Tank Water Heater Installation

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Tank Water Heater Installation Frisco, TX

Hot water is essential—it’s a must-have for cooking, cleaning, bathing, or even just washing your hands. Being without it is both inconvenient and uncomfortable, especially during the winter months. Earl’s Plumbing understands this importance and treats every Frisco water heater call as an emergency, even if there is not an active leak present.

We keep a tank water heater ready to install on every truck, as well as the most common repair parts and materials to complete an installation or repair on the same visit. When your family’s comfort is at stake, don’t wait around for subpar service. Trust the Frisco plumbers that are always prepared and ready to get you back to normal as quickly as possible!

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Got Questions?… We Have Your Answers…

These are the most common questions that we get asked from our customers.

How Long Does a Water Heater in Frisco Last?

Speaking specifically about irreparable situations and in regards to traditional ‘storage tank’ type water heater(s) in North Texas, there are many aspects that affect the overall longevity. From the environment in which they are located; the overall water quality & hardness within your area; and of course, the manufacture brand but more specifically the model. For a typical & basic 6 YEAR Professional Grade tank water heater, we see these lasting between 9 and 12 years. Three years is a wide range, but we have tank water heaters fail (leak) early than 9 years but also last more than 14 years. One thing that seems certain, older water heater models (even lesser or obsolete brands) seem to last a lot longer than versions put out in the last 10+ years.

A little known fact is that a traditional Frisco water softener that uses salt tablets has a long term negative affect on the longevity of a tank water heater and you can expect to subtract 1 to 2 years for the lifetime. This detail is super important to note if your water heaters are located in the attic or above a living area where a leaking water heater or expansion tank could cause catastrophic flood damage. We encourage our customers to be proactive when it comes to replacing water heaters above living areas or in attics and even more proactive if they have a water softener system. Conversely, a water softener helps and extends the life of a tankless water heater.

It is also especially important to note that based on our real world service & repair experience, that any of the water heater models available for purchase at the “big box home improvement stores” last significantly less time than any of the professional plumber brands available. On average we see “big box retail” tank water heaters lasting 2 to 3 years less time and usually only lasting barely past the 6 year warranty period or somewhere between 7 to 9 years. The biggest of the big box home improvement stores sells a “Rheem in name only.” These Rheem branded models are NOT manufactured in a Rheem factory and are only “labeled” as a “Rheem” under a licensing agreement.

What Water Heater Brand is the Best for DFW?

Tank water heaters are far & away still the most common way to heat water in a home or business and represent over 88% of the entire US market. It is also important to note that there are only 3 major manufactures of tank water heaters in the United States. These 3 manufactures combine to produce more than 20+ water heaters brands and nearly 100 models. The vast majority of the models and even some of the brands are only available in certain areas or regions and/or are private labels. Those are:

  • Bradford & White: represents approximately 20% of the US market share. Bradford & White manufacturing is based in Michigan and only makes their namesake brand Bradford & White water heaters.
  • AO Smith: represents approximately 46% of the US market share. AO Smith manufacturing is based in Tennessee and in addition to AO Smith branded heaters, they also make the brands State, State Proline Master, Lochinvar, Reliance, American and US Craftmasters for the US markets.
  • Rheem: represents approximately 33% of the US market share. Rheem tank heater manufacturing is based in Alabama and in addition to Rheem branded heaters, they also make the brands Ruud, Richmond, American Standard and General Electric for the US markets.

What these means for North Texas homeowners is that the available models in our area is not as vast or overwhelming as it may appear on internet searches. The choices are limited and even more limited when you consider that there are only 3 true manufactures in America. And for the most part, all of the tanks regardless of model are the same. Even the sprayed on proprietary glass coatings that are baked on to the interior surfaces are typically the same on all brands. The major differences are at the model levels. And the best way to determine this difference is via the listed “manufactures warranty.”

