Replacing a water heater typically costs anywhere between 1800 to 2400 depending on the size of the water heater and the location of the water heater.

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It is likely due to sediment build up in the bottom of the water heater.  You may be able to fix this by draining the water heater to flush the sediment out of the bottom of the water heater.  To prevent this it is recommended you drain your water heater annually.

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Pros:

1: Tankless water heaters are about 24 to 34% more efficient than tank water heaters.  

2: Endless hot water. With a tankless water heater you will not run out of hot water.  

3: Life expectancy.  A tankless water heater has both a longer warranty (up to 15 years) and most are known to last over 20 years.

4: You are not constantly heating water you are not using. With a tankless water heater, you are only heating water as you use it compared to a tank when you are always heating the water 24/7 so it is ready to use it when its needed.  

5: Water heater size.  A tankless water heater is much smaller.  You may be able to move your water heater to a new location and/or add usable square ft to your house.

Cons:  

1: Higher cost. A tankless water heater is typically 2 to 3 times the cost to install compared to a tank-style water heater

2: When the power goes out you instantly lose hot water; there is no backup hot water supply like a tank water heater

3: Annual maintenance - tankless water heaters require annual flushing.

While there are multiple possibilities, the most common are:

Your water heater is under sized for the demand needed.  

Sediment build up in the bottom of the water heater, taking up space in the bottom.  This may cause the water heater to heat the sediment instead of the water inside the tank

A typical replacement will take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours.  A repair can typically be done in 1 to 3 hours (depending on the availability of the parts needed to repair the heater).

Try to determine from where the leak is coming, by inspecting the pipes and the tank of the water heater.  If you cannot see from where the leak is coming, shut off the water supply and the gas to the water heater.  (Note: If you have an electric water heater make sure to turn off the power to the water heater at the main electrical panel.) You then can drain the water heater.  Then call us to determine what it will take to fix the leak.

North Bay Water Heater Solutions provides service in Napa County, Solano County, Sonoma County and Marin County.