Plumber Tips: Are Tankless Water Heaters More Efficient Than Traditional Heaters? | Universal City, TX
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Some homeowners take their water heater for granted — they neglect to maintain it until the unit starts to malfunction. They may encounter fluctuating water temperatures or they run out of hot water. Fortunately, water heaters don’t break down right away without showing signs. You’ll know when the water heater is about to break down or when it’s time for repairs. To avoid more costly repairs down the road or a complete replacement, please don’t ignore the warning signs. If there is a problem, contact a plumber in Universal City, TX, at the soonest possible time.
Why Do Water Heaters Go Bad?
A conventional water heater comprises a water storage tank usually installed in the basement. In the center of the water heater, you’ll see a pipe enclosing the heating element. The water heater configuration depends on whether they are gas or electricity-powered. If you got a new water heater, the storage tank might already have an insulating blanket to avoid energy loss. Get an insulating blanket if there’s none to conserve more energy.
A standard water heater can last 10-15 years, depending on the maintenance performed. Over time, you may start having issues with your water heater, such as a corroded tank or the burner stops working. You may also have to replace some of the system components. One thing to remember, though: if you keep having to deal with a malfunctioning water heater, it may be more cost-effective to get it replaced as plumbing repairs can add up over time. To install new heaters, please make sure to only hire a licensed plumber in Universal City, TX, to ensure it’s correctly installed.
Signs That Your Hot Water Heater May Break Down Completely
You can save money when you know when to call a plumber to get your water heater repaired. Below are the signs you need to watch out for. Contact a plumbing company immediately to avoid more costly repairs with your water heater.
Age of the Hot Water Heater
If you moved into a new home with an old water heater, check the label to see when it was installed. You may also get the brand name of the water heater along with the serial number and check online to see when it was manufactured. When the water heater is no longer that efficient, you can save money by buying an energy-efficient water heater.
Contact one of our plumbers in Universal City, TX, to help you make an informed decision on what water heater to purchase for your home. Later in the article, we’ll discuss the benefits of buying tankless water heaters for your home. You may want to consider it if you want to save more money in the long run. But for installation, ensure that you only hire a licensed plumber near you.
One thing to also remember: if your water heater is more than ten years old and it keeps giving you issues, hire a plumber for an inspection. Reliable and trusted plumbers can help you determine whether it’s time to get a new water heater.
Water Leaks
Leaks from the storage tank are one of the signs that your water heater is failing. The leaks could be dripping from the storage tank, or they may be coming from the pipes. You may also see a pool of water underneath the water heater tank. Water damage can cost you a fortune in repairs and restorations, so make sure that you contact a plumber immediately so they can help you fix the leak.
The problem could be that the connections are loose or the valves are not sealed completely. Call a plumber so they can check the components, tighten them or ask you to get a replacement. Unfortunately, when the leaks are coming from the water heater tank, you will have no choice but to get a new unit.
Consider getting an energy-efficient water heater if you want to save money. It may be a little expensive, but it’s more beneficial than conventional water heaters. Please make sure that you only hire a licensed plumber in Universal City, TX, for installation.
Fluctuating Water Temperature
How is the water temperature in the shower? If it’s not consistent, the problem could be the thermostat or the heating elements. You’re fortunate when it’s just the thermostat — or you will have a bigger problem when the heating elements are broken.
Contact a professional for an inspection. And again, you need to consider the age of the water heater to help you decide whether you should get a new one or not. You get to enjoy cost savings if you invest in an energy-efficient water heater.
You Quickly Run Out of Hot Water
If you have a conventional water heater, it’s essential to flush the tank at least once a year to remove the sediment buildup. Otherwise, the particles could settle at the bottom of the tank, and it’s going to leave you with less hot water. Failure to flush the sediment build-up may result in corroded or clogged valves. You will have a bigger problem when this happens. The only choice you may have is to get a replacement. Contact one of our professionals to help you decide which water heater tank to purchase for your home.
Low Water Pressure
There could be a sediment buildup in the water heater tank when there’s low water pressure. Consider flushing your water heater to see if it will fix the low water pressure. Otherwise, contact a plumber in Universal City, TX, to inspect and help you repair your water heater.
