Water Heater Repair and Installation
A water heater is an appliance that’s easy to forget about—until you’re taking cold showers. And by then, it’s too late for preventive maintenance. That’s why it’s important to call in Mount Pleasant Plumbing and Heating the greater Plymouth, MA plumber of choice when your water heater shows signs of trouble. We'll address the issue with a prompt, thorough repair.
Water Heater Repair
If you’re noticing your hot water isn’t as hot as you’d like it to be or notice discolored water from the hot water tap, it might be time to get your hot water heater checked out. Over time, water heaters often suffer from sediment build-up that can damage the tank. To remove these sediments, it may be necessary to drain and flush your tank.
If you spot metal or rust in your tank’s water, call your local plumbing pro right away! These particles may indicate the anode rod needs to be replaced. The anode rod’s purpose is to be sacrificial by design to attract corrosive chemicals in the water and keep them from rusting the tank liner.
If the water heater liner corrodes, the unit can start leaking—and if the drain pan under the water heater is old or incorrectly installed, you may end up with water damage to your floors, ceilings or wall, depending on the location of your appliance.
Caution: Be sure to turn off the power at your circuit breaker or shut off the gas before doing any kind of water heater inspection.
Water Heater Installation
Installing on a new water heater used to be relatively straightforward: take out the old one and replace it with a newer model. Today, you have more options to consider, many of which can improve energy efficiency and the green living profile of your home while saving you money at the same time. Typically, you’ll have a choice between gas, electric, tankless, and even solar-powered water heaters.
Choose the right water heater for you:
More options can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you’re more likely to get exactly what you want without having to compromise. On the other, you’ll have to do more research to understand the pros and cons of each type of water heater and which ones comply with the latest Department of Energy water heater standards. Here are a few things to consider when you’re shopping for a new water heater:
Number of people living in your home (hot water demand)
How well your old unit supplied your demand
Fuel type, availability, and cost
The estimated energy efficiency of various models
Length of warranty
Maintenance and repair information
Cost of the unit as it relates to annual operating cost
Local municipal code requirements
Energy efficiency considerations:
Although gas and electric water heaters can lose some efficiency because water is constantly being heated in the tank, current efficiency standards are much improved over the past. Spending a little extra up front will give you a more efficient water heater, saving you money in the long run. Look for an R-12 to R-25 insulation rating.
With tankless water heaters, you can save money by not heating and reheating the same water in the tank.
Cost considerations:
Water heater prices vary for a wide range of reasons, including the local municipal code/permit requirements, water line connections, gas line, strapping, access, and type of water heater. Contacting a professional plumber for a free in-person evaluation is the best way to check pricing.
Tankless Water Heaters
With more homeowners looking for ways to save on overall energy costs, many are starting to consider whether a tankless water heater installation is the right choice for them. Also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, tankless water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed and never run out of hot water.
Having constant access to hot water is one of the most sought out pleasures in today’s homes. The problem is that you don’t actually have unlimited hot water if you still rely on a tank. When you have multiple bathrooms and a high demand for hot water, even large hot water tanks can run out.
How does a tankless water heater work?
Whether you have a gas or an electric tankless water heater, it’s capable of supplying your home with an almost endless supply of hot water on demand. Without a tank, the water is instantly heated as it passes through the device. That means there is less energy spent on maintaining a high temperature for water that isn’t being used.
Just like any other appliance, there are a few components that keep your tankless water heater going. Regular maintenance will make sure these parts are in good condition:
Heat exchanger: Made of copper tube or stainless steel, a small quantity of water is stored inside, transferring the heat to the water that is flowing through.
Safety features: Includes sensors to detect temperature and water flow, fan speed monitoring and a valve for pressure relief.
Combustion elements: In gas units only; includes a combustion chamber, gas valves, and combustion fan.
Venting: Gas water heaters vent air out using a direct vent, power vent, or atmospheric vent.
Tankless Water Heater Repair
You’ve already made the switch to a tankless water heater, so you’re enjoying advantages like a smaller unit with a longer lifespan and more cost and energy efficiency. But that doesn’t mean your tankless water heater will never run into issues. Our expert plumbers know how to repair all kinds of water heaters, including tankless, so give us a call and we’ll help you enjoy more comfort—and hot showers.
Although tankless water heaters are generally reliable, there are a few reasons you might be experiencing lukewarm or cold water. If you have hard water, over time, the minerals might clog up the openings and need to be cleaned out. Tankless water heaters generally need to be flushed out every six months to two years, depending on the quality of your water and the effects of regular wear and tear.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
There are plenty of benefits to having a tankless water heater. Not only do they take up less space, but they also tend to last a lot longer, saving you money and energy in the long run. That being said, regular tankless water heater maintenance is still important to keep it running smoothly for as long as possible. To keep your tankless water heater running well, it’s important to do two types of regular maintenance: checking the in-line screen filter for debris and flushing the unit to keep it free of scale and lime, particularly in homes with hard water and without a whole home water softener system.
Give us a call or send us an email to set up an appointment!