Why Summer Is a Smart Time to Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters tend to fail at the worst possible times, usually in the middle of winter when you’re relying on them the most. That’s why summer is one of the smartest times to replace your water heater.

Why Replace Your Water Heater During the Summer?

Hot water isn’t a particularly high priority for most households during the hotter months in Arlington and the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The hot season gives you the breathing room to make smart choices without the pressure of a water heater emergency.

You’re Less Dependent on Hot Water

No one’s rushing for long, hot showers when it’s 98 degrees out. That means less disruption if your home doesn’t have hot water for part of the day during installation.

Appointment Availability Is Better

Plumbing can be lighter during the summer months. You’re more likely to get your preferred appointment day and time window. Most importantly, choosing to have your water heater replaced before it fails allows you to think through your options and schedule at a time that works best for you.

Homeowners don’t always have that luxury when they’re scheduling emergency replacement after water heater failure. 

It’s the Best Time to Plan Before Winter Strain

Cold weather puts added pressure on your water heater since it’s having to work harder to keep water hot and meet increased household demand. Replacing a water heater before it’s running nonstop in January helps prevent mid-season failures.

You’re Planning to Take a Vacation to Escape the DFW Heat

An old water heater can fail without warning—and if it happens while you’re out of town, you could come home to major water damage. Replacing it before you leave gives you peace of mind and prevents a small leak from turning into an expensive disaster.

Deciding Between Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters When Considering an Upgrade

If your water heater is nearing the 10-year mark, it may be worth considering a more efficient or longer-lasting option before replacing it with the same model. Tom’s Mechanical installs both standard tank-style heaters and tankless systems. Which is best for your home will depend on your personal preferences and household needs.

Does a Tankless Water Heater Make Sense for Your Home?

Tankless models heat water on demand, which means they don’t store hot water. While they’re not the ideal choice for every household, those that make the switch to tankless often appreciate the:

• Endless hot water, even during long showers or back-to-back use
• Energy savings from not maintaining a full tank of heated water 24/7
• Wall-mounted, space-saving design
• Longer lifespan than most tank models (often 15–20+ years)

Tankless water heaters are a smart option if your current system is outdated, your family often runs out of hot water, or you’re planning a renovation and want to free up some space.

However, they may require upgrades to your gas or electric system, and the upfront cost is usually higher than a standard tank water heater. The added installation time is another reason why summer makes sense for installing a tankless water heater. Making the switch during winter may deprive your house of hot water for most of the day at an inopportune time.

Traditional Tank Water Heaters Are Still the Preferable Option for Many Arlington and DFW Homes

Tankless water heaters can struggle to keep up if multiple fixtures are running at once, like two showers plus a dishwasher. Some homes may need a larger unit, or even two, to meet high simultaneous demand, which can increase the installation cost.

Most homes still get traditional tank water heaters because they’re affordable, familiar and easy to replace with another tank water heater. They store a specific number of gallons and reheat the water as needed throughout the day. They’re a great option if:

• You’re on a tighter budget and want a lower upfront cost
• You’re replacing an older tank water heater with something similar
• You would need to replace a single tank with multiple tankless water heaters to keep up with household demand
• You don’t want the added cost or mess of modifying your home’s plumbing, gas or electrical system

Tom’s Mechanical can walk you through the pros and cons of each based on your usage habits, home layout and long-term goals.

Not Ready to Replace? Schedule a Summer Maintenance Visit Instead

Summer is also a smart time to schedule a routine checkup, especially if your water heater hasn’t been serviced recently. Maintenance can catch small problems before they become expensive ones, and it helps your system run more efficiently heading into the colder months. Some of the water heater maintenance tasks our plumbers perform include:

• Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup
• Inspecting the anode rod to reduce internal corrosion
• Checking the temperature settings and pressure relief valve
• Inspecting for slow leaks or corrosion around the base
• For tankless systems: descaling mineral buildup and cleaning the in-line filter

Plan Ahead, Stay Comfortable and Avoid Water Heater Surprises

At Tom’s Mechanical, we help Arlington-area homeowners stay one step ahead of their plumbing and HVAC needs. Whether you’re ready to upgrade to a tankless water heater or just want a routine checkup at a time that works best for you, our licensed plumbers are here to help.

Call 817-277-4493 to schedule your water heater replacement or repair appointment before summer slips away.