While it’s easy to forget about your water heater until something goes wrong and you end up in a cold shower, the fact is that you should make sure to pay attention to this vital appliance from time to time! They don’t last forever, and eventually, you’ll need to have your water heater replaced.
When that time comes, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. Do I really need to replace my water heater, or can I have it repaired? What are my options for a new system? Is one better than another? What is involved in water heater installation, and how long will it take? We’ve got answers for you.
Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement
There are a variety of factors that can make you decide that repairs are no longer worthwhile and it’s time to invest in a new water heater. First, there’s age. Tank systems typically last 8-12 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20. There’s the cost of the repair: if it’s minor, even for a not-so-new water heater, it might be worth it to get through another year or two.
The biggest concern with water heaters is corrosion. If minor exterior parts have a little bit of rust, perhaps they can be replaced before it spreads to the rest of the system. But if the tank itself has started to corrode, there’s really nothing that can be done. It’s only a matter of time before the tank ends up leaking badly, or worse, bursting suddenly and flooding your home with water.
Tank Water Heaters vs. Tankless Systems
There are pros and cons to each of these options. Tank water heaters are less expensive, but use more energy and don’t last as long. Tankless systems are long-lasting and efficient, but more costly both to purchase and to install. Tank water heaters can provide a lot of hot water at once, but when they run out, you have to wait for a large amount of water to heat up. Tankless systems only provide 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute, but they’ll never run out.
Which is right for you? It depends on what you’re able to invest up front, what your priorities are, and how much hot water you and your family use on a daily basis. Our experts can help you make a decision you’ll be happy with in the long-term.
Water Heater Installation
Many factors can affect the process and timing of your water heater installation. The simplest installations are when the replacement system is the same type as the old system and does not require additional work to set your home up for a new type of water heater. Making bigger changes means taking more time.
Switching from a tank to a tankless system may mean work needs to be done on your water pipes for a different type of connection. Switching from gas to electric or vice versa may mean you need a pre-installation appointment to facilitate that changeover. And any work on water or gas lines might require a permit from your municipality.
That’s why it’s critical to have water heater installation done by qualified, licensed professionals who can assess your home, make the necessary arrangements, and give you a precise timeline based on the unique factors of your situation. Once any preparatory work is done, your actual installation will almost always be able to take place in a single day, generally in eight hours or perhaps less.
We’d love to hear from you and answer your specific questions about water heater installation in Lubbock, TX.
JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the Lubbock area. Contact us for all your water heater needs.