In most cases, people need to replace water heaters due to breakage. In this case, you cannot hesitate, and the question of how long does it take to install a water heater becomes relevant. The installation time often depends on the tap of the water heating system.
The installation of the water heater takes 2 to 3 hours when done by a couple of technicians. If the water heater is replaced, the installation time may increase by 1-2 hours. Installation time can be affected by individual conditions such as the size of the water tank and free access to the room.
How Long does it Take to Install a Water Heater
| Heater Type | Install | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Water Heater | 2 – 4 hours | 3 – 5 hours |
| Tankless Water Heater | 2 – 3 hours | 2 – 3 hours |
| Condensing Water Heater | 6 – 7 hours | 7 – 8 hours |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | 2 – 4 hours | 3 – 5 hours |
| Solar Water Heater | 5 – 7 hours | 6 – 7 hours |
It should be understood that the time indicated in the table is the average value. Each case may have its characteristics. For example, it will be necessary to use welding or install additional elements. In such situations, it may take more time, but an experienced technician will tell you immediately about possible delays in the installation.
Features of Installing Different Water Heater Types
As already indicated in the table above, each type of water heater has its characteristics that affect the installation speed. To understand what delays you may encounter, it is worth examining each of the options listed in more detail.
- Traditional Water Heater
- Tankless Water Heater
- Condensing Water Heater
- Heat Pump Water Heater
- Solar Water Heater
Traditional Water Heater
Water heaters with a water tank are the most common and fairly easy to install. Nevertheless, several reasons can affect the installation time of this type of water heater system.
The main thing that can affect how long does it takes to install a water heater is the size of the water tank. This system uses a water reservoir and its size greatly affects the installation speed.
Firstly, the water tank is quite heavy and you will need two specialists to move and install it. Difficulties in replacement may also arise if the access to the installation site is rather narrow and it will be difficult to carry the water tank there.
It should also be understood that when replacing such a system, you first need to drain the water from the old water tank. This process is quite slow and can take 30 – 90 minutes. Technologically, the installation of a conventional water heater is not very complicated, but it requires sufficient physical strength, which affects the installation time.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heater installation is one of the fastest. This is primarily because this water heater is much smaller. Due to the lack of a huge water tank, during installation, you get rid of several stages at once.
Firstly, it is much easier to install it, because it is much smaller. Also, craftsmen will not have to waste time draining water from the water tank when replacing the device. Physically, the installation of such a water heater is much easier and saves you time.
The only difficulty in installing a tankless water heater is the correct connection of the water and gas supply for heating. The installation of such a system can be performed by one specialist, however, if a team of two people works, the installation will be much faster and will take a couple of hours.
Condensing Water Heater
The Condensing water heater is very difficult to install. As with conventional water heaters, they have a water tank. In addition, in this case, this tank will be very impressive in size.
Moving such large equipment can take considerable time and physical effort. In addition, when it comes to replacing equipment, the installation time of the condensing water heater can take up to 7-8 hours.
It is also worth considering that speaking about how long does it take to install a water heater, we mean that all the preparatory work has already been completed and the HVAC system has been adapted. Otherwise, these works can be significantly longer.
Heat Pump Water Heater
The installation of a heat pump water heater is very similar to a conventional water heater. Because of this, the time required for its installation will be approximately the same and will take 3-5 hours. It is worth noting that since the unit is very massive, it is very important to plan how to carry it to the room where it will be placed.
Solar Water Heater
Using solar water heaters is a great idea because of the use of renewable energy. Nevertheless, this is not a simple construction, and it would be logical to ask how long does it take to install a water heater.
In the case of a solar water heater, installation may take much longer. This is because, unlike conventional systems, the installation takes place directly on the roof of the house. Depending on the model chosen, a solar battery and water tank with pipes are installed.
On average, it takes 5-7 hours to install a solar water heater but may take longer due to some factors. These factors include the slope of the roof, the weight of the structure, the readiness of the roof covering for the installation of solar panels. How long the installation of the solar water heater will take you can find out from the company producing the installation.
Difference Between the Installation of the Water Heater in a New House and Replacement
An important role in how long does it take to install a water heater is played by the circumstances under which this process is performed. For this, two main criteria can be distinguished, replacement of the water heater during renovation or installation in a new house.
Replacing the water heater in the house takes a little longer than the first connection. This is because the system has already been used and it is necessary to dismantle the old equipment.
If a water tank is used, then first of all it is necessary to drain the water from it. This process can take from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on its size. After the water is drained, it is necessary to shut off the water and gas supply system to the water heater. Only then can the equipment be replaced.
In the second case, when installing a water heater in a new home, workers will need less time. This is because the system is new, and it is only necessary to carry out the installation, without the need to dismantle the old equipment. Therefore, the installation of the water heater in the new house takes 1 – 2 hours faster.
Who Can Install Water Heaters
In most states, water heaters can be installed by licensed plumbers or HVAC professionals. This is because errors in the connection of these systems can cause serious damage to your home.
Water heaters have a direct connection to the water supply and depending on their type, gas and electricity are used. Such responsible work, undoubtedly, should be entrusted to professionals.
In addition to the fact that you will be sure of the quality of the installation, it will also be a pleasant bonus that the work will go faster.
