What are the signs that a water heater is failing or needs to be replaced?

• <div><p>Several signs indicate your water heater may be failing or in need of replacement. Key indicators include:</p><ul><li><p><b>Age:</b> A water heater older than ten years is approaching the end of its typical lifespan.</p></li><li><p><b>Water Quality:</b> If you notice rusty or discolored water from your hot water faucets, or a foul odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, it can signal internal corrosion.</p></li><li><p><b>Unusual Noises:</b> Banging, rumbling, or popping sounds from the tank often mean sediment has built up, causing the unit to overheat.</p></li><li><p><b>Leaks:</b> Any water pooling around the base of the tank or visible leaks are clear signs of failure.</p></li><li><p><b>Performance Issues:</b> A decline in performance, such as water not getting hot enough, taking longer to heat up, low water pressure, or decreased efficiency, suggests the unit is struggling.</p></li><li><p><b>Visible Damage:</b> Obvious rust and corrosion on the exterior of the tank can indicate a more serious internal problem.</p></li></ul><p>While these signs often point to replacement, some issues may be fixable. It's best to consult a professional plumber to diagnose the problem before investing in a new unit.</p></div>

Do both my boiler and water heater need their own expansion tank?

• <div><p>Unless they are connected to the same system, boilers and water heaters will both need their own expansion tanks. The only case they wouldn’t have separate expansion tanks is if the boiler is pulling double duty and managing a heating system while also supplying hot water for a home. In which case, you may not need a hot water heater. </p></div>

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Q: How much does it cost to install a water heater?

• <div><p>The average cost to install a new water heater is approximately $1,300, with a typical price range between $880 and $1,800. The final cost depends on several factors, including the type and size of the unit, its location and accessibility, and the amount of labor required. For example, installing a unit in a tight space like a crawl space can increase labor costs. The type of water heater significantly impacts the price: while a conventional gas heater might cost less than $1,000, tankless models can cost around $2,600 to install (and up to $3,500), and solar heaters can cost upwards of $3,700. Other factors that can affect the total price include the fuel type, vent system requirements, permits, and whether any additional plumbing work or repairs from previous water heater damage are needed.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to install or replace a water heater?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What type of water heater is best for my home?

• <div><p>You have more options for water heaters than ever before. The best one for your home depends on your hot water usage and budget. Some of the more <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-water-heaters.htm">common types of water heaters</a> are the conventional gas heater, a heat pump water heater, or a tankless heater for smaller homes or those with less water demands. Some uncommon types are solar and point-of-use systems. Some homes may have a combination of two units, such as a large heat pump heater and a backup point-of-use system. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Reading, MI

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Reading, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Water Heater Service companies in Reading, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

Last update on August 13, 2024

Reviewed in August 2024
Did not need this service, but they said I did. Went ahead and use them, come to find out I had a busted water line and not what they said. Very little communication and took longer than what they said. Way over priced for what I have.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in October 2022
It was such a pleasure to find a great contractor to install a new water heater and water softening system at my lake house. From the first contact, to the home visit for the evaluation to the installation, 1st Choice Water Solutions is a class act and deserving of Angi's top rating. Everyone...
1st Choice Water Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in July 2021
We had an emergency with one of sprinklers, it would not shut off and was spraying water everywhere. We had to shut off the water to the entire house. I contacted Mario and he responded immediately. He already had the parts needed for the repair and had everything fixed within 3 hours of our...
Mario Landscaping
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Reviewed in July 2020
We had a basement that always had water in it almost year round. We decided to sell the house and move to North Carolina. Still trying to sell the home we decided to have a French Drain System put in with a bleeder line, as it would not sell as it was. The Stay Dry team was excellent from start...
Stay Dry Basement Waterproofing Inc
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Reviewed in June 2020
This is a great company to worked with to solve your water issues. They actually show up when they say they well be there and if something happens unexpectedly they come right out!
Coastal Restoration, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2017
I finally contacted Doctor Flue. After dealing with water inside my fireplace for almost two years, the issue no longer exists. I wish I had called Doctor Flue the first time because they resolved all of my chimney and fireplace issues, worth every penny, very high quality workmanship and very...
Doctor Flue, inc.
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Reviewed in July 2017
I was told there was a crack at the top of my chimney, allowing water to enter the chimney, was told they sealed it and no more water would get in. The next rain storm, tons of water leaking inside, called them to have them come back, was told someone would be out, no one came, called three more...
Best Chimney & Roofing Co
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Reviewed in September 2016
Dave from Stay Dry inspected our foundation for a water leak, found no problem, helped me determine that the leak came from a window, referred me to a window company, and then declined to charge me for his service call and help! Quality service from people who care about their customers. Highly...
Stay Dry Basement Waterproofing, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2016
Corey contacted me quickly and worked within my schedule to get new water heater installed painlessly. I'd recommend him to anyone needing a new water heater!
Lee's Plumbing, Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2016
I was quite satisfied with the inspection. It was limited because the house was in foreclosure so the electric, gas & water had been disconnected. We could not check those out. And the space below the house & into the attic were narrow, so this was also unable to be checked out thoroughly. But...
Gateway Home Inspection, LLC
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Find Water heater pros in Reading

