Water Heaters: Our Plumbers Explain How to Choose a Unit, Maintain It, and Identify Problems

Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://braveryplumbing.com/water-heaters-our-plumbers-explain-how-to-choose-a-unit-maintain-it-and-identify-problems/

We rely on hot water a lot more than we know and usually only come to this realization when there’s a problem with the unit responsible for keeping it at the right temperature for a nice, warm shower. When you want to make sure you won’t run into any issues, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, the expert plumbers at %COMPANY% help you explore different unit options and explain how to choose the best unit, keep it well-maintained, and identify common problems.

Your preference for fuel source will help you determine which water system types to consider. With electric, natural gas, and propane options available, there’s a lot to think about for homeowners like you who want to capture the most long-term value.

Suppose your home lacks the plumbing infrastructure for natural gas or propane. In that case, you’ll have to consider these installation expenses and weigh their benefit against the advantages an electric water heater provides, like lower installation costs and a speedier turnaround time.

With a quick installation that requires no complex venting or gas lines, electric water heaters are ideal for property owners living in areas where gas lines are not easily accessible or where the infrastructure for these systems is not already in place in the home.

Electric water heating units operate silently, come in a variety of energy-saving models, and have an attractive retail price.

Opting for a gas water heater brings a range of advantages tailored to the discerning homeowner. Gas water heaters often boast a faster recovery rate, meaning they can heat water quicker than their electric counterparts. This ensures a consistent hot water supply, which can be especially crucial during peak usage times in larger households.

Another advantage is that gas heaters can operate during power outages, ensuring an uninterrupted hot water supply when needed most. Their performance and potential cost savings make gas water heaters a favored choice for those prioritizing efficiency and reliability.

Choosing a propane water heater offers homeowners a harmonious balance between high performance and adaptability. These heaters are known for their impressive energy efficiency, often translating to lower operational costs over their lifespan. Due to propane’s high energy output, these units heat water swiftly, making sure that households never run short of hot water, even during times of high demand.

Tank type also plays a vital role in determining which water heating system is best for your home. With tankless, on-demand options and traditional hot water tanks to choose from, you have more versatility than ever when planning where your unit will be located within your home.

Traditional hot water tanks are a value-driven option that’s proven reliable time and time again. The trick with these units is to perform regular maintenance inspections to stay ahead of leaks and other common problems and to be sure you opt for a replacement when the system has reached the end of its manufacturer’s recommended lifespan.

Taking care of these details will mean you’ll never have to worry about a leaking tank or an interruption to the hot water your household relies on.

While a system with a tank will operate continuously to keep the water nice and hot, a tankless water heater lowers your environmental impact by using energy only when a hot water demand is detected. This on-demand approach conserves energy and reduces monthly utility bills since there’s no energy wasted in reheating water that’s sitting idle.

Without a bulky tank to worry about, you can reclaim valuable space in your home and enjoy a longer equipment lifespan since there’s no tank to corrode over time. The eco-friendly and efficient nature of tankless water heating units makes them an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner seeking both convenience and savings.

No matter which type of unit you have, water heater maintenance is the key to maintaining safety, system efficiency, and longevity, but it’s not one size fits all. Your unit type, water quality, and usage rates will determine maintenance frequency.

Here are some general guidelines:

Traditional water heaters: Maintenance inspections should be carried out annually with a focus on checking for signs of leaks, rust, water temperature, and electrical issues. Draining and flushing the tank will help reduce sediment build-up, and a pressure relief valve check will ensure your tank is safe from the risk of over-pressurizing.

Tankless water heaters: We recommend yearly maintenance inspections for households with soft water. Homes with hard water should schedule maintenance services at least twice a year to remove the scale build-up within the system.

Identifying issues early is the best way to stay ahead of water heater repairs and keep your costs as low as possible.

Some of the most common problems that affect water heating units include:

• No hot water or insufficient hot water
• Excessive water temperature
• Slow hot water recovery
• Water heater leaks
• Pilot light problems
• Rusty or discolored water
• Frequent water temperature fluctuations
• Dripping or leaking from the pressure relief valve
• Visible corrosion on the tank or fittings
• …and more

Be on the lookout for any of the above signals that repairs are required, and don’t be afraid to book an inspection if something doesn’t seem right. Scheduling timely repairs with a licensed plumbing company is the best way to resolve these problems. Be sure to choose a reliable, local professional with an excellent reputation within the community.

You should consider water heater replacement when:

• Your water heater is approaching ten years old
• You are investing in frequent unit repairs
• There’s water around the base of the heater
• You’ve spotted signs of corrosion
• Your energy bills are on the rise
• You’re concerned about safety
• There’s been a change in demand for hot water

Remember, when contemplating a replacement, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional to assess the condition of your current unit and provide recommendations tailored to your household’s unique requirements.

Now that you’re familiar with what to consider when choosing, maintaining, and troubleshooting water heater repairs, you’re ready to make the most informed decisions, leading to long-term savings and no cold showers for you and your loved ones.

Do you have additional questions for a qualified plumber? The experts at %COMPANY% are industry authorities who are always happy to guide you through the process. Connect with us to reserve an appointment for an obligation-free initial consultation.