"My hot water heater stopped working. As it was 8 years old, I thought I would have to buy a new one. But when Guy from Anchorage Plumbing & Heating arrived, he said he could fix it, and he did. I have hot water again, and I didn't have to buy a new one. Saved me a lot of money. This is the company I will use from now on for plumbing and heating problems."
"Moore removed and replaced my water heater in mid November. First class work performed and no issues with it since. Had the duct work cleaned for the first time and while pricey worth knowing they’re clean of debris."
The average cost to replace a water heater is around $1,325, with a typical range of $900 to $1,800 for a standard replacement. The final price depends on the type of heater (tank vs. tankless), its size, fuel source (gas or electric), and the complexity of the installation. A simple one-to-one replacement will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. However, if you are switching from one type of heater or energy source to another, you can expect labor costs to be significantly higher due to the extra work involved. It's also worth considering that while gas and electric heaters may have similar upfront costs, their long-term operating costs can differ based on local utility prices.
When replacing an old unit, you might want to switch from a gas water heater to an electric water heater or vice versa. To do this, you will likely need to add infrastructure to the area. For example, you likely don’t have a gas line that served your old electric water heater. You’d have to call a plumber to put in a new gas line. If you’re replacing a gas unit with an electric one, the plumber will need to safely cap the old gas line. You will then need an electrician to add wiring for the new electric unit.
If your water heater is about to celebrate the big 2-0, you may want to consider sending it off to greener pastures. While the water heater may seem to be working well, any conventional, tanked water heater over 10 years of age is at risk of failure. If your water heater is 20 years or older, your best move is to replace your aging heater before it completely breaks down.
On average, a tankless water heater should last between 10 and 15 years. Its lifespan will be affected by how much it's used, the effect of weather where your home is on the unit—colder is harsher and will shorten lifespan—and if the heater is maintained appropriately and regularly. There are many signs your water heater needs to be replaced, so pay attention to anything that changes with your heater or hot water.
A well-maintained hot water recirculating pump can last 5 to 15 years. Pumps that run continuously may have a shorter lifespan than demand-controlled models. Hard water can reduce longevity by causing mineral buildup in the pump and pipes. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing filters, can extend the pump’s lifespan.
The Wrangell, AK homeowners’ guide to water heater services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Looking to replace or upgrade your water heater? Use this water heater replacement cost guide to see what the work will cost and what factors affect your total.
A water heater flush costs $160 on average but can vary based on the unit size, type, labor, location, and more. Keep reading to learn how much you could pay.
Find out the average tankless water heater repair cost, what impacts pricing, and how to save. Get expert tips to plan your repair budget with confidence.
Who can install a water heater for you? Look to hire a water heater installation pro or a licensed plumber for this job because of the challenges involved.
The average lifespan of water heaters is 6 to 15 years for conventional models and up to 20 for tankless ones, but it can be less if they are not properly maintained.