If your tank builds up sediment faster, there could be a higher concentration of hard water in your plumbing. Consider installing a water softener to soften the water and avoid significant sediment build-up in the water heater tank. Reach out to us if you’re planning to get a water softener so we can help you install it.
Strange Noises
When you hear unusual noises, the heating element of your water heater could be broken. You need to call a plumber immediately to check the system components of your water heater tank. They may flush out the water first and inspect the tank after. Should they advise you to get a new water heater, consider getting an energy-efficient unit to conserve more energy. Please remember to hire a licensed plumber to help you install the new unit.
Discolored Water
Your water heater could be failing when you see discolored water coming from the tap. Rusty water may not harm you, but it won’t be good for the appliance as it can damage its parts. Also, they don’t taste good. Contact a professional immediately so they can help you inspect the water heater and fix it. They may ask you to get a complete replacement if it’s beyond repair.
Should You Switch to a Tankless Water Heater?
If your water heater tank fails, a professional plumber will ask you to get a replacement unit. Use this helpful guide to help you decide whether it’s more beneficial to get a tankless water heater than another water heater tank for your home.
How tankless water heater works:
Also called demand water heater, a tankless water heater doesn’t have any storage tank. Unlike a conventional water heater tank where your water is stored and constantly heated, a tankless water heater only heats the water when you need hot water. No water is heated if you don’t turn on the tap.
With the tankless water heaters, the water is directly heated. When you turn on the tap or the shower, cold water travels through your plumbing pipes and the tankless water heater. An electric element or a gas burner would heat the water. However, a tankless water heater can limit the flow rate. Tankless units typically provide about 2 to 5 gallons of water per minute. If there are many people in the household, you’ll need to have a tankless water heater with a bigger flow rate. Contact one of our plumbers in Universal City, TX, to help you decide which unit to purchase for your home.
It’s possible to run out of hot water if you don’t have the correct flow rate. You can remedy this by installing separate tankless water heaters for different appliances. Call our plumbers to provide you with several options on how to go about this.
Tankless Water Heater VS Regular Hot Water Heater Tank
Standard water heaters can last from 10 to 15 years, while a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years and even more, especially when you perform regular water heater maintenance.
While tankless water heaters are more expensive than a regular water heater, they conserve more energy. In the long run, you get to save more money. Also, because they last longer, that means that you won’t have to keep buying another water heater every ten years.
You can save up to 34 percent energy when you invest in a tankless water heater and can save about 40 gallons of water every day. You get to save more — up to 50 percent energy when you install a water heater at each hot water outlet. An average family can save up to $100 annually for the savings. Add it up every year, and you get significant savings.
Choosing a Tankless Water Heater
Get in touch with us if you need help choosing a water heater. First, you need to decide how many appliances you need to use at one time as that will help you calculate the flow rate.
Don’t worry; our team of expert professionals can help you choose the best brand of tankless water heater for your home, and we can also help you install it.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Besides the energy efficiency and the increased lifespan, you won’t need a bigger space with the tankless water heater. You can easily mount the unit on your bathroom wall, whereas the water heater storage tank will need to be installed in the basement or other areas of your home. If you have a regular water heater tank and fail to perform regular maintenance, the unit could also leak water, and you may have to pay for significant water damage. And remember, water can also damage the foundation of your home. You won’t have to worry about costly water heater leaks when you have a tankless water heater. For installation, do make sure to only work with a licensed plumber.
With the tankless water heater, you get unlimited water if you have the correct flow rate. It also requires less maintenance compared to conventional water heaters. You’re also helping the environment because you’re not constantly using energy to heat the water.
Are tankless water heaters a good investment?
If you ask us, we highly recommend that you consider it because you get to conserve more energy and save money in the long run. However, you must hire qualified plumbers for the installation to ensure it’s correctly installed. Poor installation can also lead to other problems such as inefficiency issues and frequent repairs.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio
Are you planning to install a tankless water heater? Please get in touch with one of our plumbers in Universal City, TX. Our team of licensed experts are highly experienced with tankless heaters. We can work with any make or model and are skilled with repairs and maintenance.
In addition, we also provide a wide range of plumbing services to all homeowners and businesses. Get in touch with us today for an appointment.
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