5 Factors to Consider when Thinking About the Cost of Water Heater Replacement

For most residential property owners, finding out their water heater has broken down can be a nightmare. Aside from the inconvenience of not having access to hot water, the cost of replacing the unit can be daunting. Homeowners should consider these five factors when weighing their water heater replacement cost and options in Austin, TX, zip code 78756.

1. Capacity Replacement

The capacity, or size, of a water heater dictates both the cost of the unit and the cost of installation. Replacing a tank water heater that is too small with one of a larger capacity usually requires additional modifications in the water supply system, and the associated costs can make a significant difference in the overall water heater replacement cost. On the other hand, purchasing a tankless water heater requires a much more significant upfront fee because the equipment is more expensive.

2. Need for Custom Fittings

When replacing a tank water heater, there are various custom fittings and connecting pipes that need to be installed during the replacement process. The cost to connect a large water heater to the existing water pipe can be quite steep and adds onto the base cost of the unit. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a smaller unit and limit the overall plumbing cost for the project.

3. Types of Units

A wide variety of water heaters exist on the market. From traditional tank water heaters to tankless water heaters, it is important to consider the variety of options before settling on an appliance. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand, leading to lower overall energy costs. However, they also tend to be more expensive upfront and require additional plumber fees for installation. A traditional tank water heater, while often more affordable than tankless systems, requires large amounts of energy to heat up a large reservoir of water.

4. Venting System

Most residential hot water tanks require the addition of a venting system to the home. This type of system is designed to help expel any fumes from the combustion chamber of the tank. Installing a venting system usually increases the total water heater replacement cost since a licensed plumber must complete the work.

5. Location of the Unit

The location of the water heater must be taken into account when replacing the unit. Depending on the accessibility of the existing water heater, there may be additional labor costs for relocating the unit to a new area. If the current location of the water heater is convenient, however, these additional costs can be avoided.

Last ideas

When looking at the cost of replacing a hot water heater, homeowners must consider each of the five factors listed above. Depending on their unique situation, some homeowners may be able to save money on the total water heater replacement cost by making proper decisions throughout the replacement process.

Water Heater Replacement Cost

Hot Water Tank

Installation Costs