Water Heater Repair

Replacing a hot water tank generally costs between $200 and $500 in labor, but that can vary depending on where you live and how difficult the job is. If you have a large or particularly unusual tank, sometimes the cost can go up quite a bit. It's almost always a good idea to get a few different quotes from local plumbers so you can nail down the best price.

When having issues with your water heater, calling a plumber is a good first step. With your predicament, you're likely to need a professional who can tackle plumbing-related problems. That's where a plumber comes in. But how do you find one in your area? You could ask for a referral from someone you know and trust. Or you could check online for reviews of area plumbing services. Either way, you'll want to find a plumber who can work on your problem and is someone you can trust to be in your home.

One of the most frequent difficulties with hot water heaters is that the water isn't hot enough. This almost always occurs due to the thermostat being set too low, or there being a problem with the heating element inside the tank. If you observe that the water is coming out lukewarm or cold, the first thing you should do is check the thermostat settings. More often than not, the problem is with the settings and adjusting them solves the issue. If the heater has no obvious problems, a professional might need to look at the unit and see what's going on with it.

A water heater's typical lifespan is around 8 to 12 years. Your heater type, along with how well you maintain it, can affect this number. Maintenance can be as simple as ensuring the unit doesn't develop rust and that it doesn't have a sediment buildup. Mine is a regular flush kind of unit. This means that, at least every two years, I have to take a day and flush out all the sediment that has built up. It is also a relatively "young" unit. If it starts to leak, ferments rust, starts to lose its ability to heat (or if it were to install KB2 again, for instance), then it would be time to consider either a replacement or a different kind of water heater.

Replacing a water heater can be costly, and for good reason. It's a tough job that requires considerable know-how. You have to be skilled not only in plumbing but also in some pretty specialized areas of work, like understanding and "fixing" water systems in a way that makes them function as they should and, more importantly, makes them safe. You also need a lot of tools—many more than the average homeowner has on hand—to do the job right. And then there's the sheer weight and size of water heaters themselves. They are not easy to lift; and once you get them into place, which is even harder than lifting them, you've then got to ensure that they're installed correctly in a way that prevents any kind of leakage or other "problems." They come with a cost that can easily add up to being expensive.

When you get a water heater installed at Home Depot, the cost can vary quite a bit. It depends on several factors, including your geography, the kind of water heater you select, and any additional plumbing work that may need to be done. On average, though, we're talking several hundred dollars on up to over a thousand. So as not to get shocked, to get a better idea of what it would cost to have a water heater installed at your place, it would be best to check with your local Home Depot.

How long it takes to replace a water heater usually depends on a few things, like the heater type and how accessible it is. If it’s an electric or gas water heater, it can take about 2 to 4 hours to change out. The plumber isn’t going to rush the job, but if there are no complications—like the kind that might make for a good plumbing horror story—the whole thing shouldn’t take much longer than it would to watch a couple of episodes of a TV show.

Typically, homeowners insurance helps cover the unexpected—like a surprise leak from your water heater that floods your finished basement and ruins 20 boxes of old National Geographic magazines—and might cover your ruined stuff and your home, but it might not cover fixing or replacing the water heater itself. That's because it's seen as part of regular home maintenance, and if your water heater breaks down from normal wear and tear, you'll probably have to cover the costs of repair or replacement yourself.

Installing a water heater at Lowe's can cost several different amounts. The reasons for this are several and include the kind of water heater you want, the size of your water heater, and your location. Typically, the installation price—without counting the water heater—can land anywhere between $300 and $1,000. For the most accurate information, it might be best to check with your local Lowe's store or the Lowe's website, as they will have the most relevant and up-to-date information.

Purchasing a water heater from a plumber can be a good idea, but it depends on certain factors. Plumbers usually have extensive knowledge about various types of water heaters and can help you choose the right one for your home. They may also offer a warranty or deal on both the water heater and the installation that saves you some significant trouble. But you shouldn't make the decision without checking around first. Prices can vary, and it can sometimes be a lot cheaper to buy the heater separately from a store or online and then just pay the plumber to put it in. Always ask about the total cost, including the installation. And make sure you check reviews or get recommendations for the plumber to ensure good service. This is not a small job, and it does have to be done right.