At Earl’s Plumbing, we made the decision to align ourselves with the brands that offer the best overall value. Deciding factors were historical longevity and repair propensity. The two brands that we offer for residential installation are Bradford & White and State Proline Master series. These brands are available in various warranty options to include 6 YEAR & 10 YEAR for Bradford & White and 8 YEAR & 12 YEAR for State Proline Master.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a New Water Heater in Frisco?

In North Texas, over 95% of the tank water heaters are fueled by natural gas. And at Earl’s Plumbing, we offer 4 different natural gas residential water heater options. The prices vary based on the manufactures model and its specified warranty. As the model & warranty increases from 6, 8, 10 and 12 years, the price becomes higher. The price will also differ slightly based on the installation location. For tank water heaters an “attic installation” is more than a “garage installation.” The price can also differ slightly for other unique locations and/or if there are two water heaters, but they are located in different areas of the home OR not side by side. There are also some other the rare or special exceptions that might factor in to include code required upgrades, age of home, obstructions, the age & condition of existing water heater and/or cities that charge super high permit fees (Anna, TX & The Colony, TX).

But at the end of the day, Earl’s Plumbing can quote over 97% of tank water heater installation jobs over the phone and/or text message via a few pictures. In fact, unlike the vast majority of plumbing companies in DFW, we prefer to give you a price or at least a price range over the phone via your pictures versus showing up to review in person. This will save you money in the way of a trip charge / dispatch fee and also allow our plumbers to stay productive with other calls should Earl’s Plumbing not end up being a good fit.

At Earl’s Plumbing, our pricing is comprehensive, covering everything from the expansion tank (if required), new shutoff valve, new water flex lines, new gas flex line, sediment trap, and any other basic or code-related items. While we do offer optional additions like a Flood Stop leak detection system, recirculation pumps, or parallel install; our plumbers have no vested interest in selling you these items. Nor are they compensated for increasing your final bill. So, for apples to apples comparisons it is crucial for you to ask, “What is included in the installation?” Some companies only quote prices for replacing the tank hot water heater only. They are often referred to as “Tank Yankers.” This practice can lead to future flood damage and/or complications, as upon arrival or during installation, it may become clear that an expansion tank is necessary, the shutoff valve is malfunctioning, or other critical components also require replacement. Such issues can add hundreds of additional dollars in costs for EACH item, making it essential to understand what is included in your installation from the outset.

In conclusion, it is impossible to answer this without knowing your unique situation and specific needs. But in an attempt to be fully transparent, as of October 2024 the price range for the most basic 6 YEAR single tank water heater in the “GARAGE” installation to our BEST available 12 YEAR and more difficult & time consuming TWO tank water heater installation in the “ATTIC” is between $1850 to $5150. Once again, this price includes everything except the optional customer selected upgrades that you will also be provided with any quote we provide. What we find is that we are roughly about the same price as similar type shops in DFW to several thousand dollars LESS than the larger “100% sales commission compensated” shops.

For a more detailed information on how our Frisco plumbing pricing is determined and what is driving the costs of plumbing services to ridiculously high levels, contact us today.

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Our Water Heater Services

From fixing leaks to installing new water heater tanks, Earl’s has you covered! Explore our services below.

How Much “Should” a New Water Heater Installation Cost in DFW?

The price to install a new tank water heater in Frisco and the surrounding areas varies considerably from one company to the next. But it also differs a little from home to home. Other than the company you select, the two biggest factors that affect the price are the model selected and the installation location (attic vs garage vs closet). Other pricing factors may include code required upgrades, age of home, obstructions, the age & condition of existing water heater and/or cities that charge super high permit fees.

Another VERY important factor that is rarely considered is, what plumbing company will be doing the installation? And more specifically how are their plumbers & technicians compensated? Companies that compensate their technicians via a sales commission structure are typically 40 to 100 percent more expensive than companies that do not. This is a dirty little industry secret and can result in $1000 or more in additional cost… PER WATER HEATER! Best we can tell about 60 to 70 percent of companies in DFW now compensate via sales commission. Good look getting the shop to tell you how they compensate their employees!

