also save money in the long run.
Depending on the issue, a professional can help determine whether a repair or replacement is more cost-effective. If a water heater is approaching 9 years old, it will likely be more cost-effective to replace it than to have it repaired. Water heaters typically last for about 10 to 15 years, although this varies from household to household.
A professional plumber can provide a quote for the total cost of water heater replacement and installation. This includes labor and parts. Many plumbers charge by the hour, while others may offer a flat rate for an entire project. Plumbing costs can vary between $50 and $150 per hour. Additional electrical work may also be necessary. Electricians can charge between $50 and $130 per hour.
Water heater size is an important consideration. If your household uses a lot of hot water, you may need a larger water heater. A water heater with a larger capacity can also save energy by heating the water more quickly.
When deciding on the type of water heater to purchase, consider the average fuel price in your area. If gas is cheaper than electricity, a natural gas water heater might be the most cost-effective option. However, if you live in a rural area without access to natural gas lines, a propane water heater might be a better choice.
Another factor to consider is the age of your home. A newer home may be built with a tankless water heater that will save money on heating bills. If your home is older, you may need to install a new water line or replace an existing one.
Check to see if you qualify for any rebates or special offers that could reduce the overall cost of your water heater replacement. For example, a federal tax credit is available for qualifying energy-efficient gas water heaters that are recognized by Energy Star. There are also state rebates that may be available.
Energy Efficiency
Water heaters are a big energy drain in many homes, drawing a significant amount of power from the national grid to heat the water. Many older models waste a lot of energy, but new technologies are more efficient. Newer storage tank and tankless water heaters use less energy to do the same work, which means your utility bills won’t be as high.
Energy efficiency is a key component of climate protection, since it reduces our dependency on foreign sources of fossil fuels and critical minerals used in batteries to run our equipment. This helps the nation become more self-sufficient, as well as reduce the risk of power outages during natural disasters.
When shopping for a water heater, look for the Energy Guide label and ENERGY STAR logo. These labels display standardized energy consumption information and annual operating costs, making it easy to compare efficiency ratings and prices. The higher the efficiency rating, the lower your operating costs will be.
While you might think a more efficient water heater is more expensive to purchase, it will pay for itself quickly in reduced energy bills. Depending on how much you spend on electricity to run your household appliances and lights, a more efficient water heater can cut your bills by hundreds of dollars a year.
You can also help reduce your energy costs by installing heat traps on your existing water heater and switching to low-flow faucets and shower heads. These devices are inexpensive and can help reduce your water heating costs by up to 60 percent.
It’s important to replace your old water heater before it breaks down, as repairs can be expensive and leave you with no hot water. Have a professional plumber evaluate your water heater and advise you on how much useful life it has left, then start looking for replacement options. The investment will pay for itself in lower utility costs, and you’ll be helping to protect the environment and your home. Aside from the cost benefits, newer water heaters also tend to last longer than older models, so they’ll save you even more money in the long run.
Installation
The installation process varies by location and type of heater, so this is an area where hiring a professional is typically the best course of action. It’s also important to choose an installer that has experience working with your type of water heater.
First, the old water heater must be removed. This is often a messy job, as it involves emptying the tank and dismantling pipes, but it’s essential that all connections are properly made so there are no leaks or hazards. This is where a plumber really earns his money. If there’s a gas line connected to the water heater, for example, it must be disconnected. Then, the new one must be connected, and it’s a good idea to test the line for leaks by running soapy water over the connection points. If there are bubbles, you’ll need to solder the line.
After the new water heater is installed, it should be connected to the hot and cold water lines, as well as the drainage hose. If you are installing a new water heater that requires a vent, it’s a good idea to have the old vent pipe replaced with a double-chambered vent pipe for safety.
Finally, the temperature and pressure relief valve must be connected to the new water heater. This is an important safety feature that protects your home against dangerous pressure spikes. It’s also a good idea to add a sediment trap, which helps keep your water clean by catching debris before it can enter the water system.
If you’re installing a solar water heater, your local authorities may require that the original water and gas lines be replaced with a special plastic piping system called a “solar loop.” This is required to prevent water from leaking out of the tank when it’s hot. Depending on your region, it’s also a good idea to install earthquake restraints and straps to help protect the water heater in the event of an earthquake. The best way to determine whether this is necessary in your area is to consult a local building authority.
Maintenance
Most people don’t give their water heater much thought until it starts acting up. When that happens, the resulting problems can really impact your home life. You might be forced to take cold showers, wash dishes by hand, and use less powerful laundry equipment. In addition, you may be spending a lot more on energy bills to heat the remaining hot water in your home.
The tank in a water heater can also start to rust, which is a sign of its impending failure. In addition, rusty sediment can begin to wear down the tank from the inside out and contaminate your home’s hot water with rusty residue. This type of corrosion cannot be repaired and the only solution is a new water heater.
Getting a new water heater will cost money upfront, but you should be able to get most of that back in lower energy bills right away. It will also be a great improvement to your family’s quality of life, making it well worth the investment.
A professional plumber will have the tools and knowledge to install a new water heater safely and correctly. They can also help you learn how to maintain your new unit to make sure it continues to operate efficiently for years to come.
You should always consult with a plumber if you suspect that your current water heater is nearing the end of its service life. They can give you an accurate assessment of the situation and recommend whether it makes financial sense to repair or replace it.
A leaking water heater is one of the most obvious signs that it is time to replace yours. The tank might be leaking due to expansion and cracking or because of faulty connections and fittings. Leaks can soak and damage your belongings and even lead to mold growth in your walls if you allow them to persist.
To fix a leaky water heater, turn off the main water supply valve and drain the water from the bottom of the tank. Close the valve at the top of the tank and drain the water again before turning off the hot water faucets. Next, disconnect the water lines by wrapping the threads of two galvanized plastic-lined nipples with plumber’s tape. Screw the nipples into the cold and hot water inlet openings on the top of the tank. Prepare new pipe assemblies by measuring the distance between the existing water lines and the cold and hot water inlet on the tank. Cut the pipes to length and connect them by soldering in dielectric unions.