Photo By CP
Picture this. It’s been a long day at work, and you’re finally in your Bloomington, IL home. You enter into the shower and turn on the tap. But instead of the usual steamy and hot spray, you’re met with brown, slightly warm water. This is a position most homeowners never want to find themselves in but inevitably will depending on the condition of their water heaters.
When you encounter such a scenario, then it could mean your home needs a water heater replacement. There are, however, various myths and misconceptions surrounding water heater appliances and the process of replacing them. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these common myths and misconceptions.
It Is Cheaper To Repair Than To Do A Water Heater Replacement.
The costs of repairing a water heater vary a lot depending on the severity of the damage it has undergone. Various parts such as a leaky temperature-pressure-release valve, a calcified sacrificial anode rod, and insulation can be replaced using simple home tools.
However, as more parts begin to fail, it will be cheaper to replace a water heater in the long run. The expected lifespan of most water heaters is between 5 to 10 years, after which it is advisable to get a replacement.
All Water Heaters Are The Same.
Before getting a water heater replacement, it is advisable to consider your hot water requirements. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), water heating accounts for a quarter of Bloomington, IL, household end-use energy consumption.
Thus, it’s prudent to get a water heater replacement that satisfies your household hot water needs and, at the same time, does not add much to your bills. There are generally two types of water heaters; storage-tank water heaters and tankless water heaters.
Storage-Tank Water Heaters
These are the most common water heaters. They consist of a steel tank in which water is heated and then supplied to the rest of the house through pipes. It has a control unit that allows you to set your desired temperature. If the water temperature exceeds the preset value, it has a pressure-relief and temperature valve that helps bring it down.
This heater is typically powered using natural gas rather than electricity since it is cheaper. You can also get an electric water heater, which costs less to install but will be more expensive in the long run.
If your household requires a large amount of hot water, it is advisable to get a water heater replacement of this type.
Tankless Water Heaters
As implied in its name, this type of water heater does not have a tank. It is, therefore, smaller in comparison to the storage tank water heater. These heaters provide heated water when needed, hence saving you more on bills in addition to space.
Although a water heater replacement of this type is more expensive, the gas-powered heaters save the taxpayer approximately $108 of utility bills per year compared to the conventional tank water heaters. This is according to the U.S. Department of Energy. On the other hand, electric tankless water heaters save $44 per year.
The lifespan of tankless water heaters is 15 to 20 years, which is double that of storage water heaters.
New Water Heaters Do Not Require Maintenance
Once you get a water heater replacement, it will run so efficiently that you may be tempted not to conduct the required maintenance procedures. However, maintaining the water heater frequently beginning from when it is installed will ensure it operates without major hitches for its entire lifetime.
Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod is made of magnesium or aluminum to prevent the heated water from causing rust inside, thus shortening the tank’s lifespan. You can check the anode rod by first draining a few gallons from the tank and then unscrewing the rod. If it is coated with calcium or is less than half an inch, you will need to call a qualified plumber to fix a new one.
Drain the Tank and Wash Off Sediment
Drain away all the water in the tank and then briefly open the water supply valve. This will stir up the sediments at the bottom of the tank. Drain the water collected in the tank and repeat until only clean water comes out of the hose.
Check the Temperature-Pressure-Release Valve
This valve opens when the pressure in the tank gets too high. Start by closing the water supply and shut off the power to the tank. Then put a bucket under the pipe connected to the TPR valve.
Proceed by briefly lifting the tab of the valve and letting go of it. If water keeps flowing, drain a bit of the water and unscrew the valve and get a plumber to replace it for you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat may get faulty over time, and you’ll be required to either replace it. You can also raise or reduce the temperature setting on the thermostat as needed.
Insulate The Tank and The Hot Water Pipes
Insulating the tanks and pipes will reduce energy losses, thus increasing the efficiency of the water heater. Make sure to tape the insulation well enough so that it does not get loose.
Performing these maintenance procedures will ensure your next water heater replacement will be far in the future. Nevertheless, a water heater may get irreparable either due to extended damage or to the fact that it is close to the end of its lifetime.
More signs of this include; the water being too rusty and having an unpleasant metallic taste, a lot of noise, leaking extensively, and the heater not working.
Call Now!
Now that we have debunked these myths, you may consider getting a water heater replacement for your home. You can rely on Covenant Plumbing for all your water heater needs, including piping, sewer and fixture repair, backflow prevention, and flood protection. We serve the Bloomington, IL, region and beyond. Contact us today.
