Question 1

How long do tank water heaters last?

Accepted Answer

In our North Texas, it varies based off of brand and model, but a good rule of thumb based on our experience is that a water heater that came from a big box home improvement retailer typically only lasts 7 to 10 years. Whereas most professional or wholesale grade brands & models last between 9 to 12 years.

There is not a day that goes by that we do not get multiple phone calls of leaking water heater(s)s and about half of those have some sort of home damage caused by this. In almost every case, age is the most significant contributing factors. Having a salt tablet water softener will also reduce the longevity of a tank water heater.

Our point is this, do NOT wait for your water heater to stop working or worse start leaking before it is replaced. In the end, most tank water heaters are made of regular welded steel and store water inside them. Water causes regular steel to rust and therefore has a limited lifespan. Be proactive and save yourself the effort, hassle and potential home damage.

Question 2

How Much Does a New Water Heater Cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary depending on the number of water heaters you’re replacing, their size, and the brand. But we welcome you to call us for a free estimate. Many plumbing companies won’t provide a price over the phone because their goal is to get a salesman or plumbing technician into your home. That is where our team tries to differentiate ourselves.

At Earl’s Plumbing, we have no problem providing you with a price over the phone. We just ask if you are calling others to compare, that you make sure that you are comparing apples to apples and that you ask all of the right questions.

Our basic water heater installation includes us replacing virtually everything—not just the water heater. In many cases, when you get a lower price on a quote, you’re getting an inferior water heater and nothing besides the installation—that means extra fees for haul away and disposal, additional sales tax, and no new parts, which are crucial for efficiency and often required by code. In other words, unlike these commission companies, we’re not “tank yankers.”

Our price includes all of these services—including tax. On the rare occasion that we run into something out of the ordinary, we give you our commitment that we will never try to sell you something at an inflated price. None of our employees are on commission. Our plumbers and technicians do not have sales quotas and they are not incentivized to add to your final invoice.

Question 3

Is it Better to Fix or Replace My Water Heater?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t waste your money on repairing a water heater that is 12 years old or older, regardless of what that repair may be. Repairing a water heater that is 9 years old (or older) should be very carefully considered.

Another consideration is cost. The most common repair (80%) for any brand or model of a storage-tank water heater is the gas control valve (GCV). The gas control valve (GCV) is the most expensive replacement part on a tank water heater. It is also the most difficult repair, and therefore from a labor standpoint, the most expensive.

Standard Tank Water Heaters

Request a Water Heater Estimate Today

Quality Tank Water Heater Installation in Lubbock, Texas

Got Questions? We Got Answers!

Our Plumbing Services

We Make Water Heater Installation Easy

Expert Tips

Home Warranty

Schedule Water Heater Installation with Earl’s

Earl’s Plumbing & Air Knows Lubbock