If your hot water heater has been giving you trouble, you probably want the issue fixed as soon as possible. Depending on the water heater’s age, replacing it with a new one might be the easiest way to guarantee consistently hot water.
A similar model gas or electric water tank replacement takes two to three hours if there are no problems or complications.
But generally speaking, you should plan on the procedure taking several hours. An outline of what to anticipate is provided below.
How to Know When You Need a New Water Heater
Your water heater is likely malfunctioning if you wake up to an icy shower, have to wash your dishes in cold water, and simply can’t get the water to warm up. Similarly, it’s time for a new water heater if there is a pool of water around it or the tank is actively leaking.
The condition of your water heater is frequently indicated by warning signs. It’s important to pay attention to these warning signs before the water heater breaks down, leaks, or even bursts so you can prevent a messy emergency situation that costs a lot of money.
- Your water heater may be having trouble and using more energy to produce hot water if your bill is higher than usual.
- A small component may only need to be replaced if the water is rusty, or the inner tank may be corroded and beginning to rust.
- The presence of sediment in the water heater tank is suggested by cloudy water.
- When it first begins, a leak might not appear to be much. You might only notice a trace amount of moisture or a tiny water puddle.
- If the noises coming from your water heater are loud or thumping, sediment may have accumulated and hardened.
The earlier you contact Ambient Edge, the more likely it is that we will be able to repair your water heater rather than replace it. A repair may be possible if your water heater is under ten years old or only requires a minor component. It is most likely time for a new water heater if your old one is at least ten years old, is broken, or is visibly worn out.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Water Heater?
Installing a water heater typically takes two to three hours. Due to its complexity and potential safety risks, installing a water heater is a task best left to the experts. An old water heater must be taken out and a new one installed. This process typically takes a professional plumber between two and four hours.
Depending on the type of water heater being installed, this could change; for example, installing an electric water heater can frequently be done faster than a gas one, even though gas units are typically less expensive over time.
Aside from these additional variables, the installation time may also be impacted by the need for any repairs or modifications to meet local building codes and by any unanticipated delays encountered when accessing plumbing lines or locations where pipes are located.
Of course, these estimates are only meant to serve as a general guide; if you’re installing a new water heater, ask your plumber for an estimation of the time it will take to complete the job. You’ll be prepared to maintain the hot water supply in your home in this manner.
What to Expect from the Water Heater Installation Appointment
Here is a walkthrough of the installation process for a water heater.
Consultation
You must first discuss the specifics of your water heater issues with a qualified plumber in order to identify the best type of water heater for your house. Inquiries about costs such as the installation of a tankless water heater are also welcome during the consultation. Although often done in person, this can be done over the phone and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Preparation
There are a few straightforward things you can do to get ready prior to the installation itself. These steps will help your licensed plumber to work more quickly, and to get your heater connected to the water supply as expediently as can be:
- Remove any clutter or debris from the installation area, ensuring accessibility
- Make sure your pets are secured somewhere out of the way
- Provide a clear path for your licensed plumber to move the water tank and tools to the installation site
- Measure your doors to be sure the water heater will fit through
Installation
How long will it actually take your certified plumber to set up the system? Your choice of tankless, conventional, or another type of water heater will determine how much hot water you receive. Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that the water heater’s location may play a role. Installation times will be longer, for instance, if the technician needs to travel through a difficult-to-access area of the house or climb numerous flights of stairs.
- Installation between tanks. The installation process will typically take two to three hours if you’re replacing a gas-powered or electric water heater with a tank with another tank-containing unit. This includes 45 to an hour for unplugging the old unit, 30 minutes for moving the new unit into place, and an hour or so for making sure the new unit is connected correctly.
- Installation of a tankless system from one tank to another. Installation may take a little longer if you’re switching from a conventional water heater to a tankless water heater. New power lines, air vents, and other things will probably need to be built by a licensed plumber.
- Installation of tanks without tanks. A maximum of an hour or two should be needed to switch out one tankless unit for another.
Read More: Why My Water Heater Won’t Light
Is Installing a Water Heater Hard?
If you have the required abilities and knowledge, installing a water heater is not difficult. If you are inexperienced, replacing and installing a water heater can be dangerous.
You must be familiar with plumbing, electrical wiring, and water hookups in order to install an electric water heater. Since working with solder, gas lines, and vent lines is also required, installing a gas water heater is a little more difficult.
You must abide by the building regulations of the town or city where you live before installing a water heater anywhere in your house. Additionally, you need to put your water heater in a convenient location where it can be regularly serviced, is not subject to flooding, and is easy to access.
A closet or other enclosed area is not a good place to install a water heater because there won’t be enough ventilation, and you and your family could get carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, you must confirm that you have the necessary permits; otherwise, you risk getting into legal trouble.
Final Words
Following the installation of your new unit, your licensed plumber will clean up the area, make sure that the old unit has been removed for recycling or disposal, demonstrate how to use the new water heater, and address any queries you may have.
Even though replacing a water heater can be costly, having it installed properly by a professional will give you peace of mind and guarantee a functional water heater for many years to come.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Remove and Install a Water Heater?
A qualified plumber ought to be able to finish the job in two to three hours, barring any problems or complications.
Is It Hard to Install a Water Heater?
A water heater installation is not your typical do-it-yourself task. You need to know state and local building codes, possess plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, and carpentry skills, obtain a permit for the work, and coordinate an inspection with your municipality.
How Long Does It Take for a 50-Gallon Water Heater to Heat Up After Install?
For gas water heaters, it typically takes 30 to 40 minutes for the water in the tank to reach the desired temperature.