Do you have the standard water heater installed? If so, there’s a need to properly maintain your unit to ensure it stays efficient. In this article, we’ll discuss why you need to maintain the water heater and why it’s important to hire a licensed plumber if you’re thinking of getting a replacement unit.
How the Conventional Water Heater Works
If you have a conventional water heater, you’ll need to have a water heater tank stored in your home, preferably in the basement. The water heater tank has to be the right size so that you don’t run out of hot water. Contact a professional plumber if you need help deciding which water heater tank size to purchase for your household. Our plumbing team will take into consideration the number of people who will be using the water and how many appliances you will be using simultaneously.
With the conventional water heater, the water needs to be heated constantly or the water will turn cold and it’s going to take several minutes to heat the water again. So when it comes to energy efficiency, this type of water heater may not be the best option as you’re consuming energy when you’re not using the water.
The tank-type water heaters usually last up to 10 years. How many years exactly depends on the maintenance performed on your unit. You need to properly maintain the unit if you want to maximize the service life of your water heater. Part of water heater maintenance is to periodically inspect the important components of your water heater and make sure they’re in good shape. You may need to hire a plumber to help you if you need further assistance.
Over time, sediment can also build up in the water heater tank but you can drain the unit to get rid of the sediment buildup. You may only drain the water heater tank once a year except when you have hard water or low water pressure. Sediment can build up faster when the water pressure is low, which means you’ll have less space for your hot water. The sediment needs to be removed or you’ll start to have issues with your water heater. You may constantly run out of hot water even if you have the correct size for your household or you may encounter fluctuating temperatures.
If you don’t remove the sediment buildup, it may also damage the tank and cause catastrophic damage. You’ll need a plumber to help you resolve the problem. But if the leaks come from the tank, we usually advise homeowners to get a new water heater. This is why we recommend you take care of your unit so that you won’t have to keep buying another water heater every few years or so.
In addition to checking your water heater and removing the sediment buildup, we also recommend you hire a licensed plumber to professionally inspect the unit. The plumber needs to carefully inspect the water heater and ensure all its heating components still work and that the unit is in excellent shape. The plumber needs to also check if your water is clean and if there is no contamination.
If you need assistance with your water heater, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We have plumbing experts who are always ready to help. Call us anytime and we will send the most qualified person to assist you.
When to Get a Replacement
How old is your water heater? If it’s more than 7 years old and you keep having issues with your unit, call a professional for an inspection. Inefficient units will need to be replaced or it’s going to cost you more down the road. You need to also get a replacement if you keep calling for repairs. The repair costs can add up; why not buy a new unit to save money on energy costs? Just make sure you know how to properly care for your unit to maximize its service life.
If you need help deciding whether to keep or buy a new water heater, we are just a call or an email away. We’ll give you insight into which water heater to invest in for your home.
Why Get Professional Installation
When getting a replacement, hire a licensed plumber only. Installation problems can still arise especially when you hire someone not qualified to do the job. Look for someone who has installed both tank-type and tankless water heaters, and someone experienced with most brands.
In choosing a replacement, consider getting the tankless water heater especially when your priority is to save on energy costs. Compared to the standard water heater, there’s no need to keep turning on the tankless water heater because you only consume energy when using the faucet, making it one of the best energy-efficient options. The tankless water heater also lasts longer and you don’t need to have a bigger space for it as you can just install it on the bathroom wall. Most importantly, you reduce the risk of having water heater leaks in the basement. Talk to us to learn more about tankless water heaters.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
We’re just a call away if you need a plumber. Rest assured, our plumbing experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth are licensed and skilled to tackle any plumbing job, simple or complex. We can also help with professional drain cleaning and leak detection. Our team prioritizes safety and is fully insured. Most importantly, we’ll make sure the issue is resolved permanently.
Call us today for an appointment and see our recent blog on this topic here.