Signs Your Water Heater Is on Its Way Out
Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. After that, you're on borrowed time. Here are the things to watch for:
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Rumbling or popping noises from the tank
- Water pooling around the base of the unit
- Hot water runs out faster than it used to
- The unit is more than 10 years old
If you spot any of these, don't wait for a full failure. A water heater that bursts can dump 40 to 80 gallons onto your basement floor in minutes. That's a mess you don't want to deal with.
Tank vs. Tankless
Tank Water Heaters
The traditional choice. A tank unit heats and stores a set amount of water, usually 40 or 50 gallons for most homes. They cost less up front and the installation is straightforward, especially if you're replacing an existing tank. Modern tanks are better insulated and more efficient than what they made 15 years ago.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless units heat water on demand as it flows through the unit. You never run out of hot water. They take up much less space, often mounting right on the wall. The trade-off is a higher up-front cost and sometimes the need for a larger gas line or upgraded electrical service. But the energy savings are real. You're not paying to keep 50 gallons of water hot around the clock.
We install both types and we'll be straight with you about which one makes sense for your household. A family of five with two bathrooms running at the same time has different needs than a couple in a small ranch.
What to Expect on Installation Day
For a standard tank replacement, the job usually takes half a day. We shut off the water and gas or electric, drain and remove the old tank, set the new one, and connect everything. We test for leaks, check the temperature and pressure relief valve, and make sure the venting is up to code. You'll have hot water by the time we leave.
Tankless installations take a bit longer, especially if we need to run a new gas line or upgrade the venting. We handle all the permit work and inspections.
Energy Savings
Switching from an old, inefficient tank to a new ENERGY STAR model can cut your water heating costs by 10-15%. Going tankless can save even more, up to 30% for some households. And there are often rebates available through Mass Save that help offset the cost of a high-efficiency unit. We'll walk you through what you qualify for.
Call us at {c.phone} or reach out online to schedule a replacement. We serve Dracut, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tyngsborough, and the surrounding area. Need help with your heating system too? Check out our boiler installation page.