Top 5 Things to Consider When Replacing a Water Heater in Austin TX

When living in Austin, TX, a broken water heater can be a huge hassle. Not only is it inconvenient, but replacing your water heater can be expensive depending on the type and size of the new unit. Before you pay to get a new water heater, assessing the current situation is essential to determine whether the cost of a full replacement is necessary.

This article explains five things to consider when replacing a water heater in Austin, TX. Each step should be taken to evaluate the situation, assign blame, and decide whether a repair or new unit is more cost-effective — all before choosing a new water heater.

Evaluate the Whole Unit

It's important to inspect the entire system when determining what's wrong with your water heater. Start by looking at the pressure release valve, connections, and pipe insulation — if any of these aren't up to par, they could be the reason your hot water isn't working properly.

For electric water heaters, check the pressure relief valve and wiring, as well as the anode rod for corrosion, which can deplete your system very quickly. If the tank is rusty or flooded with water, then you'll need to replace the system entirely.

Look for any areas that need fixing. If you can spot any small leaks or cracks in the system, they may be easily repaired, but if they're too large to repair then you may need to get a new system.

Assess the Repair and Warranty

If the water heater seems to be in decent condition, you should think about whether or not it's worth fixing. Warranties vary depending on the manufacturer, but some may cover part of the cost or offer free replacements if the unit has stopped working due to a manufacturing fault.

Once you've checked the warranty, assess the repair job. For electric water heaters, this typically means calling a professional plumber to get the job done. If the repair job is too expensive or complex, installing a new system could be the most cost-effective option.

For tankless water heaters, it the repair job seems worth it, there are many DIY kits available at local hardware stores. Do-it-yourself repair can be complex, however, so be sure to read the instructions or ask a professional for advice.

Review Energy Star and Rebates

Water heaters with an Energy Star rating can save you money in the long run, so take this into consideration when choosing a replacement. Energy Star rated water heaters run more efficiently, meaning they have a higher capacity and can save you money on energy and repairs.

Local governments in Austin may also offer incentives, such as rebates, for homeowners who install an Energy Star water heater. Make sure to check with your local government to see if you qualify.

Size Matters

It's important to consider the size of the unit when replacing your water heater. If you install a unit that's too small, you won't be able to get enough hot water, and if you install a unit that's too big, you will be wasting money on an unnecessarily large unit.

If you're not sure what size you need, a licensed professional can help you assess the situation and determine which size would be best for your home.

Compare Prices

Before you choose a new water heater, make sure to get quotes from multiple sources. Compare the cost of installation, the warranty, and energy efficiency for each product. Also, make sure the brand you choose has good reviews, as this will give you an indication of its quality.

It's always wise to ask a professional for advice and get multiple opinions before replacing your water heater.

Final considerations

Replacing a water heater isn't something you should do lightly. Proper research and assessment of the situation is necessary to determine whether a repair or installation requires a full replacement. Assessing the whole unit, determining if repairs are cost effective or covered by the warranty, looking at energy efficiency, selecting the right size for the home, and comparing prices between various brands are all aspects to keep in mind when replacing a water heater in Austin, TX.

Water Heater Replacement

Austin TX

Plumbing Repair