You turn on the hot water faucet and wait for the water to get hot. Instead, it’s a little warm or cold. Bummer!

No one likes to have to replace their water heater, but with a service life of about 10 years, sooner or later your have to replace your water heater.

At SoCo Plumbers, we replace water heaters every day. We strive to make it fast, easy, and affordable. We’re used to answering homeowners’ questions, and we’re happy to talk to you if you want to call us directly at, (470) 257-6002. Here are some of the most common questions homeowners ask us:

How much does it cost to replace a water heater?

Whether you need a standard gas water heater or an electric water heater, the price is $1,800. This includes the new water heater itself, delivering the new water heater, updating shutoff valves and connecting pipes, installing the new water heater, installing a new expansion tank, and removing and disposing of the old water heater. There may be additional expenses if you want the new water heater in a different location, if you have old pipes that are in danger of bursting, or if you require additional services beyond the water heater itself.

How long will it take to get a standard water heater installed?

In most cases, we can get your new water heater installed the next day after you call us, and in some cases the same day. We realize it is inconvenient to be without hot water. It takes us about a half day to install a new water heater, and we do our best to fit emergencies in to meet customer needs.

Should I upgrade to a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters can have some real positives, but there are things you will want to consider:

Pluses: Longer service life (up to 25 years), energy bill savings, and the potential to have instant hot water if you install a recirculating pump in addition to the water heater.

Minuses: Higher cost – around $3,500 for a tankless gas water heater (includes the components and installation as mentioned above) for most homes, annual servicing of $200+ each year, and digital circuits that can produce service codes just like the check engine light on a car, which may require additional service calls and charges.

If you want to install an electric tankless water heater, it’s going to cost more, because you’ll need to contract with an electrician who will have to install two or three more 220-volt connections to service the electric tankless water heater.

Do I get a warranty with a new water heater?

We recommend high quality AO Smith water heaters, which include a six-year warranty. In addition, we guarantee our installation for a full year.

Can I buy my own water heater at Lowe’s or Home Depot and have you install it for me? Absolutely. Retail stores carry a range of water heater options. You can go into the store, look at your options, consider whether you would like additional bells and whistles like digital displays, longer guarantees, and other brands. You will need to arrange to have them deliver your water heater, which may mean you could be without hot water longer. Our fee to install a traditional water heater that you purchase yourself is between $800 and $1,000 in most cases. Prices will vary for tankless water heaters. You can call us to discuss at (470) 257-6002 if you would like to consider this approach.

Do I need to have my water heater serviced?

As mentioned above, tankless water heaters must be professionally serviced each year. Traditional water heaters – especially gas water heaters – should be serviced each year because sediment can build up inside. If you are handy, you can watch a YouTube video and try to do it yourself. If you’d prefer not to do it yourself, this is a service we ofer for $200.

What do I need to get started?

Call us at (470) 257-6002. We’ll get you going with a new water heater as quickly as well can. We’re the plumbers you can count on.