Anyone know anything about water heaters?

[Pacifist Patriot]

Sometimes I hate being so damned prescient, but I predicted this problem earlier in the summer when my air conditioning, clothes dryer, and freezer died. The toilet overflowed flooding our master suite and a storm required major patio screening repair. I couldn't keep my stupid mouth shut and predicted the water heater would go next.

Just a few minutes ago I walked out to a flooded garage and discovered the top of the water heater rusted through and hot water spurting everywhere.

So how much money that I don't have is this repair going to cost me?

Any recommendations on makes and models that are the best for the environment?

Do I call a plumber or do I need to call a water heater specialist?

Thanks for any help!

[Reciprocity]

1. I don’t know much about WH but if its gas you need to shut it off pronto.

[Gormy Cuss]

2. Ours cost $650 with installation and hauling away of the old one.

That was with a plumber and he also had to change out some of the rigid piping to conform with code (earthquake risk means that we need flexible piping at the connection and water heaters need to be strapped to the walls.) You don't have that need so it may be less for you.

On the upside, any new water heater should be more energy-efficient than your old one.

[Nickster]

7. I think your estimate is pretty close to an average price.

[Lance_Boyle]

3. any plumber ought to be able to replace your water heater.

once the tank is ruptured/rusted/busted, it's time to replace, not fix. For a couple hundred bucks extra (offset by a tax credit!), get a tankless model. They heat on demand, which is far more energy efficient than storing 50-ish gallons of really hot water at all times.

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. You could get one of the new (in America, anyway) ones that only heat as you need water.

Instead of keeping a couple bathtub's worth of water hot at all times, whether you are home or not, you could get one of the cool kind that only heat water as you actually need it. They've used these in the rest of the world for decades, in order to conserve energy (which is very expensive everywhere except here in the US).

They're totally cool!

As to your other questions, I have nothing of value to add. I know diddly.

(and thank you for rightly calling it a water heater, and not a "hot water heater")

[LaraMN]

5. I'm not much help, but I know water heaters aren't terribly expensive

(as compared to, say, a furnace.)

Ack!

[Nickster]

6. Last time I had to do it, I just went down to Sears and picked out the biggest one that I could

reasonably get in that space. They brought it out and installed it the next day for me. Really pretty easy. Make sure to turn off the water line and the gas to the water heater. A plumber will probably be able to take care of getting you a water heater and installing it, I'd probably avoid a plumber unless I knew them because I'd be worried about getting charged a premium.

[jobycom]

8. Another vote for tankless water heaters.

A regular water heater is not overly expensive, and not that hard to replace yourself if you are in the mood. Just unscrew a few lines. If it's gas, it's harder. Even hiring someone should put the repair in the hundred, not thousands.

A tankless water heater is much better, though. It heats as you use the water. You can have it installed just about anywhere, too, because it takes up less room. You might even move it closer to the faucets to cut down on wasted water flow to get hot water to the tap.

There are considerations on size, based on how many people and devices use hot water at one time. Too small, and you will not be able to shower and wash dishes at the same time.

Most plumbers will know about them by now.

http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/

[Zookeeper]

9. We paid around $700 last spring for installation of a new

water heater and removal and disposal of the old one.

My understanding is that rust-out is not repairable.

Skip plumber, go directly to water heater specialist.

Good luck!

[LSK]

10. I had one changed a few months ago, 40 gallons = $500

A local guy did it for me. Same day.

[Wcross]

11. Gas or Electric?

If gas go with a tankless system but MAKE SURE you get one that doesn't have a constant pilot light. If it is electric then just get a tank. I experimented with a tankless electric and it did not have any effect of my electric bill.

[Pacifist Patriot]

12. Gas

I'm getting really irritated. I've been on the phone for quite awhile now. Who knew it would be so f****ing hard to get someone to replace an appliance.

[Wcross]

13. I highly reccomend an on demand unit.

You will save money in the long run and get a tax credit.