Performance Plumbing Blog: Archive for November, 2020

Holiday Plumbing Tips for a Happy Home

Monday, November 23rd, 2020

couple-cooking-holiday-dinnerIt seems like we blinked and then the holiday season was upon us, right? Like it or not, it’s time to start making plans—and of course this year those plans are going to look a lot different than we thought they would. Still though, whether it’s your adult children coming over or a few people in your “quaranbubble” the fact is that you might be having guests over for the holidays. And with guests comes an increased demand on your plumbing system, believe it or not.

Read on as we uncover some of the most common plumbing repair calls we get this time of the year, and learn what to do about them.

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Water Heater Installation: Should You Go with a Tank or Tankless?

Monday, November 9th, 2020
Hot water flowing from a faucet with steam rising, indicating tankless water heater installation.

When it comes to water heater service, it’s important to answer common questions about who should handle installation or repairs. Professional water heater service is essential to ensure your system is installed correctly, maintained regularly, and ready to support your daily routine with minimal disruption. Water heaters play a crucial role in keeping your house comfortable and functional, providing hot water for showers, cleaning, and more.

If there is any appliance in the average home that gets taken the most for granted, we’re going to hazard a guess and say it’s the water heater. We rely on these systems the most out of all the other systems in our home, but don’t typically think about them, until something goes wrong. When your water heater stops working, it can disrupt your daily routine and requires prompt, reliable service to restore comfort. Dealing with the inconvenience of no hot water can be a major challenge, making it important to address repairs quickly.

While a handyman can answer minor water heater needs and is suitable for small jobs, a certified plumber is the best choice for complex installation or repair tasks.

Introduction to Water Heaters

Water heaters are the unsung heroes of our daily routines, quietly ensuring that hot water is always ready when we need it—whether it’s for a relaxing shower, washing dishes, or doing laundry. As a crucial part of any residential or commercial plumbing system, a reliable water heater keeps hot water flowing throughout your home, supporting comfort and convenience every day.

There are several different types of water heaters to choose from, each offering unique advantages. Electric water heaters are a popular choice for many homeowners thanks to their straightforward installation and safety features. Heating elements in electric water heaters are a common failure point and may need to be replaced to fix issues with hot water supply. Gas water heaters, on the other hand, are known for their efficiency and ability to heat water quickly, making them ideal for households with higher hot water usage. Tankless systems, also called on-demand or tankless models, provide endless hot water by heating water only when you need it, saving space and energy in the process.

No matter which type of water heater you have, professional water heater services are essential to keep your system working properly. From expert water heater installation to timely water heater repair, trained technicians ensure your unit operates safely and efficiently. Routine maintenance—such as checking the temperature and pressure relief valve, inspecting the anode rod, and removing sediment buildup—can help prevent common problems like leaks, corrosion, and strange noises, while also extending the life of your water heater. Common issues that may require service include broken heating elements, thermostat problems, and sediment buildup. The average lifespan of a tank water heater is 10 years, and if your unit is over 8–12 years old, it may be time for repair or replacement. Heating element replacement is necessary for electric units failing to produce hot water.

Choosing the right water heater for your home involves considering factors like hot water usage, available space, energy efficiency, and your household’s specific needs. Whether you’re interested in electric units, gas systems, or the latest tankless models, professional installation and regular maintenance are key to enjoying reliable hot water and peace of mind. If your water heater develops a problem, it’s important to call a professional to fix the issue and restore your hot water supply.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the details of water heater installation, repair, and maintenance, explore the benefits of professional services, and help you decide which type of water heater is the best fit for your home or business.

Hot Water Needs and Usage

Understanding your household’s hot water needs is the first step toward a successful water heater installation. Every home is unique, and the amount of hot water you require depends on several factors, including the number of people living in your house, your daily routines, and your personal preferences. For example, a busy family with multiple bathrooms and frequent laundry loads will have a much higher hot water usage than a single resident in a compact apartment.

Professional water heater services can help you accurately assess your hot water demand by considering your lifestyle, the frequency of showers, dishwashing, and laundry, as well as any special requirements you might have. This assessment ensures that your new water heater is sized correctly, so you always have reliable hot water flowing when you need it most. Choosing the right heater for your installation means you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water during peak times or wasting energy on an oversized unit. By working with professionals, you can be confident that your water heater installation will meet your needs, support your daily life, and provide consistent, efficient hot water for years to come.

What are the benefits of installing a tankless water heater?

Installing a tankless water heater provides on-demand hot water, greater energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional tanks. The main difference between tank and tankless water heaters is that tank models store and continuously heat a large volume of water, while tankless units heat water only as needed, providing hot water instantly and saving energy. These units save space, reduce standby energy loss, and offer lower utility bills over time. While initial installation can be more expensive, the long-term savings often outweigh the upfront cost. It’s important to consider both the immediate and future costs when choosing a water heater, as ongoing energy expenses and investment value can impact your overall savings.

And when something goes wrong that leads you to consider whether to repair or replace your water heater, you’ll probably be tempted to rush into a purchase to get your comfort back as quickly as possible. We really want to encourage you to do your research though, and get our help determining what type of water heater is best for you. Repairs are often cost-effective compared to replacement, but when repair isn’t enough, complete water heater replacement options are available. Sure, you can go with another tank water heater if that’s what you’ve always had. But what if a tankless system could serve you better? A good place to begin is by understanding which water heater fits your needs. Read on to learn more!

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