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About This Project
Even if you don’t need a new water heater right now, chances are you will within the next few years. Water heaters tend to last seven to 15 years. If yours is getting old, this article is for you.Replacing a water heater isn’t difficult if you’re handy with basic tools and have a bit of experience soldering copper. Set aside a full morning to complete the job.
We’re replacing a natural gas water heater in our demonstration. The steps for replacing a propane water heater are exactly the same, and those for an electric water heater are similar.
In any case, play it safe. Call your local department of inspections and ask if you need a permit. And make sure a plumbing or electrical inspector checks your work.
Your Water Heater Is Dead When The Tank Leaks
The telltale sign that your water heater needs replacing is a slow drip underneath, usually showing up as a trail of rusty water. This means that the steel tank has rusted through and can’t be fixed. Other symptoms, such as insufficient or no hot water, usually signal other problems that you can fix.
If you spot a drip, plan to replace the water heater right away. Don’t wait until the leak gets bad. Most residential water heaters cost $150 to $400 for either gas or electric, plus $200 to $450 if you have a plumber install it. More expensive gas water heaters with special venting systems also are available. But they’re more difficult to install, and we won’t deal with them here.
New water heaters come with installation instructions and lots of warnings to make sure you handle the gas, electrical and other connections safely. In this article, we’ll supplement those basics with techniques and “real world” advice from several professional plumbers. But take heed: You’ll be working with natural gas, propane or electricity, all of which are hazardous.
If you don’t feel confident, call in a pro to take care of the tough parts. And have your work inspected when it’s done.
Plumbing codes vary by region. Describe your planned installation to your local plumbing inspector, including the types of materials you intend to use for your new connections. Better to get guidance first so you don’t have to change things later!
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