Tag: water heater installation

Conventional Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters

When it is time to invest in a new water heater for your home, it is not a decision to make lightly. They are an investment and one that, if properly maintained and taken care of, can last for many years. The longevity of the hot water heater is why it is important to consider the difference between the water heaters available to you, and ensure you are installing the right one for your home.

There are two main types of water heaters: conventional water heaters and tankless water heaters. The difference lies in whether the heater itself stores the water.

Conventional Water Heaters

Conventional, or traditional, water heaters are what are most commonly found in most homes. A conventional water heater is composed of an insulated tank which typically holds 30-50 gallons of water and heats and stores the water as needed. The water flows out of the tank through a pipe at the top and is delivered through the plumbing system to the destination it is needed – the bathroom, kitchen, or another faucet in the home.

Conventional water heater installations are most common due to their lower initial cost to purchase and install, and in the event of repairs and maintenance, they are much simpler and cheaper to repair. The main drawback of conventional water heaters is that they typically need to be replaced more often, lasting about 10-15 years.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heater installations are seen less frequently, only in homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day. Tankless water heaters are more expensive than conventional water heaters but often have a longer lifespan. While conventional water heaters can last anywhere from 10-15 years, tankless water heaters often last more than 20 years and provide an energy savings of 27-50% depending on the number of tankless water heaters in a home and the frequency with which you use water.

The main drawbacks of tankless water heaters are that they are a high-cost up front. While they are an investment and last longer than conventional water heaters, they are more expensive to purchase and install. For tankless water heater service, from routine maintenance to repairs or replacements, it can also be very costly due to the complex nature of the heaters.

The Water Heater Installation For You

The type of water heater installation you choose is up to you and what best fits the needs of your home. Regardless of the option you choose, be sure to have it installed by a trusted Niagara plumbing expert. To book a water heater installation, call Wellbrook Plumbing at 289-686-4695 or click below.

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Signs That it’s Time for a New Water Heater

In most homes, hot water is used on a daily basis. Since we use it so often, water heaters can’t last forever. Your water heater works hard, supplying hot water for your showers, your dishes, your laundry and your sinks constantly. Treating your water heater with care is good for your home. However, this also means knowing when it’s time for a water heater replacement. If you’re a homeowner, it’s important that you’re aware of the signs of serious water heater problems.

How Old Your Water Heater is

The first thing you should consider is the age of your water heater. Typically, a water heater will last eight to twelve years. If you can’t remember how long ago you bought your water heater, that’s okay. Often you can find out from its serial number. Most serial numbers start with a letter and are followed by a series of numbers. The first two numbers following the letter often indicate the year the water heater was manufactured. If your water heater is getting up there in age, it may be time to contact a trusted plumber to take a look at it.

Rust

Unfortunately, we don’t often recognize rust until it ends up in our water. If you think that your water has a rusty tint or an odd flavour, get it checked out. This is often the first sign of a rusty water heater. Call a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater, they may be able to spot the first signs of rust before it seeps into your water.

Loud Noises

As you can imagine, loud noises coming from your water heater are not a good sign. If you hear rumbling coming from that direction, call a licensed plumber to inspect it. These noises may be the result of sediment in your heater. Sediment is minerals, such as calcium, that build up in your water heater. Sediment in your water heater can cause significant damage. Since it usually builds up at the bottom of the tank, close to the gas burner, it can overheat the tank. This ultimately results in deterioration of your tank. If your hot water tank is too deteriorated, it may be time for a new water heater. Get ahold of a licensed plumber as soon as you hear these noises coming from your water heater. They can help you move forward and ensure that the problem does not cause further issues throughout your home.

Leaks

Water surrounding your water heater is never a good sign. It generally means that there is a leak. The metal in hot water tanks can expand due to the number of heating cycles the tank endures. However, not all leaks are due to the expansion of the metal. Sometimes, the surrounding pipes and fittings are the culprit. A leak may be from the overflow pipe or any other connections to the tank. It’s imperative that you get this issue fixed right away. It has the potential to worsen, ruin your belongings and cause problems for the rest of the home. A licensed plumber will advise you whether you’re in need of a new water heater and will do a full home inspection to ensure that it is not affecting the rest of your home.

Water Temperature isn’t Right

We can all agree, it’s pretty frustrating when you think you have hot water but you actually don’t. If your water heater isn’t shut off, this indicates an issue with your water heater. This may be a simple issue, such as a misadjusted thermostat or a tank not big enough to provide for the amount of water you’re using. However, you should get in contact with a licensed plumber as the issue may be the result of a broken water heater.

Contact a Trusted Plumber

A water heater that is showing signs of trouble may not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. However, it’s important that your water heater is in the best shape possible to protect the plumbing throughout your entire home. If your water heater is showing any of these signs, you should contact a trusted plumber. At Wellbrook, we will help with the issue as well as provide a full home inspection to ensure that there are no further issues. We provide repair and water heater installation services. For more information, get in touch.

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