The Grate Haus

4.5(

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Reading, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1981

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We called them on Monday morning and they worked us in to get it done the same day. They installed the hot water heater in a timely manner, and did a great job. Very professional and helpful! Would definitely use again."

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Reading, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The team did a great/wonderful job installing my new water heater!"

Recommended by69%of homeowners

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Reading, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"He was able to quickly diagnose that the water leak from the water heater was a result of a ruptured tank, resulting in the need to replace the entire water heater."

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Reading, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We pay yearly but we have this is included with our rental property. They are pretty good on most things. We had a hot water heater replaced and they did an excellent job on that. They are very quick on their response. They dont come out here. It is all done on the internet. I just like the idea that one time service charge is so much better than trying to hiring someone to come in. It is more about convenience. It pays for itself."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

The average cost to install a new water heater is approximately $1,300, with a typical price range between $880 and $1,800. The final cost depends on several factors, including the type and size of the unit, its location and accessibility, and the amount of labor required. For example, installing a unit in a tight space like a crawl space can increase labor costs. The type of water heater significantly impacts the price: while a conventional gas heater might cost less than $1,000, tankless models can cost around $2,600 to install (and up to $3,500), and solar heaters can cost upwards of $3,700. Other factors that can affect the total price include the fuel type, vent system requirements, permits, and whether any additional plumbing work or repairs from previous water heater damage are needed.

Several signs indicate your water heater may be failing or in need of replacement. Key indicators include:

Age: A water heater older than ten years is approaching the end of its typical lifespan.
Water Quality: If you notice rusty or discolored water from your hot water faucets, or a foul odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, it can signal internal corrosion.
Unusual Noises: Banging, rumbling, or popping sounds from the tank often mean sediment has built up, causing the unit to overheat.
Leaks: Any water pooling around the base of the tank or visible leaks are clear signs of failure.
Performance Issues: A decline in performance, such as water not getting hot enough, taking longer to heat up, low water pressure, or decreased efficiency, suggests the unit is struggling.
Visible Damage: Obvious rust and corrosion on the exterior of the tank can indicate a more serious internal problem.

While these signs often point to replacement, some issues may be fixable. It's best to consult a professional plumber to diagnose the problem before investing in a new unit.

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.

Unless they are connected to the same system, boilers and water heaters will both need their own expansion tanks. The only case they wouldn’t have separate expansion tanks is if the boiler is pulling double duty and managing a heating system while also supplying hot water for a home. In which case, you may not need a hot water heater.

You have more options for water heaters than ever before. The best one for your home depends on your hot water usage and budget. Some of the more common types of water heaters are the conventional gas heater, a heat pump water heater, or a tankless heater for smaller homes or those with less water demands. Some uncommon types are solar and point-of-use systems. Some homes may have a combination of two units, such as a large heat pump heater and a backup point-of-use system.

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