When your hot water heater fails, the first question that usually comes to mind is how fast can I get my hot water working again? If you find yourself without hot water, it’s time to work with an experienced plumber that is ready to install a new water heater for you. As an experienced plumber, the professionals at Lutz Plumbing can explain that the time it takes to install a water heater depends on a few key factors. A typical water heater installation can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on how long it takes to prepare the area and remove the old unit. Time also has to be taken into consideration for setting up and testing the new water heater to make sure that it is working properly. Checking for leaks and waiting to see that the water temperature reaches the right temperature will all add to the time it takes for a complete installation. You might also invest in a tankless water system, which can take up to 8 hours for the installation to be complete.
The Standard Installation: A 2 to 4-Hour Job
The process for replacing an existing water heater can be efficient if you are simply replacing an existing water heater with a similar unit. If the current water heater has already been removed, or there isn’t a big mess to clean up, the process can be very efficient. A standard water heater installation that places a similar size water heater in the same spot as the old one takes roughly 2 to 4 hours to complete. If the fittings are in place for the water, and you don’t have to change any fuel lines, it’s a simple process to change out one water heater for another. A standard water tank installation for a water heater that is easy to access takes less time. Make sure that anything furniture or hazards blocking access to your water heater are removed to decrease the time spent in your home. The easier you can make it for your plumbers to reach your water heater, the less time they will need to spend working.
The Lutz Plumbing Process
At Lutz Plumbing, we take the time to get the job of replacing your existing water heater done right. We have an efficient process that we use, so that we don’t miss a step. The Lutz Plumbing process to replace a water heater includes:
- We spend about 15-30 minutes assessing the site for the water heater and laying down any protective coverings that need to be used to prevent damage to your home. We look for current damage to your home, especially if you have had a leaking water heater.
- Next we drain and then remove the old unit, which can take 30-60 minutes. This is a step you can do yourself if you feel comfortable draining and removing your water heater. If you don’t want to deal with draining and taking out the old unit, we will do this for you when we come to replace your water heater.
- Setting and connecting a new unit takes about 60-90 minutes. We have to set up the water lines, and attach the gas or electric being used for your water heater. The temperature and pressure relief valve must also be installed correctly on your water heater.
- The last step in the process of installing a hot water heater is to test the unit, looking for leaks in the system. We will make sure that the ignition works properly, and that the water heats to the correct temperature. We will then clean up the work area once we are done testing. This step takes about 15-30 minutes.
What Can Make the Job Take Longer?
There are times when the job of installing a new water heater takes longer than expected. If the current system is not up to code, making changes to the system can add extra time. At Lutz Plumbing, we don’t take shortcuts, as we make sure the job is done right. The location of your water heater may need to change, adding time to the job because the new space has to be prepared. Changing to a tankless water heater is a big system upgrade that takes time to install.
Upgrades and Code Requirements
Your old setup may not be up to current code. If you need a new expansion tank, a new drain pan, or updated venting, this is going to take extra time to install your water heater. We take pride in our work, and we are going to do it right the first time. Our professionals understand what the current code requirements are, and we make sure that any work we do in your home is going to meet or exceed code requirements.
Changing Fuel Type or Location
When you change your water heater from electric to gas, or the other way around, it takes time to install new lines that might be needed. Changing the location of your water heater is more difficult when you also have to add new electric or gas lines that are going to reach your water heater. There are benefits to both types of water heaters, and you can talk to one of our professionals to decide if a gas or electric water heater is right for you.
Switching to a Tankless Water Heater
Switching to a tankless water heater system is a big upgrade for your water heating system. When you want to upgrade to a tankless water heater system to have hot water on demand, this job generally takes anywhere from 4-8 hours. This is an upgrade that often requires larger gas lines and new venting, which makes the job take longer. A tankless water heater will give you hot water whenever you need it, without having to worry about keeping the entire water heater tank warm at all times. With a tankless water heater system, you don’t have a big tank to worry about. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer than a traditional water heater, and are worth the investment if you are going to remain in your home for decades.
Your New Water Heater Replacement
A professional can generally install a standard water heater in about four hours, but any upgrades to the system or complications can extend that time. If the water heater you are putting in is similar to the one already there, the time is usually less. If you are having the system change from electric to gas, or vice-versa, this is going to add to the time it takes to have your water heater replaced. When you need to have the water heater moved to another area of your home, this is going to add to the installation time. To save time on the installation, you can drain and remove the old water heater yourself. When you want to invest in a tankless water heater system, understand that this is a big upgrade that can take up to 8 hours to finish. A tankless water heater tends to last years longer than a typical water heater.
When You Need a New Water Heater
When you need a new water heater, you want it done fast, but more importantly, you want it done right. At Lutz Plumbing, our experienced technicians work efficiently and safely to get your hot water running again. Schedule your water heater installation with us today.