Water Heater Replacement Guide: Options & Timeframe

When a water heater goes out, the impact on a home or a business and its occupants is immediate. A water heater that leaked for a while or suddenly burst can cause a lot of significant damage. And, of course, without a functioning system, there goes hot showers and hot H2O needed for appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. So, in that situation, everyone wants to see a new water heater installed immediately if not sooner, right? Masters Heating & Cooling Inc. is ready to answer the call if you have an emergency. We can also assist you in a water heater non-emergency situation, such as a small leak or simply replacing an old system that isn’t getting the job done anymore.

Life Expectancy

Most traditional tank water heaters can last anywhere from eight to 12 years. There are a few factors to consider, such as make/model, regular maintenance such as tank flushing and how hard the water is in certain areas. But, if your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s not a bad idea to begin planning for a replacement.

Water Heater Installation Process

Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours. Here’s what to expect when buying and installing a new water heater.

1. Consultation with licensed professionals. Our service technicians can analyze your water heater situation and help you decide on the right water heater for your needs and your budget. This can be replacing your old water heater with a similar traditional tank or we also offer tankless solutions. We also offer financing options.
2. Schedule the appointment. Like we said earlier, if it is an emergency, an appointment needs to be made ASAP. If not, it still needs to be made quickly to thwart any potential costly breakdown.
3. Clear Area Around Heater. Make sure you remove any boxes or other items around the heater and in the area, so the service technicians have clear access to the heater.
4. Removal Of The Old Heater. Just like installing a new water heater, uninstalling one requires a few steps. The tank must be drained, disconnected from the power/fuel source and then removed.
5. Installation Of New Heater. Getting the new heater into your home and maneuvering it into the correct spot also takes a bit of time; how much depends on where it’s located and how clear the access is. The tank must be connected to the power/fuel source. If it is a gas heater, this will likely take a bit more time due to additional venting and safety precautions. After installation is complete and the tank is filled, the plumber will test it and adjust the settings. 

It is very important to make sure that you hire a certified, professionally licensed plumber to handle the installation of a new water heater. Your friends at Masters specialize in residential/business water heaters in the Fort Wayne, Decatur, Angola, Indianapolis, Greenwood, and Mishawaka, IN areas, so give us a call. Ask about our line of traditional A.O. Smith heaters and our tankless solutions by Navien.