How long does it take to replace a water heater

Water Heater Installation- How Long Should It Take?

June 26, 2012

Índice Show

Water Heater Installation- How Long Should It Take?
Is it Time for a New Water Heater?
CONSULTATION
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
REMOVAL AND POST-INSTALLATION
How long does it take to remove and replace a hot water heater?
How long does it take to replace a 50 gallon water heater?
Is changing a water heater easy?
How long does it take to get hot water after installing a new water heater?

Is it Time for a New Water Heater?

Dealing with plumbing issues is never convenient. Toilets don’t consult us when they decide to back up. And leaks. Don’t get me started on leaks! They always show up at the most inconvenient times, don’t they? But water heaters take the winner’s trophy for annoying situations. Cold shower anyone? Fortunately, scheduling a water heater installation is fast and painless.

You’ll need to make a few decisions prior to the water heater installation. Since most water heating systems last from 10-15 years, chances are you aren’t aware of the newer, more energy-efficient systems on the market. Ranging from 50-gallons to tankless, today’s systems give homeowners more options than ever. Ask a Sinclair plumber to suggest different systems to fit your household’s needs. Installations time, costs and energy usage vary between systems so being informed will ultimately save you time and money.

And speaking of time, exactly how much time does water heater installation take to complete? Again, scheduled time will depend on the system you choose. Simply replacing your current water tank with a similar system will be much faster than installing a new tankless system which could require some additional construction time.

Typically, a licensed plumber should have your new tank installed and working within 2-3 hours barring unforeseen complications. A reputable plumbing company will respect your busy schedule by arriving on time, working at a steady pace and cleaning up as needed.

Here’s a breakdown of the basic water heater replacement process:

Remove old water heater (45-60 minutes). As easy as this sounds, there’s really several steps that need to be taken to ensure safe removal -disconnecting the power source, draining the tank, disconnecting the water supply lines and the actual removal of the tank.
Position new heater in place (approximately 30 minutes). Bringing in the new tank, removing from the box and maneuvering it into place takes a bit of time.
Connecting the system (45-60 minutes). Once in place, the tank needs to be connected to the water and power sources. This might take a bit longer if it’s a gas unit. After the water heater installation, the plumber will test it and adjust the settings. Ask about basic system maintenance and how you can do simple adjustments on your own.

Scheduling with a licensed plumber will get your hot showers back in no time at all. For service in the Lubbock area, call Sinclair Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Inc at (806) 454-9332.

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CONSULTATION

The first step is the consultation. These can happen in person or over the phone, and we can often schedule same-day water heater installations if you call before noon and live within 30 miles of a Home Depot store. Call 800-HOMEDEPOT or visit our Water Heater Installation Services page to schedule one today.

During the consultation, a local, licensed and insured professional will consider your space, budget and water use.

You’ll need to provide as much information as possible about your existing unit, including:

Size of the water heater
Where it’s located
Whether it runs on gas or electricity
Whether it’s a tank or tankless model

After evaluating these details, our professional will recommend the water heater model that best suits your needs and will explain pricing and financing options.

An installation appointment will be scheduled once you decide to move forward.

PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION

There are a few ways you can prepare for the installation appointment.

First, take photos of the installation area. A visual point of reference will help our service providers work more efficiently.

Use your phone or digital camera to take clear pictures of the following, and send them to your service provider as soon as possible:

Vents
Electrical outlets
Connection points
Surrounding areas

Next, make sure the installation area is clean. Remove any debris or clutter from the area, and keep your pets safely secured in another room of the house. There should also be a clear path for the service provider to bring the new water heater inside your home. Make sure to measure your doors to ensure the best entry point for your tank water heater model.

Here’s what to expect on the day of your water heater installation appointment.

Your service provider will call when the installer is on the way, usually about an hour before the scheduled appointment time. Upon arrival, a trusted professional will present their Home Depot Service Provider badge, and perform the initial walkthrough to confirm the scope of work. Once you agree to move forward, the installation can begin. This typically only takes a few hours, but if there are unforeseen circumstances, your service provider may need to return the following day.

Tank to Tank installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater. Positioning the new unit takes roughly 30 minutes, and it takes another 45 to 60 minutes to secure the new connection points and verify that all functions are up to code.
Tank to Tankless installation: If you're switching from a water tank to a tankless design, the installation process takes a bit longer. Additional time is required to install new power and water lines and air vents. Afterward, the tankless unit must also be mounted and connected.
Tankless to Tankless Installation: This generally takes between one to three hours.

For information on DIY water heater installations, see our step-by-step guides.

How to Install Tankless Water Heaters

How to Install an Electric Water Heater

How to Install a Gas Water Heater

REMOVAL AND POST-INSTALLATION

After your new water heater is installed, your service provider will clean up the area, remove your old unit and provide information on how to maintain your new water heater. If you have additional questions or need clarification on how to care for your new water heater, give us a call at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT.

For more information on how to extend the life of your water heater and reduce energy costs, see our Water Heater Maintenance Guide.

How long does it take to remove and replace a hot water heater?

A certified plumber should be able to remove your old water heater and install the new one in approximately three hours. This time frame is under normal circumstances and with no unforeseen issues occurring.

How long does it take to replace a 50 gallon water heater?

Tank to Tank installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.

Is changing a water heater easy?

Installing a water heater is no average DIY project. You must have plumbing, electrical, heating ventilating, and carpentry skills, know state and local building codes, obtain a permit for the work and arrange with your municipality for an inspection of the work.

How long does it take to get hot water after installing a new water heater?

A properly and professionally installed gas hot water heater will provide hot water most quickly. An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes.