Water Heater FAQs
The questions that come up most often from Plano-area homeowners, answered plainly.
How long should a water heater last?
Gas storage tanks typically run 8 to 12 years, electric tanks a bit longer at 10 to 15. Tankless units generally outlast both when descaled on schedule. Water hardness and how well the unit has been maintained affect these numbers more than the brand stamped on the jacket.
Repair or replace — how do I decide?
Lean toward repair when a younger unit has one clearly failed part. Lean toward replacement when the tank itself is leaking, the unit is past the decade mark and needs a major component, or you're calling for service repeatedly.
Which option actually saves money?
Repair wins in the short term almost every time. Stretched over a few years, though, continuing to patch a twelve-year-old tank rarely beats installing a new, more efficient unit with a fresh warranty.
What determines the final cost?
Unit type and capacity, efficiency tier, any venting or fuel changes, code items like an expansion tank, how hard the unit is to access, permit fees, and disposal of the old tank. Prices aren't published here because those variables shift the number too much house to house.
How long is a typical install?
A like-for-like tank swap usually runs two to four hours. Switching fuels, converting to tankless, or relocating the unit generally eats up most of a day.
Should I go tank or tankless?
Tank if you want the lowest upfront cost and the simplest replacement. Tankless if you're tired of running out of hot water, want the space back, or plan to be in the home long enough for the efficiency gains to matter.
Gas or electric — which is better?
Gas typically recovers faster and costs less to run where natural gas service already exists. Electric can go in almost anywhere, and heat-pump electric models are the most efficient option on the market when the space suits one.
Why is water pooling near my heater?
Moisture at an inlet, outlet, drain valve or relief valve is often a simple fix. Water collecting at the base with nothing leaking above it usually means the tank itself has corroded through.
What upkeep does a water heater actually need?
An annual flush, checking the anode rod periodically, testing the relief valve, and inspecting connections. Tankless systems need an annual descale to keep flow rates from dropping.
How often should a tank be flushed in Plano?
Once a year covers most homes here; twice a year makes sense where water runs harder than average or hot water use is heavy.
What does the anode rod actually do?
It's a sacrificial piece of metal that corrodes instead of your tank. Once it's fully consumed, corrosion moves to the tank itself — which is why checking it every two to three years is worthwhile.
What's the right move during an active emergency?
Shut the cold water valve above the heater, kill the breaker or turn the gas control off, keep everyone away from hot taps, and request urgent service. A gas smell means leave the building and call the utility from outside — don't wait.
Is a permit required for a replacement?
Frequently, yes — requirements differ between the City of Plano, Collin County and neighboring municipalities. Check with your installer or the local building department before work starts.
What temperature setting is recommended?
120°F balances everyday household use against scald risk and standby energy loss, and it's the setting most professionals default to.
Question Not Covered Here?
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