Having your water heater suddenly give out is generally considered an emergency simply because of how many different things you need hot water for every day. The good news when facing this situation is that you usually won’t have to be without hot water for that long. There’s a chance that you can even get a plumber out to replace your water heater the same day your old unit fails. Here, we’ll provide an overview of how long water heater installation usually takes. We will also cover what factors can affect the timeline and what to look for when choosing a new water heater.
Average Timeline for Water Heater Installation
Installing a new water heater usually isn’t all that difficult and is something that an experienced plumbing company can typically do in under half a day. In most common situations, it takes between two and four hours to install a new water heater. However, some variables can affect the length of time it takes like what type of water heater you currently have and what type the new unit is.
Installing a new tankless water heater typically goes a bit faster compared to replacing a tank water heater. That’s mainly because with a tank unit, the plumbers first need to drain the tank before they can disconnect and remove the unit. Just draining the unit can end up taking anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on how many gallons the tank holds. This is one area where you can potentially save some time and possibly a bit of money by draining the unit yourself before the plumbers arrive. However, if you choose to do this, you need to be careful since you could potentially damage the drain valve and create a major flood.
Factors That Can Affect the Installation Time
Like-for-Like Replacement vs. Switching Types
The installation time for a new water heater depends on whether you’re replacing an old unit with the same type or switching to a different system:
- Like-for-Like Replacement:
- Replacing a traditional tank water heater with a new one is the fastest option.
- Typically completed within a few hours.
- Switching to a Different Type:
- Moving from a tank water heater to a tankless unit (or vice versa) takes longer.
- Requires modifications to plumbing, gas lines, or electrical wiring.
- In some cases, this can take a full day or more.
Factors That Affect Installation Time
1. Location of the Water Heater
- A tankless unit needs to be mounted on a wall, which may not be suitable for the existing space.
- Gas water heaters may require moving and rebuilding the exhaust flue.
- Plumbers must adjust cold and hot water lines to fit the new unit’s connections.
- Gas-powered units also require modifications to the gas line.
2. Switching from Gas to Electric (or Vice Versa)
Switching between gas and electric water heaters involves additional work:
-
Upgrading from electric to gas:
- Plumbers must contact the utility company to shut off the gas before installation.
- A new gas line must be run to the unit’s location.
-
Upgrading from gas to electric:
- A dedicated 240-volt circuit is required by building codes.
- An electrician will need to install a double-pole circuit breaker and run new wiring.
3. Electrical Panel Limitations
If switching to an electric water heater, your electrical panel may not have enough capacity:
- If there’s no room for a double breaker, a new electrical panel may be needed.
- Your home’s electrical service must be powerful enough to support the new water heater.
- Upgrading the panel and rewiring circuits will increase cost and installation time.
Best Option for Efficiency & Cost
- If your home currently has a gas water heater, it’s usually best to stick with gas.
- Upgrading to electric may require extensive electrical work, increasing the project’s time and cost.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about your water heater installation and avoid unexpected delays.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Heater
Selecting the right water heater isn’t always straightforward. There are several key factors to keep in mind, including:
- Budget: The cost of the unit and installation varies based on the type of water heater.
- Energy Efficiency: Some models are more energy-efficient, reducing long-term costs.
- Lifespan: The durability of the unit affects long-term savings.
- Hot Water Demand: The size and capacity of the unit must meet your household’s needs.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater: Which Is Better?
1. Cost Considerations
-
Tankless Water Heater:
- Typically costs more upfront.
- Installation expenses are higher if switching from a tank unit.
- Offers long-term savings due to improved energy efficiency.
-
Traditional Tank Water Heater:
- More affordable upfront.
- Installation costs are lower, especially for a like-for-like replacement.
- Higher energy costs over time.
2. Energy Efficiency & Long-Term Savings
- Tankless water heaters only heat water when needed, reducing energy consumption.
- Tank units continuously heat water, even when not in use, leading to higher energy bills.
- The only exception where a tank unit might be more cost-effective is if your household regularly uses more than 80 gallons of hot water per day.
3. Lifespan of Water Heaters
- Tankless Water Heaters:
- Last 20+ years with proper maintenance.
- Can save money in the long run due to their longevity.
- Tank Water Heaters:
- Typically last 8 to 15 years before needing replacement.
- More frequent replacements can lead to higher long-term costs.
Choosing the Right Size Water Heater
1. Sizing a Traditional Tank Water Heater
When selecting a tank water heater, focus on:
- Tank Capacity: The number of gallons the tank holds.
- First-Hour Rating (FHR): The amount of hot water the unit can supply in an hour.
- A high-quality unit will have a first-hour rating at least 25% higher than its tank size.
- Example: A 50-gallon water heater should have an FHR of at least 75 gallons to ensure sufficient supply.
2. Sizing a Tankless Water Heater
For a tankless water heater, focus on:
- Flow Rate (Gallons Per Minute or GPM):
- Determines how much hot water the unit can supply at a time.
- Household Usage Needs:
- Consider how many fixtures will need hot water simultaneously.
- Example: If two showers, a dishwasher, and a washing machine might be in use at the same time, the unit needs to support that demand.
- If the unit’s flow rate is too low, you may experience:
- Inconsistent water temperature.
- Insufficient hot water supply during peak usage times.
Contact Us Today
If you’re looking to replace your water heater or need any other plumbing service in the Greater Knoxville area, the experts at Tennessee Standard Plumbing are always ready to help. We offer same-day services and can ensure you don’t have to wait too long from when your water heater gives out until you get a new unit installed. We can also help you decide which option will best meet your home’s hot water needs. To schedule a water heater replacement or any other service, contact us today.
