Water Heaters
Water heater replacement
Replacing a tank water heater means draining and removing the old unit, then installing a correctly sized gas or electric tank with current-code venting, a relief valve line, a thermal expansion tank where required, and a drain pan where the location calls for one. Sediment and hard-water scale are the main reasons tanks wear out early.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- Licensed local plumbers
- Quote before work
Water heaters live in basements, garages, utility closets and, in some regions, attics. Wherever they are, sediment and scale settle at the bottom of the tank, which makes gas units rumble and electric elements burn out. A leaking tank in a closet or attic can do serious damage, which is why pans and drains matter there.
Replacement is a good time to fix older installs: missing expansion tanks, a relief valve line that doesn't terminate properly, or a flue with poor clearances.
Water heaters at a glance
- Typical visit
- Same-day swap for like-for-like tanks when stock is available
- Main wear factor
- Sediment and hard-water scale
- Code items
- Expansion tank, relief valve discharge, pan, venting
- Permit
- Most cities and counties require one
Signs you need water heaters
- Water leaking from the tank or pooling in the pan
- Rusty hot water
- Rumbling or popping when heating
- Hot water running out much faster than before
- A tank more than about 10 years old
How the plumber handles it
- 1
Assess
The plumber checks the fuel type, capacity, venting, gas line size and location to size a replacement.
- 2
Remove
The old tank is drained, disconnected and hauled away.
- 3
Install to code
New tank, flex connectors, relief valve discharge, expansion tank and pan as required, and venting checked.
- 4
Start up
The tank is filled and purged, lit or powered, checked for leaks and combustion, and set to a safe temperature.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the plumber finds, so the plumber quotes on site. These are the main factors:
- Gas vs. electric
- Capacity (40, 50 or 75 gallons)
- Location: garage, closet or attic
- Code upgrades needed (expansion tank, pan, venting)
- Permit requirements in your city
What you can do, and when to stop
Safe to do yourself
- Shut the cold inlet valve and the gas or breaker if it's leaking
- Flush a few gallons from the drain valve to check for sediment
Call a plumber
- Gas connections and venting
- Replacing a relief valve on a hot, pressurized tank
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tank water heater last?
Typically 8 to 12 years. Hard water, high pressure and skipped flushing shorten that; a softener, a working expansion tank and periodic anode checks extend it.
Do I need an expansion tank?
When the home has a pressure regulator or check valve, as most do, code generally requires a thermal expansion tank.
Should I repair or replace my leaking water heater?
If the tank itself has rusted through and is leaking from the bottom or seams, replacement is required because internal tank corrosion cannot be patched. If the leak is from a fitting, valve, or heating element gasket, a repair may be possible.
How do I choose between a 40-gallon and 50-gallon tank?
A 40-gallon tank fits homes with 1 to 3 people and standard fixtures. Homes with 4 or more occupants, soaking tubs, or high simultaneous demand benefit from a 50-gallon or higher-recovery unit.
Can a water heater be replaced the same day?
Yes. For standard 40- and 50-gallon gas or electric tank units, a licensed plumber can usually pull the old tank and install the new unit within 3 to 5 hours.
Where to get water heaters
By state: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Need water heaters?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.