Tankless Water Heater

8 Responses to “I have a gas water heater that is leaking and is corroded w/ rust..Can I reinstall an electric one instead?”

1. Joe M
   August 26th, 2010 @ 4:06 am

   It is possible, you’d have to get a dedicated line run to the spot where you want the water heater. The fact that it’s gas/propane has nothing to do with it’s leaking though. It would be much easier/cheaper to just get another gas/propane heater.

2. Gordon S
   August 26th, 2010 @ 4:09 am

   If you have the electrical outlet for a water heater already present, it is a simple swap. If there is no electric there you will have the expense of having it done along with the expense of a new water heater. The fact that it is a gas heater has nothing to do with it leaking, all water heaters do that after a few years, the average life of a water heater in my area is 5 to 6 years due to the water we have here. A gas heater will be cheaper to run over the heaters lifetime.

3. Lisa D
   August 26th, 2010 @ 5:08 am

   You need to have a gas contractor come out and disconnect the gas..you could replace it but gas is much more energy efficient than electric ..we installed a gas water heater that is called an”instant hot” water heater.it only heats the water as you use it and you never run out of hot water while using it. A standard water heater heats and reheats the water over and over til you use it all and then of course you run out of hot water, which is not the optimum thing while in the shower…I don’t think they make electric “instant hot” water heaters. Our water was 1500.00 but the savings in our electric bill was dramatic, literally a $100.00 a month or more. It will have paid for it self in another month. And one other little side note, in case of bad weather, electric water heaters do not run without electricity. Cold showers are not fun..

4. OrakTheBold
   August 26th, 2010 @ 5:16 am

   It can be done, you will have to hire and electrician to bring 240 volt service to the spot where the existing tank is located.

   Another submitter recommended a tankless heater, these are fantastic, will cost a lot up front, but will be much lower cost to run. They are available in electric, natural gas or propane.

   Your lease expensive up-front cost will be to replace the propane water heater with another propane water heater. A natural gas and a propane gas tank are similar, but the burners are configured differently, as propane is a denser fuel.

5. mike b
   August 26th, 2010 @ 5:26 am

   You might not want to do this. In many places around the country gas is still cheaper than electric. You will have to look at your gas rate and electric rate and do the math.

   If you decide to go to electric you will have to wait longer for water to heat up. Even though gas is less efficient the large amount of heat the burner produces heats the water faster than the electric elements.

   You will need a 30 Amp circuit run from the breaker box to the water heater. If your breaker box is already maxed out the cost will increase big time.

   Gas and electric water heaters cost about the same.

6. mark-ashcraft@sbcglobal.net
   August 26th, 2010 @ 5:49 am

   Yes but you have to run the power from your panel or fuse box if your service is big enough to handle it it requires a #10 wire on 30 amp breaker or fuse

7. Andrew L
   August 26th, 2010 @ 6:30 am

   You can if you have a 220 volt line there. If not, and you can run one (or have someone install one for you), that’s your other option in doing a switch over to electric. Make sure you have plenty of room in your panel box, and if done correctly, it will actually give you an increased value in your house (giving the electric/gas option to a prospective buyer if you ever sell). Do have a licensed/bonded and insured professional do your work if you have even the slightest doubt. You can find a good one for a reasonable price, and not only will your insurance cover any mishaps, but you’ll have recourse with the contractor and his insurance as well. Plus, it’s easy to get hurt doing electrical wiring with little knowledge. Hope this helps.
   If you have the money, I’d highly recommend the tankless water heaters. They take up next to no room, they’re on demand, they’re really fantastic water heaters. Can be a tad costly though. Just thought I’d throw that one out too. Take it easy.

8. sparks9653
   August 26th, 2010 @ 6:58 am

   you can as long as the electrical cable is big enough

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