But there is a good way of telling if a plumbing company pays employees via commissions and other sales incentives… Will they give you a price OR at least “price range” over the phone when asked? If the say, “we need to send a technician out to your job first”… well, there is your answer! In most cases that “technician” is paid via 100% sales commission but also a highly trained sales professional. They have probably sat through hours of individual sales training on how to overcome objections. And when you have set minimum sales quotas assigned and/or your livelihood depends on your ability to “close the sale” and/or “add to the sale,” then you get really good at it. For what it is worth, Earl’s Plumbing does NOT pay via sales commission. Our plumbers are generously paid an hourly rate plus overtime.

Another thing to be careful of is when the price changes upon arrival or in the middle of the job. Look, it happens on some jobs with unknowns and those cannot be avoided. BUT it should rarely if ever happen on basic tank water heater installations. Legit and ethical companies do not play games. So, you need to ask & know, “What is included in the installation?” Many companies prices only include replacing the tank hot water heater(s) ONLY. The industry nickname for these companies is “Tank Yankers.” So, you either get a really low price and an unskilled technician that does not know how to replace the necessary items OR upon arrival and/or in the middle of the installation it is determined that an expansion tank is required, or the shutoff valve is not working, or the pan or other pertinent item also needs to also be replaced. The latter is the most common and this can add HUNDREDS (plural) of additional dollars in cost for EACH line item. At Earl’s Plumbing, our installation price includes EVERYTHING to include the expansion tank, new shutoff valve, new water flex lines, new gas flex line sediment trap and any other basic or code related items. We do offer some optional items that may be selected by the customer (ie: Flood Stop leak detection, Recirculation Pump, etc.) but our plumbers have no vested interest in trying to sell you these and are not compensated for increasing your final ticket.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When we say Earl’s Plumbing includes EVERYTHING, that includes “Sales Tax.” In fact, most companies pay sales tax on their materials as they buy them. In the “Service & Trades Industries” there is no good reason not to. And in Texas, there is no sales tax applied to labor for any residential work. So, ask about this before you book OR just be on the lookout when some technician adds 8.25% in “sales tax” at the bottom when they hand you the invoice. In most cases, all that has been done is they have inflated their profit margins by 8.25% using this sneaky maneuver. Google “Is sales tax charged on labor in Texas” if you need proof.

For a more detailed information on how to spot a commission sales plumbing company AND what is driving the costs of plumbing & other trade services through the roof, connect with our plumbers today.

Call (945) 523-8700

What Are Signs My Frisco Water Heater Should Be Replaced?

It is important to understand that a tank water heater has a limited lifespan. The overall longevity varies on many factors with the two most impactful being 1) band & model and then 2) region of the country in which you live. In the DFW area of North Texas, we see a basic 6 YEAR water heater lasting between 9 to 12 years. And although some water heaters may still be functioning after 12 years of service, they are definitely no longer efficient due to corrosion build up and tank degradation. Furthermore, if your Frisco water heater is older than 12 years and is installed above a living area or in the attic, please heed the warning that you should always be proactive in replacing these water heater(s). Do NOT wait for it to stop working, leak or worse have a catastrophic rupture that floods your home. And for further clarification, 12 years is not the magic number to start being concerned about a leak or rupture. We have seen tank water heaters let go and rupture far sooner than that. Especially when a water softener system is involved.

Other than age or in combination with age, other signs that a water heater might need to be replaced is:

  • Any water that is present in the emergency drain pan.
  • The inlet and/or outlet water nipples at the top of the heater are bending, bowing or not perfectly straight.
  • Odd rust appearances on the outside of the water heater. Typically, this is at the top seams and streaming down the side.
  • Continual or frequent need to reignite or relight the water heater. Most water heaters will NEVER have to be reignited.
  • Hot water does not last as long as it used to.
  • Odd noises coming from the heater when the water is used. Typically, referred to as a “gushing” or “grumbling” sound.

Want to Know Some Facts About Water Heaters & Water Heating in North Texas?

Despite the increase in popularity of tankless water heaters, traditional storage tank water heaters make up around 88% of the US market share and over 85% of the North Texas market share. Most new construction homes are installing tankless water heaters, but they are rarely sized properly.

