Water Heater Installation & Repairs

Water heater cost is certainly something to keep in mind. How much you spend can depend on the unit you buy. For example, tank water heater unit and installation costs can be upwards of $900, while tankless water heaters typically start from $1,800. You can request an estimate from Mr. Rooter Plumbing to learn more.

Water heaters are certainly one of our highest energy-consuming appliances. However, some water heaters use more electricity than others. Heat pump water heaters are among the most energy-efficient, but many people also enjoy the efficiency of tankless water heaters.

While more expensive to buy and install, most homeowners would say that tankless water heaters are worth it. They can produce significant energy savings compared to their tank counterparts. This is because they only heat hot water as it’s needed!

Most highly regarded plumbing professionals will provide water heater repair and replacement services. You may like to consider replacement over repair if your water heater is eight years old or older and the repair will cost you 50% of the cost to replace. It may also be a better option if you’re experiencing increased water heating bills. Together, these factors may help you see that replacement is a more cost-effective solution in many cases.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to water heaters. Some homeowners prefer a ready supply of hot water with a tank water heater powered by electricity or natural gas. Others prefer the space-saving benefits and rapid hot water of a residential tankless water heater. You can also choose a variety of other models to suit your unique needs.

With that in mind, you may like to ask your local service professional about the following water heater types:

• Tank Water Heater - If the water heater replacement cost is one of your primary considerations when replacing an old one, a tank water heater may be at the top of your list. Tank water heaters are described as affordable while offering a generous supply of hot water.
  
  Tank water heaters have heating elements and a large, insulated storage tank. There are multiple size options to suit your family’s unique needs, such as a 40-gallon water heater and a 50-gallon water heater, all the way up to 80 gallons. Most tank water heaters are powered by electricity or natural gas. However, there are also oil and liquid propane models on the market.
• Tankless Water Heater - If you have limited space in your home, talk to Mr. Rooter Plumbing about a whole home tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters don’t store hot water in insulated tanks. Instead, they quickly heat cold water as it passes through heated coils. You can enjoy an endless supply of hot water. Tankless water heaters are particularly popular in small homes like apartments and condos.
• Point of Use Water Heater - If you only need hot water at single plumbing fixtures, such as a kitchen sink or shower, talk to Mr. Rooter Plumbing about installing a point-of-use water heater.
  
  These water heater types have small water tanks and provide a small amount of heated water at a time. They are affordable and are easy to install out of sight. However, despite being ideal for small spaces, they typically aren’t as efficient as a tankless water heater for apartment and condo use.
• Combination Boiler Water Heater - Small families or couples with limited space and tight budgets may like to explore the benefits of combination boiler water heaters. These cost-effective units are designed to heat your home and your water. Hot water is distributed via baseboard radiators and/or radiant floor systems. You can also enjoy hot water for your showers, appliances, and sinks. Most highly regarded plumbing companies provide boiler heater maintenance, installation, and repair services for peace of mind.
• Solar Water Heater - If you want to live a self-sufficient lifestyle, a solar water heater may tick all the right boxes for your needs. As their name suggests, solar water heaters heat water stored in their insulated tanks using solar panels that collect energy from the sun. You can install solar water heaters on your roof or within your home, and they typically have backup fuel systems, such as gas or electric.
• Hybrid Water Heater - Any family worried about their power consumption may like to explore a hybrid water heater for their home. While water heater costs can vary wildly, a hybrid water heater may use significantly less electricity than a conventional tank water heater.
  
  These heaters work with a heat pump system to take heat from the air and ground to heat your water. They don’t require direct fuel sources. Hybrid water heaters also come with insulated storage tanks and tank-mounted heat pumps.
• Condensing Water Heater - When environment friendliness and high-energy efficiency matter to you and your family, ask your local plumbing team about condensing water heaters. Such water heaters are designed to use up the unused waste gas fumes your home’s natural gas systems produce.
  
  Once your furnace burns natural gas, the heated waste gas is distributed into a coil in the water heater tank to heat the water stored inside.

While shopping for a new water heater may be low on your priority list, there may come a time when you realize you should prioritize it sooner rather than later. If you can relate to these signs, your current water heater may be ready to be replaced:

• It’s Old - While having an old home water heater doesn’t mean you have to replace it right away, it can be worth thinking about. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to request water heater repair services more often as parts begin to fail. There may come a time when repairs and maintenance are no longer economical, and a new water heater is a better option.
• It’s Rusty - As soon as you notice rust on your water heater, start researching replacements like a residential gas water heater or a residential electric water heater. Once rust takes hold of your steel tank, it can only be a matter of time before leaks start to form. Rust can be present in pipes, valves, inlets, and the water heater tank itself.
• It’s Making Strange Noises - Not all strange noises coming from a water heater spell its end. However, an older water heater can certainly produce more noise than most. Noises such as ticking, crackling, hissing, popping, and whistling typically come from sediment buildup, leaks, a failing pressure-reducing valve, heating element obstructions, loose valves, and rust.
• It’s Leaking - When you have a hot water heater with a tank, a leak can undoubtedly cause concern. You may soon need to consider a replacement. Leaks are rarely cost-effective to repair, making replacement a far better option in many cases.

If you’ve never been shopping for a new water heater before, it’s only natural that you won’t know what to look for. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help you choose the best residential water heater for your home. You can also read some of our top tips below:

• Consider corrosion resistance if you have hard water
• Assess the quality of the tank — go with well-known, highly-regarded brands
• Consider water heater fuel type — electric, gas, oil, and solar are some of the options
• Think about location — where in your house will it be located? Is there enough room?
• Research tankless vs. tank — explore energy efficiency, cost, and convenience
• Think about capacity — you might choose a tankless water heater for an apartment building, but a 50-gallon electric water heater for a large family home
• Research energy efficiency— how much do you want to spend on electricity? Some water heaters are more energy efficient than others