Do you want to know more about your water heaters? We’ve prepared the top 10 questions about water heaters answered by a licensed plumber in Fort Worth, TX. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Below are some of the most common questions by homeowners about their water heaters.

  1. When is the best time to replace your water?

Do you have a tank-type heater? The conventional water heater can last between 7-10 years. You may be able to extend its lifespan if you know how to properly care for your water heater. Part of maintenance is to flush the water heater every year to get rid of the mineral buildup or the sediment can affect the efficiency of your unit. If your water heater is more than 7 years old and is no longer that efficient, or if you keep calling a plumber in Fort Worth, TX for repairs, it’s time to get a new unit.

  1. How do you extend the life of your water heater?

You need to properly maintain your unit if you want it to last several years. As mentioned, you need to drain the tank to get rid of the mineral buildup. If you don’t drain the tank, the sediment can accumulate and you will not have enough room for hot water. You may start to have problems such as not having enough hot water or fluctuating water temperatures. When this happens, get in touch with a plumber right away.

  1. Why do I need to hire a licensed professional for installation?

Some manufacturers would mostly require homeowners to do professional installation in order to keep the warranty. Incorrect installation can also lead to issues with your water heater including a costly water heater repair. To avoid problems down the road, we suggest you hire a licensed plumber to help you install the unit.

  1. Is it necessary to insulate the tank?

If you have an old water heater tank, then yes, we highly recommend you insulate that to conserve energy. The pipes leading to the water heater must also be insulated or the water inside these pipes can freeze. If you don’t call a plumber right away to thaw the frozen pipes, you’ll end up with a flooded home and you won’t have any water. Plus, you’ll be paying a fortune on repairs, restorations and replacements.

  1. Which is better — the conventional water heater or the tankless water?

When it comes to energy efficiency, the tankless water heater may be the best option. There’s no standby heat loss with the tankless water heater as you’re not constantly heating the water. Over time, the energy savings can add up. You also won’t need a bigger space if you have a tankless water heater. Most importantly, you can reduce the chances of leaks in your plumbing when you go tankless. If you’re planning to install a new water heater, please make sure to hire a licensed professional for installation.

  1. Why do we always run out of hot water?

How many people live in your household. If you’re a big family and your water heater tank is small, you may likely run out of hot water. Another reason is that you might have failed to flush the sediment buildup in the water heater. When the sediment builds up, you will have less space for your water heater. Make sure you do something about it if you don’t want to run out of hot water at all. You can also end up with a flooded home when the sediment damages the tank.

  1. What do I do when the water heater leaks?

The first thing you need to do is to turn off your water to prevent further damage to your plumbing. And then the next step is to call an emergency plumber to check the area and recommend the best solution.

To prevent further leaks in your plumbing, you can install a leak detection device so that you are alerted when it detects a possible leak. You can prevent water heater leaks if you know to properly care for your water heater.

  1. What is the best temperature for hot water?

A comfortable setting would be about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can always adjust this though especially when you’re planning to conserve more energy.

  1. What are the different types of water heaters?

You can install two types of water heaters: tank-type and the tankless water heaters. The tank-type heater is the conventional water heater that requires a tank that needs to be stored in the basement. It’s more affordable than the tankless water heater which can be mounted on the bathroom wall. Speak to a plumber to know which one to install for your home.

  1. Which water heater size should we get?

For a family of four, consider getting a tank that can hold about 80 gallons of hot water. Speak with a plumber to determine which water heater size to purchase for your home.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Do you need a plumber in Fort Worth, TX? We can help! Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth offers both residential and commercial plumbing services to all clients. When it comes to repairs and installations, rest assured our plumbing experts never cut corners. You can rely on us because it’s our priority to always put our customers first. We will never leave your property unless we’re certain the issue is resolved promptly. Call us today if you need assistance with any repairs, installations or maintenance. We’re always ready to help.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today for an appointment.

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