In North Texas, we are predominantly a “Natural Gas” market. Over 96% of the homes in Collin & Denton Counties create hot water (and warm their homes) with natural gas. This metric includes both tank and tankless water heaters.

Electric water heaters only make up around 2% of the total water heaters in North Texas with liquid propane water heaters rounding out the mix. In rural areas, propane water heaters are more common than electric units.

Natural gas in Frisco and North Texas is without question the most economical & energy efficient way to produce both hot water and heat your homes. And the cost difference is not even close! Hybrid or heat pump type electric water heaters are starting to close the gap in overall efficiency, but the upfront cost is significantly more than a standard electric water heater.

Electric tankless water heaters do exist, but despite what may be stated on the box they cannot create enough hot water for an entire house, much less two fixtures at the same time. This is especially true during the winter months. Do not waste your money on an electric tankless water heater unless it is for a single point-of-use fixture / faucet or small bathroom only.

50 Gallon (50G) tank water heaters make up about 98% of the total market share in North Texas. In fact, it is VERY rare to find a larger (75G) or smaller (40G) size storage tank water heater in a single family home in Collin or Denton Counties.

Because 50 Gallon water heaters are so common, they typically cost less than smaller capacity units despite requiring more materials to manufacture them. It is a simple “supply & demand” market principle combined with logistical advantages.

At the beginning of 2020 and prior, a basic 6 YEAR tank water heater that was supplied by a plumbing wholesaler cost us around $300 (heater only before tax). Just like virtually everything else, by the middle 2022 the price of that same water heater brand & model more than doubled! That same 6 YEAR tank water now costs more than $650 at wholesale supply prices. The other materials required to install the water heater to code also doubled!

The most common brands of tank water heaters found in North Texas are: 1) State, 2) Rheem, 3) Bradford & White, 4) AO Smith. State & AO Smith are the same company and are made in the same plant. Although other brands do exists (Ruud, Lochinvar, etc.) they make up a VERY small single digit percentage.

Have More Questions? Give Us a Call Today!

Contact us now to schedule expert service and ensure your home or business runs smoothly.

Call (945) 523-8700

What Is the Biggest Difference Between One Water Heater Brand / Model and Another?

Industry secret here… Despite there being more than 20 major brands of tank style water heaters, there are just 3 manufactures. And all of those water heaters regardless of brand, model or warranty are all come from the same assembly line. In other words, the biggest differences between a 6 YEAR and an 8 YEAR warranty water heater other than price, is that the 8 YEAR will likely have better components. Those components will typically consist of a better, longer lasting anode rod. It may also include a better gas valve and/or drain spout (both common failure items) OR some other higher quality component combinations. At the end of the day the manufacture is betting that the better anode rod and other components will allow them a little extra time to extend their warranty period without extending their exposure to replacement under warranty.

There is an exception to this… The biggest of the big box home improvement store models are made in a private facility in Mexico. These retail store units are only “labeled as a Rheem” under a licensing agreement. These Rheem models are NOT true Rheem water heaters and are NOT made to the same quality control standards. And the warranty, when it is needed, is handled completely differently versus a water heater from wholesale distributor. In addition, should a repair be required, the parts are not readily available for a professional plumber and must be ordered & shipped. Meaning you are without hot water for 3+ days versus same day repair. Lastly when it comes to warranty, a professional grade water heater if required to be covered under the manufactures water is usually done same day without all of the hoops and obstacles required by the big retailer.

With that said, the typical lifespan of a professional grade natural gas 6 YEAR warranty tank water heater regardless of brand or model is roughly 9 to 12 years. And for the brands in the big box home improvement retail stores, we typically see a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. These retail store versions also seem to be far more prone to repairs. Also, although electric water heaters make up a very small percentage of the tank water heaters in North Texas, the life expectancy is still 9 to 12 years but typically on the lower side of that range.

What Should I Do If My Water Heater Is Leaking?

