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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 constantly. This is why we recommend you insulate the tank.

Please speak with a plumber so that he can give you the best water heater solution for your home.

8. What Is the Best Temperature Setting for my Water Heater?

The most comfortable setting for your water heater is about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually the pre-setting for most of the water heaters in the market today. You can always set it at a lower temperature if you want to save more energy.

9. Why Do We Always Run Out of Hot Water?

One of the components of your water heater is likely broken. Call a plumber in Arlington, TX, so that they can inspect your water heater. Another reason is — you may not have the right size of water heater for your home. Contact a plumbing company to help you determine the right size of your water heater.

10. Why Does It Takes Long for the Water to Heat Up?

Generally, it may be due to the plumbing in your home. If this concerns you, contact a plumber in Arlington, TX, to help you resolve the problem. It could also be because your water heater is no longer that efficient. When you keep calling a plumbing service for water heater repairs, it may be cost-effective to get a water heater replacement instead.

11. Are Tankless Water Heaters Really Worth it?

Tankless water heaters have several benefits:

1. It gives you instant hot water. So long as you have the right size for your home, everyone in the family gets an unlimited supply of instant hot water. The only downside is you may not have hot water when you lose power when your heater runs on electricity.
2. Tankless water heaters last longer than tank-type heaters. It can last up to 20 years, while a tank-type heater only lasts up to 10 years.
3. Because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, you eliminate “standby loss.” Conventional heaters constantly heat the water inside the tank, which could mean higher energy costs every month.
4. You can save more money with a tankless water heater as they are more energy-efficient than the tank-type heater.
5. Having a tankless water heater is a good idea, especially when you don’t have extra space for a tank in your home. You can easily install water heaters on your walls. Do call a plumber for the proper installation of your water heaters.
6. Do you know that you may qualify for a tax credit when purchasing an energy-efficient tankless water heater? It can help with the installation cost.
7. You can get either a gas-powered or electric-powered water heater. When you live in an area with constant power interruption, we recommend getting a gas-powered heater. Speak with a plumber for the installation of your water heater.

12. What’s Inside My Water Heater?

There are several components of a water heater:

Tank – This is where your water is stored. Tanks can hold about 60 gallons of water or more. The exterior of a water heater tank has an insulating material called polyurethane foam. Most homeowners also have additional insulation to avoid heat loss. You can buy an insulating blanket at your local shop or you may also call a plumber for assistance.

Shut-off Valve – This stops the flow of water in the water heater. The shut-off valve is separate from the heater, and it’s mostly located just above your unit.

Dip tube – The water enters your heater through this tube, located at the top of the tank. It will then travel to the bottom, where it’s heated with a heating element.

Thermostat – You can control the water temperature using your thermostat.

Heating mechanism – All water heaters have a heating element that heats the water inside the tank. Gas water heaters use a burner.

Heat-out pipe – This is where the hot water exits the water heater.

Drain valve – located close to the bottom of the unit, this valve makes it easy for the homeowner to drain the water heater. To help maintain the efficiency of your water heater, you need to drain the sediment or the rust buildup in the tank. Do this at least once a year or as needed. You may need to constantly drain your water heater, especially when you have a high concentration of hard water in your plumbing.

Pressure relief valve – This is used for safety purposes.

Sacrificial anode rod – This is made with either aluminum or magnesium steel core to help with corrosion.

13. How Do Water Heaters Work?

Most homes have water heaters. They look like big metal cylinders that are kept either in the basement or in the laundry room. The modern versions or the tankless water heaters are mounted mostly on bathroom walls.

A thermostat controls the water temperature inside the tank, and the recommended temperature for water heaters is between 120 to 140 degrees. The dip tube feeds cold water to your water tank, where it’s heated. You’ll need a heating mechanism to heat the water until it reaches your desired temperature. When the water heats, it rises to the top and exits from the heat-out pipe.

14. What Should I Do When the Water Heater Leaks?

Minor leaks can turn into major plumbing emergencies when you don’t take action. The first thing you need to do is stop water flow from the mains to your water tank. And then call a plumber immediately when there are leaks in your plumbing. Remember that water can damage your floors and even the foundation of your home. You can avoid this when you get professional help immediately.

You may also install a leak detection device near your water heater, so you are alerted for leaks. Leak detection devices can also automatically shut off your main water supply to avoid further damage.

15. How Do I Conserve Heated Water?

Consider investing in water-saving plumbing fixtures as they use less water compared to their counterparts. Start with low-flow showerheads and install a water aerator to conserve more water.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Do you need a plumber in Arlington, TX, for a water heater replacement, installation, or repair? Get in touch with us immediately. Our licensed plumbers can get the job done promptly, and we are always ready to help. Call us today for an appointment.