"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 time it takes to install or replace a water heater depends on the type of heater and the complexity of the job. A professional can typically replace a standard tank-style water heater in one to three hours. However, if the work area is tight, such as a small closet or crawl space, the job could take four to five hours. Replacing an existing tankless unit takes about two to three hours, while upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless water heater is more complex and can take four to six hours. The project will take longer if you are switching fuel sources, such as installing a gas heater which can add about an hour to the timeline, or if the unit needs to be relocated.
In most municipalities, a license is not mandatory for water heater installation or replacement. However, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed plumber or water heater installer to handle the work. Licensed installers are far less likely to make a mistake during the installation, which means paying for the experience decreases your risk of a leak and other issues. You can use our state licensing tool to find out if a contractor you’re considering in your area holds a plumber’s license.
No, boilers and water heaters are not interchangeable because they serve different primary functions. Boilers are used for central heating systems, providing hot water or steam to heat your home. In contrast, a water heater's purpose is to supply hot water for daily household use, such as for faucets and showers. A water heater alone cannot supply the warm water or steam needed for a central heating system.
While they are not interchangeable, it is common to have both a boiler and a water heater. In fact, a conventional boiler often works best when a water heater system is already in place. The two systems can be combined to provide both heating and hot water, either by pairing a boiler with an indirect water heater or by installing a premade combination boiler-water heater unit. For home heating, some homeowners may also opt for a furnace instead of a boiler.
It is very difficult and dangerous to install your own water heater, so we strongly recommend against tackling this as a DIY project. Not only will you need to wire your water heater, but you’ll also need to connect plumbing to the intake and outlet. Sweating copper pipes and connecting wiring properly are skills most DIYers don’t have, and even if you do feel confident you can do it, working with water and electricity always leaves the potential for electrocution. Hiring a local water heater installer is well worth the investment.
A thermocouple is a pretty simple device. It simply tells the control valve if heat is present. Most water heaters can use a universal thermocouple, provided it's the correct length. Getting one that's long enough for your appliance is crucial for success. However, some water heater models require model-specific thermocouples, which is why it's essential to take your existing one to the store to find the right match.
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.
Wondering how much a water heater expansion tank costs? Use this cost guide to get an accurate estimate and learn how to choose the right one for your home.
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.
