Photo By gazanfer at istock
Did you recently install or replace the water heaters in your homes? We have prepared a wealth of information about water heaters in the form of frequently asked questions. Common questions include water heater maintenance tips, how a water heater works, when to replace your water heater, and other important information you need to know.
For other issues, contact a plumber in Arlington, TX, today.
1. How Do I Know It’s Time to Replace My Water Heater?
Conventional heaters usually last between 8-10 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. If your water heater is more than its intended lifespan, it’s time to call a plumber in Arlington, TX, for a water heater replacement.
Water heaters need to be maintained regularly. When you fail to do this, you’ll likely experience issues with your water heaters, such as rust or sediment buildup, or your water heater takes too long to heat. Other issues include unusual noises or you’re not getting enough hot water in your home.
Call a plumbing service in Arlington, TX, when you’re having issues with your water heaters. Licensed plumbers can determine whether you need to repair some of the components or it’s time to get a water heater replacement.
2. Why Do I Need a Licensed Plumber for a Water Heater Installation?
We do understand that homeowners want to save money on their plumbing. So they decide to either hire a handyman who can offer a low installation cost or attempt to install the water heater themselves.
When it comes to installation, we highly recommend that you always hire a licensed plumber. Professionals have adequate experience installing water heaters, and they are equipped with the right tools to help properly install your heater.
A handyman may know how to install your heater, but he may not be fully qualified to install your water heater properly. To avoid problems with your plumbing and your insurance company, hire a plumbing professional at Arlington, TX, for your water heater installation.
We have spoken to homeowners who have had issues with their heaters, and one of the most common problems includes improper installation. You can completely avoid this problem when you always work with a licensed plumber.
3. What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters?
There are several models of water heaters in the market today and they run on electricity or gas. However, there are only two types of water heaters: tank-type heaters and tankless water heaters.
With a tank-type heater, you’ll need a tank to store hot water. This means you’ll need to have extra space in your home for keeping the tank. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, can be mounted on your bathroom wall.
When it comes to price, a tank-style is more affordable than a tankless heater, but the latter lasts longer. Speak with a plumber if you want to know what type of water heater you should get for your home.
4. What Size of Water Heater Should I Get?
How many members are in your household? When you go with a conventional heater and you have a big family, consider getting a tank that can hold up to 80 gallons of water. This is good for a family of 4. Speak with a plumber if you have more members in the family. A plumbing service can determine the right size for your water heater.
Tankless water heaters are measured by their flow rate, which is in gallons per minute. If you have a bigger family, get a tankless water heater that has a higher flow rate.
If you don’t know how this works, you can always speak with a plumber for advice.
5. How Do I Extend the Lifespan of my Water Heater?
Like all the other appliances in your home, it’s important that you properly maintain your water heater to avoid costly plumbing repairs and other problems. It’s also the only way to extend the lifespan of your water heater.
Periodically check your water heater for leaks, and then call a plumber if you think there might be issues with it. Once a year, drain your water heater to remove the sediment buildup inside the tank. Neglecting to do this can affect the efficiency of your water heater. It will use more energy to heat the water, and you get higher energy bills as a result.
Speak with a plumbing professional if you’re having issues with your water heater and you don’t know how to alleviate the problem.
6. Why Do I Need to Insulate the Water Heater Tank and the Pipes Leading to the Water Heater?
If you want to save more energy, it’s essential to insulate the tank, so heat doesn’t escape. The exposed pipes leading to the water heater also need to be insulated, so the water inside doesn’t freeze. When the water freezes, the pipes will expand and may burst. Proper insulation can avoid this and ultimately also avoid water damage in your home.
7. Are Tankless Water Heaters Better than Conventional Heaters?
We vote for tankless water heaters when it comes to energy consumption. Because you’re heating water on demand, you’re not wasting energy. With the tank-type, you need to heat the water c