From Water Main To Sewer Drain
Hot Water Heaters.
Looking for water heater installation or repair? Scott’s Plumbing offers repair or replacement services for all types of water heating solutions. Give us a call today. 585-384-5490
How long will my water heater last?
On average, a typical hot water heater will last approximately 8-12 years. The lifespan of your water heater depends on what type of water heater you have, how well your hot water heater has been maintained and how hard your water is.
How do I know when my water heater needs to be replaced?
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One of the most obvious indicators that your hot water tank needs to be replaced is if it leaks. Hopefully you catch it early and not when it’s flooding your basement!
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Water is not heating properly. If you are not getting consistent heat during a shower, this could be a sign that it needs to be replaced. BUT it could also be a sign that your tank is full of “gunk” (residue from water). This build up will sit at the bottom of the tank and hinder proper heating of the water.
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If you are hearing loud pops and cracks coming from the tank this could be related to the heating elements going bad.
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If you are starting to detect a metallic taste to your water, it could be a sign that your water heater is going bad.
Choosing the right water heater for your home.
Over the years there have been changes in hot water heaters. The most recent and drastic revision was put into effect April 16, 2015 by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act. All residential water heaters produced in the USA will have to meet increased energy efficiency standards. This may affect the water heater you choose to purchase. The size of the water heaters has increased an average of 2 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height, which means a larger space will be required to install a hot water heater.
Which is better? Tank vs. Tankless Hot Water Heater
If you have a high demand for hot water in your home, and utilize it for different uses at the same time such as washing dishes while someone is in the shower, a properly sized tank water heater is the better choice. While it is possible for the tank to become exhausted, a tankless water heater can be overwhelmed by such high demand needs. However, you can also use multiple tankless appliances throughout your home to supply different points of use.
Although the tankless hot water heater is more energy efficient (a savings of $60 - $80 per year), they initially cost more than the storage tank hot water heaters. If you are looking at overall savings, it could take 22 years to “break even” which is longer that the life-span of the tankless water heater.
Also take into consideration the upkeep cost of tank vs. tankless. Tankless water heaters have more parts and intricate controls. The more complex the device, the more that can go wrong.
If you are still considering a tankless water heater, be sure too read the fine print on the warranty. You will likely find the warranty is void on a tankless water heater if a qualified technician doesn’t service it frequently.