Water Heater Services
All water heater manufacturers recommend at least an annual service on all their water heaters. This usually involves draining and flushing the tank and cleaning the burner assembly. Additionally, every 4 to 5 years, the anode rod should be replaced. The anode rod will slow the corrosion of any exposed metal, including taps and welded joints. Excessive corrosion is the leading cause of most complete water heater failures and the timely replacement of the unit’s anode rod will serve to extend its life.
Water Heater Repair
One of the most common calls we receive is, “my water heater isn’t working properly…can you help?” The answer is always, yes! In the event your unit is not working properly, our licensed plumbers will identify the problem and provide the solution. We will install top quality parts and service your water heater for a reasonable price.
Water Heater Installation and Replacement
Whether it is a new installation, or it is the replacement of an existing water heater…we can help! The life expectancy for most units is between eight (8) and twelve (12) years. In some cases, it may be more expedient to replace an old water heater as opposed to performing another repair. At this point we will help you decide which unit is right for you based on initial expense, unit quality and ongoing operating expense.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
Tankless water heaters offer homeowners a unique space and money saving opportunity. Also, homeowners install tankless heaters in crawlspaces and on the exterior of their homes, to remove the liability posed by an existing attic or closet installation. These units can provide as much hot water as you require, but only when you require it. As such, they are far more energy efficient which is better for your wallet and the environment! We offer a full line of tankless systems to meet your needs and budget. More information here
Tankless Water Heater Repair and Servicing
As with regular water heaters, tankless water heaters must also be serviced periodically. They need to be de-scaled/de-limed and the inlet screens removed and cleaned. Whether a repair or a regular service, we are qualified to maintain your tankless water heater.
Unlicensed Plumbers
Please be aware of unlicensed plumbers and handymen that install standard vent water heaters in a direct vent application. Neither your life nor your family’s life is worth the savings. Not only do you run the risk of burning your house down, you also run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Natural gas or propane water heater venting applications must be strictly adhered to!
Water Heater 101
Safety should always be the #1 concern when attempting to service or replace a water heater. This safety concern is definitely true for all water heaters regardless of the unit size. Water heaters utilize very potent energy sources, the most common being natural gas, electricity and propane. Also, most units are extremely heavy (yes even tankless units) and they operate under high pressures and temperatures. Natural gas and propane water heaters emit gases such as, carbon monoxide that are hazardous to your health.
Tanked water heaters should always be placed on a level surface. This is especially true for attic and garage installations where bodily injury and property damage can occur. That level surface must also be compliant with the fuel type. For example, only a metal and not a plastic pan should be placed under a gas fired water heater in the attic. That level surface or floor or stand must also be rated and/or constructed to support the weight of the water heater when it is filled. For example a 50 gallon water heater weighs approx. 560lbs. One gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 lbs.
When servicing an electric water heater the power should be turned off and the electrical disconnect or breaker must be in plain view. This reduces the possibility of someone else restoring power to the unit while the technician is working on it. Given the fact that most electric water heater units operate on 240 volts, a simple misstep like this can result in severe injury or worse.
Always be aware of the various shut-offs: water shut-off valve; gas shut-off valve/gascock; electrical breaker or disconnect. Please do not assume that they are functioning as intended, because all valves eventually breakdown and fail.
Water Heater Maintenance
All manufacturers recommend at least an annual service on all their water heaters. This usually involves draining and flushing the tank and cleaning the burner assembly. Additionally, every 4 to 5 years, the anode rod should be replaced. Anode rods are difficult to get to and remove and its service should be performed by a licensed professional. The anode rod will slow the corrosion of any exposed metal, including taps and welded joints. Excessive corrosion is the leading cause of most complete water heater failures and the timely replacement of the unit’s anode rod will extend its life.
Water heaters expand and contract continuously. The more intense expansions occur when the incoming water temperature is reduced by the change in season. Now the “Delta” or the desired change in water temperature is that much greater resulting in greater expansion. This is why a greater percentage of units fail in the fall and winter.
Water heaters can be flushed quite easily, but it can become expensive if you don’t properly manage your energy source. For example, when flushing electric water heaters, the power source must be turned off for the duration of the service and should only be turned on after the unit is filled and the air in the tank is completely purged. If you are not comfortable doing this, then please call a licensed plumbing professional.
Water Heater Repair or Replacement
The life expectancy for most units is between eight (8) and twelve (12) years. If your water heater is over 10 years old and it needs either a gas valve or burner assembly or major electrical rebuild, then we will generally recommend replacement and not repair. Of course, if there is a water tank leak then the option to repair is taken away.
A six (6) year manufacturer’s warranty is the industry standard on most tanked water heaters. Some retailers increase their warranty and the price accordingly, but from our factory tours, most manufacturers use the same metal, welds and protective coatings.
When it comes to water heaters, unit cost is inversely related to efficiency. This simply means, the lower the cost of the unit the less efficient and consequently, the more expensive that unit will be to operate. It’s mostly a matter of how you would like to pay – less upfront but more to operate or more upfront and less to operate. Having established that fact, then this is what you should generally anticipate:
Fuel Tank Vent Efficiency Cost Manufacturer’s Warranty
& Electric Yes N/A Least X 6 Years
Natural Gas/Propane Yes Standard/Top
Vent/Regular Good X multiplied by 1.4 6 years
NG/Propane Yes Direct Vent Better X multiplied by 2.3 6 years
NG/Propane Yes Condensing Best X multiplied by 4 6 years
NG/Propane Tankless Direct Vent
or Standard Best X multiplied by 4 12 years