According to studies, experts expect the demand for professional plumbers in the US to grow by 7% by 2028. This shows that no one is free from plumbing issues. Buying a new water heater is sometimes necessary if the old one starts giving trouble. Unfortunately, this means you must set aside some time for the installation. Your water heater can give out at the worst possible times, and taking an entire day off for the installation can be costly. Instead, you want to take off just the necessary hours. If you’re asking yourself, “How long does it take to install a water heater?” keep reading. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Water Heaters
The type of water heater you choose can affect how long the installation will take. Before answering, “How long does it take to install a water heater?” let’s look at two standard options:
Tank Water Heater
This type of water heater is designed to heat and store the water until needed. If you’re on a budget, this water heater is ideal as it’s one of the most cost-effective.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater differs because it’s designed to heat the water as it passes through a series of heat coils. This offers an unlimited hot water supply because no tank must be refilled and reheated afterward.
How Long Does It Take To Install a Water Heater?
Now that you know your options, let’s examine the water heater installation process. How long the installation will take will depend on a few things, such as:
- Type of water heater
- Size of water heater
- Building codes
- Whether an old one needs to be removed
- The electrician you hire
Ultimately, you can expect the installation to take two to three hours. If you are moving from a tank water heater to a tankless one, it may take longer because they will have to remove the old one first. Now, let’s look at the installation process from start to finish. Typically, the first half of the installation is removing the old system from the house. If you have a tank water heater, the plumber must drain it before they can remove it.
This part of the installation process can take an hour to an hour and a half. The remainder of the job is installing your new water heater. You can help the process by ensuring the nearby area is clear of obstructions.
Buy a New Water Heater Today
The installation time for a water heater depends on various factors – for example, the type and size of water heater you choose and the plumber’s experience and skill level. Typically, you can safely set aside two to three hours for the installation to be complete. With this in mind, you no longer need to ask, “How long does it take to install a water heater?”
If you’re in San Diego and need a new water heater installed, reach out to us. Our plumbing company offers residential and commercial services, drain cleaning, water heaters, and a 24-hour emergency service.