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How Long Does It Take To Install a Water Heater?

We often need heated water for daily use, and in colder seasons, it becomes even more necessary. Water heater installation is one of the most reliable methods we have to get hot water whenever we need it. But we avoid going for installation due to our busy schedule and look for the shortcut to getting hot water. While there are no shortcuts for this, does installation really take so much time? Find out about the actual time it takes to install a water heater.

In the same manner, if you already have a heater installed, and if it stops working, you would immediately want to install a new one if repairing doesn’t help. Time consideration is, therefore, one of the most significant aspects.

In the event that you are installing a water heater for the first time at your place, it will surely take more time than if you are merely replacing it. But that, too, doesn’t go beyond a few hours.

Before we come up with the exact number of hours it takes for water heater installation, we need to go through the process so that we can clearly determine the time. Let’s get a brief overview of setting up the heating system.

Water heater installation process

The procedure to install a water heater is clear and precise, and it takes only a few hours, given that you have gathered the tools and the materials in advance.

The first thing we recommend is to consult with a professional so that you pick out the right heater that fulfills your needs. Remember that the water capacity, heating temperature, and recovery rate are a few of the factors that matter a lot. A water heater can’t simply be replaced every few days. It’s a long-term investment, so you make a decision based on adequate planning.

If you are going for a replacement, you have to remove the old heater first. Disconnect the power source, drain the tank, and remove the heater carefully.

After that comes the installation of a new water heater. If this is your first time setting up a water heater, it is suggested to take the help of a professional plumber. The process will be much easier and will take less time.

How long does the installation take?

Typically, it only takes 2 to 3 hours for an experienced person to set up a new water heater system. The time includes removing the old water heater and switching it with a new one.

Breaking it down into chunks, it takes about 60 minutes for getting rid of the old system, another 30 minutes for positioning the new heater, and 30-60 minutes more for fixing the new heater.

In case you have decided to fit in the water heater without the professional’s help, it will surely take much more time. However, it is always advised to work in consultation with an expert. This will ensure the water heater is installed the right way and will not face any issues anytime soon.

Note that if a water heater is not installed correctly, it can create many problems, including water heater leakage, water heater not heating, etc. Disregarding these issues will result in water heater failure, and repairing would not be helpful.

Knowing about the water heater cost, no one would like to go for the replacement just after a few days of the installation.

So, no matter if it takes a few more hours, you must ensure the water heater is installed by the book.

How to know when you need to install a new water heater?

If you need hot water for regular use, you need to have a water heater, as simple as that. However, if you already have a heater installed, how would you know if it needs replacement?

The water heater is good for as long as it can deliver hot water. You need replacement in the case when it fails to do its job. When it happens, it certainly means that the water heater needs to be checked for problems.

You might be able to solve the minor issues with the repair, but in some cases, replacement would be the only option.

Having said that, if you keep up your eyes on water heater maintenance, you may prolong its lifespan and won’t have to invest in a new water heater.

Conclusion

With only a couple of hours of your time, you can have unlimited hot water whenever you want it. But it all comes down to installing the heater the right way. Improper installation will lead to its failure, and it will not only waste your time but money and other resources as well.

So, if you are planning to have a new system installed, make sure it’s fitted correctly, even if it takes a few more minutes or even hours.