Replacing Your Water Heater? Here's What You Should Know About Cost and Maintenance

If you're a property owner living in Austin, Texas, you may have wondered about the cost of replacing your water heater. While water heaters are generally reliable pieces of equipment, if yours is leaking, not providing hot water, or has reached the end of its expected lifespan, then it's probably time to invest in a new one.

At Abacus Plumbing, we specialize in water heater installation and repair service for residential and commercial customers throughout the Austin area. Our plumbers and technicians are certified, licensed, and committed to providing top-notch customer service. In this article, we'll cover the average cost of water heater replacement, what kind of water heater is right for you, and maintenance tips to help your new water heater last for years to come.

What Kind of Water Heater Is Right for You?

Your water heater is one of the most energy-consuming and expensive appliances in your home, and it's important to invest in the right one for your needs. There are two primary types of water heaters—tank and tankless—each of which has unique benefits and drawbacks.

Tank water heaters are the most common type of water heater and store hot water in an insulated tank until it is needed. They're relatively affordable and simple to install and maintain, so they're good choices for homes that need a dependable hot water supply. However, since it's constantly reheating the water in the tank, it is less energy efficient than a tankless water heater.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are known for their energy efficiency. They heat water on demand, which means they won't be using energy to reheat the same water over and over. Though they are slightly more expensive compared to tank water heaters, tankless models require less space and have a longer lifespan.

Cost of Replacing a Water Heater

The cost of a water heater installation can vary depending on several factors, like the type of water heater, size of the unit, brand, and any necessary additional materials needed for installation. If you're replacing an old water heater with a tank water heater of the same size, the cost could be as low as $800. However, upgrading to a tankless model with all the necessary components could cost up to $3,500.

You can also decide to hire a professional or DIY the installation. While DIY water heater installation can be a tempting proposition to save extra money, this job does require a certain knowledge of plumbing and electricity. If you don't give the job the attention it needs, you could end up paying more in the long run due to botched installations and repair costs.

Maintenance Tips for Water Heaters

Once your water heater installation is complete, it's important to conduct regular maintenance for maximum efficiency and a longer lifespan. Regularly checking your water heater for any signs of damage or debris can save you money on repair costs in the future.

You should also flush your water heater at least once a year. This will help clean the unit, which can help it to run more efficiently. You should also drain the water from the tank to remove sediment from the base of the unit.

Finally, you should check the temperature of your water heater regularly to make sure it is set to the correct temperature based on the manufacturer's recommendation. Also, make sure to inspect the mounting and pipes coming from the water heater system in order to avoid future leaks.

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