Every water heater regardless if there are one or two will have a separate & dedicated shutoff valve. Facing the water heater(s) the main shutoff valve will be located on the incoming water line which will be on the right side. Find the inlet line at the top of the water heater and trace it back until you find the shutoff valve. If your water heater(s) was installed by a reputable licensed plumber then they will have also replace the shutoff valve. If the water heater(s) is/are less than 12 years old then the water shutoff valve for the heater(s) should most likely still be functioning. If your installation is older than 12 years OR if the valve handle looks like water hose spigot (gate valve) then you might be out of luck.

Think of it like this… A traditional tank water heater has a tank made of steel. Steel’s primary component is iron. Iron & water do not cohabitate well with each other and rust begins to form. You are storing 140 degree scalding hot water in a welded steel tank. NOT stainless steel tank! The internal portion of the tank is lined with a baked on ceramic (glass) coating. Through the years, there is constant thermal expansion & contraction. Combine this with the caustic minerals in the water supply and the eventually result is fissures in the glass lining. As the interior of the take begins to deteriorate, the water causes the welded seams & threaded ports to rust. The tank will begin to weaken, and it is just a matter of time before the tank will leak. Sometimes it is slow leak and sometimes it is a full blown rupture.

Other than tank brand & model quality, other factors that play a part in the leak longevity of a tank water to include the overall water quality, water hardness, heater location and even the introduction of the ever popular “salt tablet water softener.” A salt tablet water softener will typically take an additional 1 to 2 years off of the longevity of a tank water heater.

Do I Need a Thermal Expansion Tank on My Water Heater?

A thermal expansion tank is only required for traditional storage “tank water heaters” and only when a “closed loop system” has been created. For clarification, a “tankless” water heater does NOT require an expansion tank because of the differences in the way the hot water is produced. A “closed loop” is created on the water lines when a code required device is installed the prevents water from flowing in both directions within the lines. Typically, this is referred to a “backflow preventor” but there are various devices that accomplish this principle. The three most common devices that if in place would require you to have an “expansion tank” are:

Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

Installed to lower the incoming water pressure coming into the house. This may be required in certain North Texas cities. The vast majority of homes in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper have PRV’s. Many homes in Little Elm and some in Plano, Allen and other surrounding communities.

Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventer

These are required by the vast majority of cities in North Texas if you have a whole house Water Softener or Water Filtration System installed. This is an upgraded protection device similar to a Double Check Valve (DCV for irrigation). These devices prevent the likelihood of contamination from entering the city water supply.

Recirculation Pump with a Check Valve

Recirculation Pumps are great! Instant warm or hot water when you turn on the fixture and significantly reduced water waste. But most of these devices either have an internal one way “check valve” OR require an external “check valve.” This forces the water to only go in one direction and helps prevent hot & cold mixing.

As a tank water heater produces hot water, the volume of the water in the tank expands and creates increased pressure within the lines. When a backflow preventer or one way check valve is used within the water system, the heated expansion has no place to go unless there is an expansion tank in place. The absence of an expansion tank when required can cause injury or property damage. There is certain code criteria outlined in how a thermal expansion tank is to be installed as well as manufacture specifications that help prolong the life of the tank.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Expansion tanks have a limited life and must be replaced every 5 to 7 years. An expansion tank will NOT last as long as your tank water heater will (9 to 12 years). Unlike your water heater, there is nothing inside the expansion tank that will help extend its longevity. Failure to proactively replace the thermal expansion tank can lead to significant home damage. It is our findings that when there is home damage “caused by a leaking water heater,” roughly 40% of the time it is NOT the water heater itself but the expansion tank that has developed a pin hole leak or worse a full blown failure.

Are There Any Common Problems with Tank Water Heater Installations?

From an installation standpoint, the majority of the problems that we see come from “Homeowner DIY” installs and/or “unlicensed individuals” (Handyman companies) installations. You must be licensed with the State of Texas to perform many plumbing jobs and ALL natural gas jobs. These illegal water heater installs are usually encountered when somebody is trying to purchase a home. We also see a lot of these illegal installs in homes that are rentals where the landlord is trying to save money regardless of the consequences. Obviously, these installs are not permitted or inspected which typically catches 98% of basic install problems.

