Generally, it takes around two to three hours to replace a water heater in Snohomish County, King County, or anywhere for that matter. This includes disconnecting the gas and water lines, draining the old tank, removing the old unit, installing the new unit, and reconnecting the gas and water lines. Of course, the time it takes can vary depending on the type of water heater you have, the difficulty of the installation, and whether or not you run into any problems.
A water heater breakdown is a stressful experience that leaves your home or business without hot water, which can be a nightmare for many people. And, of course, once it does happen, you have to go out and purchase a new water heater. But how long does it take for your water heater to be replaced? Many signs could indicate that your water heater needs replacing before an actual breakdown. They include:
- Your water heater is more than ten years old
- There is rust or corrosion on the tank
- The pilot light is frequently going out
- The water heater makes strange noises
- The water temperature is inconsistent
- The water pressure is low
- You see water leaking from the tank
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to start shopping for a new water heater. But how long does it take to replace a water heater from start to finish? Well, it’s 2-3 hours depending on how smooth the following steps go during the process.
A step-by-step process for water heater replacement
Now let us break down the process involved with a detailed overview and approximate time taken for each step:
Disconnect the gas and water lines
When replacing your water heater, you first need to turn off the power and then disconnect the gas and water lines. Find the shut-off valve controlling the gas to your water heater, then turn it to the “off” position. Next, remove the gas line connection that leads from your house’s gas line to the water heater. Then find where the water lines are connected and disconnect them as well.
If you have a copper pipe and connectors, use a wrench or bucket wrench to turn the nut or band clamp counter-clockwise until it is loose enough for you to pull it off. Then use your wrench to turn the water line connection bolt or band clamp counter-clockwise until it is loose enough for you to pull it off. This step usually takes about 30 minutes.
Drain the old tank
Once the gas and water lines are disconnected, you can begin draining the old tank. To do this:
- Open the pressure relief valve to release any water and steam that might be inside.
- Attach a hose pipe to the drain valve of the tank and run the other end of the garden hose outside.
- Turn on the water supply valve to begin draining the tank. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much water is in the tank.
Remove the old unit
After the tank is drained, the next step is to remove the old unit. This involves disconnecting the water lines from the unit, removing the bolts that hold it in place, and then lifting it out. Most newer water heaters are bolted into place, so you’ll have to loosen the bolts that hold the tank to the stand and then lift it straight up. You’ll probably need someone to help you do this. While this might sound like a difficult task, it’s relatively simple and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Install the new unit
Now it’s time to install the new water heater. Start by placing the new unit in the same location as the old one and then connecting the water lines. Bolt it down and ensure it is firmly in place. Re-attach the vent pipe and ensure that it’s secure. It is a simple process, but make sure you take your time, so everything is hooked up correctly. This step usually takes around 30-40 minutes.
Reconnect the gas and water lines
Once the new unit is in place, it’s time to reconnect the gas and water lines. Start by attaching the gas line to the new unit and turning on the shut-off valve. Next, turn on the water supply valve and check for any leaks. You can do this by brushing a mixture of dishwashing liquid with water around all of the connections. If you see any bubbles, that means there is a leak. Once you’re sure there are no leaks, turn on the power to the unit and let it fill up with water. This final step should only take 15-25 minutes.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to replace a water heater in Snohomish or King County? It takes about two to three hours, although it can vary depending on the job’s complexity, and whether or not you run into any problems. Overall, the process is relatively simple and should not be too difficult for anyone with basic plumbing knowledge.
Be sure to take your time and use caution when disconnecting or reconnecting the gas lines. After successful installation, you will have hot water running through your taps again in no time!
