How long does it take to install a 40-gallon hot water heater? For tank-to-tank installation, anticipate up to three to four hours.
Water Heater Installation
Installing a new water heater usually only takes 2 to 3 hours. Keep in mind that if you are switching from a tank water heater to a tankless water heater or vice versa, it could take a little longer.
Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.
For an average 40-gallon electric heater it will take about 60 to 80 minutes and for an 80-gallon tank about 2 hours.
Naturally, tanks that heat more gallons of water typically have a higher price point, so the larger the tank size, the more you can expect to pay. For example, the average 40-gallon water heater installation cost runs between $1,000 and $2,500, while its 80-gallon counterpart runs between $2,650 and $3,910.
The Home Depot offers traditional water heater tanks and modern tankless units, both powered by either gas or electricity. Depending on your selection, the average cost for water heater installation is between $1,600 to $5,400.
Traditional Tank
The water is heated at least once a day to ensure a steady and ready supply of hot water. On average, these water heaters last between 8 to 12 years. They're often affected by sediment buildup. Annual flushing of the tank can help to extend a tanked water heater's lifespan.
For instance, a typical shower uses about 10 gallons of hot water. So, if you have a 40-gallon hot water tank, you should be able to get four average-length showers out of your hot water tank. This also depends on how much hot water you use for other things.
In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450. Replacing a tankless water heater: $600–$1,850.
This will likely take 30-40 minutes for a 40-gallon tank water heater. In order to get the buildup agitated out of the bottom of the water heater tank, you'll need to flush the water heater with new water from the cold water valve.
This is because the process of installing a new water heater can be quite complex and often requires the use of special tools and equipment. Additionally, the cost of labor for this type of project can be quite high.
The price depends on whether you want an electric or gas water heater. The basic installation fee at Lowe's is around $320. But, before the contractor can set up the heater, they'll need to come to your home to check the conditions and determine the best location for it. This inspection will cost you an additional $34.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
Newer models require specialized tools and training to install, and the associated labor costs can add up quickly, making the total cost of the water heater higher than you expected. Be sure to ask about installation costs and if it includes special fees like additional pipes, wiring, or permits.
Replacing a toilet is a straightforward task for a professional plumber. On average, it takes about two to three hours to remove the old toilet and install the new one.
How Long to Run Water After a New Water Heater? Once your new water heater is installed, it's vital to follow the proper procedure before using it to prevent potential issues. The initial step after installation is to run the water for approximately 10-15 minutes.
The cost to replace a 40-gallon water heater is $600 to $1,600 for an electric unit or $900 to $3,000+ for a gas unit, including installation labor.
Typical Length of a Water Heater Replacement Appointment
In most common situations, it takes between two and four hours to install a new water heater. However, there are variables that can affect the length of time it takes.
It's important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies typically only cover damage to the structure of your home and personal property. They do not include replacement cost coverage for the heater itself.
40 gallons: 60-70 minutes. 50 gallons: 70-80 minutes.
The average shower lasts about eight minutes. If you're spending more than 15 minutes in the shower, you may need to make an adjustment. Dermatologists recommend keeping your showers between 5 and 10 minutes. This time period gives you enough time to properly clean your body without overdoing it.
Believe it or not, there are still water heaters alive today that have been around for 30 to 40 years, though the vast majority are under 15 years.
Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.
The Lifestory Research 2024 America's Most Trusted® Water Heater ranking is based on 6,547 opinions of people surveyed in the United States over the last 12 months. The most trusted water heater brands in order were Bosch, Whirlpool, Rheem, GE, Kenmore, AO Smith, Ruud, Bradford White, and Rinnai.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.