Another less common but frequent problem is when a licensed plumbing company is used BUT they get their jobs solely based on being the lowest price. Well, if you’ve heard the axiom “you get what you pay for”; this is a prime example of this. In our industry we refer to these borderline plumbing outfits as “tank yankers”. You see, every “properly installed ” gas water heater has about $250 to $450 in various materials that are required to complete a “proper” installation. The variable in that materials range is based on multiple factors to include but not limited to the city & their relative permit fee; whether it is one or two heaters involved, whether an expansion tank is required by code, attic vs garage installation, etc.

These “tank yankers” companies only replace the water heater itself and none of the other vital wear sensitive parts. A properly installed water heater will have a new main shutoff valve (preferably a quarter turn ball valve); new water flex lines (preferably stainless steel not copper); a new expansion tank that is properly sized, inflated & supported; a new yellow gas flex that includes a new sediment trap; a properly junctioned T&P line; etc. Other points to consider for a new install is that the pan should be in good condition and checked for punctures and potential leaks; the exhaust venting is properly attached and free of defects. It should also be noted that any “proper” install should not contain any “push to connect” type fittings (aka “Sharkbites”) OR “clamp type” PEX rings as both of these items are prone to failure despite being allowed by code (for now).

Tips from Our Experts

Are There Differences in Water Heaters that Plumbers Install vs. Big Box Stores?
Yes. The water heater brands sold by the largest home improvement stores are not made in the same factories as their professional plumber-grade counterparts. Licensed plumbers do NOT purchase these...
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Does the Brand of a Water Heater Matter?
Believe it or not, only three companies manufacture, market, and sell all of the storage tank water heaters sold in the United States (not including tankless or hybrid models like...
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How to Drain a Water Heater
Since you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume you haven’t drained your water heater ever or in a very long time. But don’t worry — you’re not the only one! This quick...
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We Make Replacing Your Frisco Water Heater Easy

We know replacing a water heater isn’t something most homeowners want to do. That’s why we provide you with multiple options and all the pertinent details for you to consider. With us, the sky is never falling and we never use high-pressure sales techniques. If you want honest people that provide quality outcomes that far exceed our competitors, make Earl’s Plumbing your first call.

When you choose Earl’s Plumbing for your tank water heater installation, your purchase includes:

  • All materials ($300+ value)
  • New quarter-turn ball shut-off valves
  • New stainless steel water supply lines
  • New thermal expansion tank (as required by city code)
  • New gas flex lines and gas sediment trap
  • Free haul away and disposal of old unit
  • All sales tax included (and no tax on labor)

Check Out Our Reviews

    “Our water heater gave out over the MLK weekend and caused extensive flooding damage. While the water mitigation team from another company was working, the staff at Earl’s was extremely prompt and professional in removing the old water heater and installing a new one. Their quote was spot on and their work was prompt and professional. We’ve utilized their services before and will do so again. Take comfort in working with this company because they’ll take good care of you!”

    - William B.

    “I received very responsive and professional service from Earl’s Plumbing. Everything from sales, scheduling and the on-site installation was top notch. We had them replace two 50-gallon water heaters. Their pricing was a bit cheaper than others in town. I selected them based on that and their availability to get in done ASAP. But their level of service has won me over.”

    - Bill W.

    “My water heater needed to be replaced and moved into the garage. Earl’s Plumbing was very informative and educated me on the whole process. They also tried their best to keep cost reasonable. They cleaned up after they completed their work. They showed me how everything works on the new water heater. I am very happy with my new water heater. They showed that they really cared about doing the job right.”

    - Eileen G.

Choose Frisco’s Water Heater Experts

Replacing your water heater can be a big investment, so you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. Our team has an unmatched dedication to helping our customers make the best decision for their household and budget. With comprehensive installation services, high-quality systems, free estimates, and guaranteed work with labor warranties, Earl’s Plumbing is your best choice for water heater replacement in the Frisco area!

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