Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heater Replacement

November 9, 2022

If your last water heater replacement isn’t fresh in your mind, you’re not alone. It’s common for a decade or more to pass between replacements, making it easy to forget the signs it’s time to repair or replace your water heater. Here are the frequently asked questions Hassler gets about water heater replacement, and how you can better maintain your home and ensure you don’t lose out on any of the hot water you need in your Alameda, Marin, or Contra Costa county home.

“What are the signs I need a new water heater?”

Spotting the symptoms of an aging or damaged water heater will alert you to the need for a replacement before you end up in a home without any hot water. Some of the most common signs your water heater is starting to decline include:

Gurgling from the water heater tank
Rusty water coming from pipes
Leaks coming from the water heater
Higher than usual gas or electricity costs

Hot water tanks are prone to sediment buildup, pipe erosion, leaks, and other wear and tear that can lead to a drop in overall energy efficiency. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, the time has come to call in a plumbing professional to assess the damage, and either repair or replace your water heater.

“How long do water heaters last?”

You can expect a typical electric or gas water heater to last about ten years, but there are many factors that will affect that timeline. Factors include how hard your water is, how often you use your water heater, and whether you’ve kept up with water heater maintenance. If your water heater is at least ten years old and you are experiencing issues with your hot water, upgrading to a more efficient model is often a more financially beneficial option than repairing an old water heater and paying higher monthly utility costs.

“What affects the cost of a new water heater?”

If you are thinking about a water heater upgrade in the future, the bottom line for most homeowners will be “how much does it cost to replace a water heater?” The cost of your new water heater will depend on the type of water heater you choose to install. These types include:

Electric resistance water heater

Electric resistance water heaters utilize an electric heating element to heat the water in a storage tank.

Gas water heater

Gas water heaters also utilize a storage tank to hold the heated water, but that water is heated using natural gas and combustion.

Tankless/on-demand water heater

Tankless or on-demand water heaters provide instantaneous hot water using natural gas. These types of water heaters do not require a storage tank and can be installed discreetly in a large closet or otherwise advantageous location.

Heat pump water heater

Heat pump water heaters are also all-electric and utilize a storage tank like an electric resistance water heater, but a heat pump is used to heat the water. This results in impressive energy savings!

Other factors that can impact cost in addition to water heater type include the size of your home, the state of your plumbing system, and how accessible your water heater will be when it comes time for installation. To get an accurate quote for water heater installation, call Hassler today!

Call Hassler for Hassle-free Water Heater Installation

If you are dealing with a wonky water heater in your greater El Cerrito area home, including Marin and Alameda counties, our team of water heating experts is ready to help. Call Hassler today and we will make it our mission to keep your water heater replacement as hassle-free as possible.