Electric water heaters are generally reliable, but not forever. Knowing the signs of trouble early will save you from hot water interruptions. As a part of your home, your water heater gives you hot water for everyday tasks like showers, dishwashing, laundry, and much more. But like all appliances, water heaters have a life expectancy and will need attention. By catching issues early you can avoid cold showers, costly repairs, and even water damage to your property. If you’re experiencing repeated issues with your electric water heater and it is not meeting your household needs then it may be time to replace it. Larkin Plumbing offers professional electric water heater replacement in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, and surrounding areas. With a commitment to delivering reliable plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial customers, Larkin Plumbing can make your home comfortable again.
How long does an electric water heater last & when should you replace it?
Before we discuss when to replace an electric water heater, you should know how long it lasts. Typically an electric water heater lasts about 10 to 15 years. Knowing that can help you plan for maintenance and replacement. Is your electric water heater in that age range? Or are you seeing signs of failure like leaks, noises or no hot water? If yes, then it’s time to start looking into an electric water heater replacement while monitoring the performance and condition of your old one.
Electric Water Heater Lifespan Factors:
- Maintenance: Flushing the tank regularly can extend the life of your electric water heater.
- Water Quality: Hard water will shorten the life of your electric water heater due to mineral buildup inside the unit.
- Usage: Higher and more frequent usage will also shorten the life of your electric water heater.
- Installation: Proper installation of your unit will not only give you optimal performance but also total life.
Even with proper plumbing maintenance, you should consider a water heater replacement once you notice the water heater unit is near the end of its life.
Electric Water Heater Replacement Signs:
Here are the warning signs to replace your electric water heater. Always be aware of these signs so you can prevent breakdowns and save your money in the long run. Here are some of the signs:
Age of Your Electric Water Heater
Get in touch with a water heater installation company in case of emergency to check your unit’s efficiency and reliability if it’s over 10 years old. Older units are more prone to issues and the water heater replacement cost is often offset by better efficiency and lower energy bills with a new one.
Unreliable Water Temperature
You’ll find yourself dealing with issues like fluctuating water temperature or running out of hot water too fast. This is often due to severe mineral deposits that accumulate around the heating element. This will further reduce your unit’s efficiency and result in inconsistent temperature.
Unusual Noises
Call water heater experts immediately if you hear banging, rumbling, or clanking sounds. These noises are often signs of sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The sediments harden and make these noises as the water heats up. This makes your electric water heater work harder and further reduces its lifespan.
Leaks and Moisture
If you see visible leaks around the water heater or water pooling at the base, something’s wrong. Over time the metal tank of your water heater expands and contracts from heating and cooling, which can cause fractures and leaks. Call a professional water heater replacement service right away if you see any signs of leaks to assess the situation.
Rusty or Discolored Water
It’s concerning if you see rusty or reddish water when you turn on the tap. If rust comes out of your hot water tap, your tank has probably corroded from the inside. Get a hot water heater replacement in Las Vegas as soon as your electric water heater’s tank starts to weaken due to corrosion.
Frequent Repairs
Frequent repairs from water heater experts can add up quickly. Get a new electric water heater replacement in such cases. A new one will not only give you good performance but is also cost-effective in the long run.
Water Heater Replacement Cost:
When considering the cost of an electric water heater replacement it’s good to have an idea of the price ranges. The water heater itself will cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 depending on brand, size and features. Installation will be $200 to $500 but this can vary depending on the installation. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of permits and any extra materials, like new piping or electrical parts, which will add to the total cost.
Why Use Professional Water Heater Replacement Services?
DIY projects are fun but electric water heater installation should be left to the professional water heater experts. It involves complex electrical and plumbing work. Hiring water heater replacement services means safety, efficiency, and code compliance. Here are some of the benefits of getting professional water replacement services:
- Safety: Installation by professionals reduces leaks, electrical hazards, and other risks.
- Warranty: Your warranty is validated as the installation is done by water heater experts.
- Expert Advice: Pro water heater installers are the best in their field. They will recommend the right type and size of water heater for your household.
Replacing Your Old Water Heater
Once you’ve decided to replace your water heater, you need to consider the following:
Choosing the Right Model
Research and pick a model that fits your household’s hot water needs. Your plumber can help you decide on tank size (30 gallon, 50 gallon, etc.), considering the space you have available to install and the type of heating element in your home. Newer models will be more expensive, but may come with features that fit your lifestyle better than your old water heater. You can go for a tankless heater that provides the needed heating and no tank.
Scheduling
Schedule the installation at a time that’s convenient for you and with a reputable service provider. Clear the area around the old heater for easy access and removal. Keep in mind that if you have a much older water heater, there may be work required to replace it that will require a permit. Your plumber will be able to advise you of specific timelines.
Disposal of the Old Unit
Make sure the expert residential water heater plumbing service provider includes disposing of your old water heater and cleaning in the replacement service. Eco-friendly disposal practices and cleaning services are best, like recycling or donating parts.
Conclusion
In short, electric water heaters working correctly are key to comfort and efficiency in your home. Catching the signs early—like weird noises, temperature fluctuations, or leaks and you’ll avoid costly repairs and cold showers. Maintenance helps but when it’s time to replace yours don’t wait for it to fail completely. With Larkin Plumbing you’ll get expert installation and best quality replacement services. Don’t wait for the hot water to run out, schedule your replacement today and keep the comfort flowing. At Larkin Plumbing we offer 24-hour plumbing services. Our plumbers will inspect your current electric water heater and go over the replacement options. Since 1936 Larkin Plumbing has been a trusted plumbing service in Las Vegas serving residents for over 85 years. We provide our comprehensive plumbing service to both residential and commercial properties and our water heater experts are ready to help you anytime. Call us today for an electric water heater replacement.
