Norman Water Heater Replacement

Storage tank water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years, while most tankless models have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. That said, maintenance makes a difference, with the Department of Energy calling proper maintenance key. 

The City of Norman softens its treated water to under 100 mg/L hardness, which it classifies as soft water and notes is lower than typical groundwater. That's a plus for your tank, but sediment still settles over time, so regular flushing is worth it. Not sure how old your unit is? Give our water heater installation team in Norman a call, and we'll help you figure it out.

Traditional tank heaters cost less up front, but they hold a limited supply of hot water, and the water they hold is kept hot around the clock. Tankless heaters heat water as you use it. For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water a day, they can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient. They cost more up front, but they typically last longer and cost less energy to run.

The tradeoff is capacity:

• Tankless units typically deliver 2 to 5 gallons per minute, so a busy household running a shower, the dishwasher, and the washing machine at once may need a larger unit or a second one. 
• Gas tankless water heaters need an electrical connection, so they won't run during a power outage, unlike a typical gas tank heater. That's worth weighing if storms in your area knock out power. 

We'll look at your Norman household's hot water use and your home's setup before recommending either one.

• Start with age. Water heaters typically last about 10 to 15 years, and the Department of Energy suggests researching a replacement once yours gets close to that range. 
• Consider the issue. Repair usually makes sense for a newer unit with one fixable problem, like a bad thermostat, heating element, or valve. Replacement is usually the better move if the tank itself is leaking, since a leaking tank can't be patched. 

It also makes sense to replace if the unit is at the end of its normal lifespan, you've paid for repeat repairs, or your hot water comes out rusty. Our Norman water heater replacement pros will walk you through both options so you can make the call that's right for your home and budget.

Yes. A replacement in an older home is rarely a simple swap, because newer installs are expected to meet today's requirements. 

A few things to plan for:

• Venting and gas connections. If you have a gas water heater, the old venting, gas shutoff, or gas line may need updating to meet current requirements and pass inspection.
• Shutoffs and connections. Old valves can be stiff or corroded, and they're hard to trust in an emergency. Replacing the water shutoff and supply connections now means you can shut things off quickly later.
• Size and fit. Newer water heaters are often slightly larger than older ones because of energy regulations, so it's worth measuring your closet, attic, or garage space before you choose a model.
• The pipes around it. If your home predates the 1970s, the plumbing connected to your water heater may be galvanized steel, which can corrode over time. Replacing the water heater is a good moment to have it looked at.

Our Norman water heater team will check the setup before we quote the job, so there are no surprises.