Water Heater Maintenance to Keep Your Home Water Heater in Great Shape
Like all the mechanical systems that keep your home running, your hot water system needs regular maintenance to remain in optimal condition. Depending on the system you have, this can include tasks such as:
- Draining, flushing, and refilling the tank every 6 to 12 months. This is important to ensure the tank stays free of sediment.
- Adjusting water temperature as needed
- Checking the tank’s anode rod. This is a component of a tank that protects the tank from rust and corrosion. It needs to be checked regularly and replaced approximately every three years.
- Checking the tank’s temperature pressure-release valve. When functioning correctly, this valve opens automatically if the pressure inside the tank is too high.
- Installing a descaler to reduce the sediment that stays in the unit and in the home’s water lines
These are important tasks to complete regularly, so your hot water system continues functioning safely and efficiently. In Carrollton, TX, choose CW Service Pros for water heater repair and maintenance. We’ll get the job done quickly and to a professional standard, so you never have to worry about your hot water supply!
How Do You Know If Your Hot Water Heater Needs Repairs?
Keeping up with regular maintenance is by far the best way to care for your home’s water heater. Even so, there might be times where your water heater is not doing as good a job as it used to.
The most obvious sign there’s something wrong is when cool or cold water comes out of the hot water tap. If you’re running out of hot water sooner than usual or there’s no hot water at all, that’s a definite sign of a problem.
But the lack of hot water isn’t the only thing you might notice if there’s an issue with your water heater. Other signs include:
- Corrosion on the water tank
If you see signs of corrosion on the hot water tank or on any of the pipes or fittings that connect to the tank, it’s a sure bet that there are problems on the way. It’s better to replace the tank or fittings as soon as you notice any corrosion. Put it off, and you may one day be faced with a burst pipe—or worse, a burst tank— leading to flooding and water damage.
- A bulging hot water tank
If the tank is bulging, it means there’s a problem with the pressure valve. This needs professional attention ASAP, as it may cause the tank to burs, or worse, explode.
- The tank is noisy
Unusual noises usually mean there’s sediment collecting inside the tank that needs to be removed. Listen for:
- Creaks
- Knocks
- Crackling
- Whines
- Bangs
- Gurgles
Sediment removal can be done by the homeowner, but put safety first by switching off utilities and letting the water cool before flushing the tank. If you’re not sure about doing it yourself, call CW Service Pros Carrollton plumbers, and let the water heater experts take care of it!
- Your utility bill spikes
If your heating costs suddenly spike, your water heater is a possible culprit, as problems with the system can cause it to lose efficiency, meaning it uses more power to heat your water. If you can’t figure out the problem, call a professional for expert Carrollton water heater advice.
Water Heater Repair or Water Heater Replacement: How to Decide
Your water heater’s not working the way it should, and you know it probably needs repairs of some kind. But in some cases, it makes better sense—both practically and financially—to replace a broken water heater with an entirely new model.
When choosing between repairs and replacement, there are several important questions to consider.
- How old is the existing water heater?
- Did it break down for a specific reason, or just because it’s old?
- Does the home’s current hot water system meet the needs of the household?
- How does the cost of repairs compare to the cost of a new water heater? What if you factor in future repairs on the old system and the increased efficiency of a new unit?
A Carrollton water heater professional like those at CW Service Pros can help you answer these questions. If your existing water heater is only a few years old, then it probably has plenty of life left and just needs repairs.
On the other hand, if your existing water heater is close to the end of its expected lifespan of about 10 years or your current system isn’t meeting your household’s needs, it might be time to consider water heater replacement or upgrade.
Whether you need water heater repair in Carrollton, TX or you’re looking for an entirely new hot water system for your home, CW Service Pros has the experts you can trust. Our licensed professional plumbers can help you make the best choice for your home and family and perform repairs or installation work to get your hot water running ASAP.
Learn more about the signs that it’s time to replace your water heater here.
Time for a New Water Heater? Here Are Your Options
If it’s not possible to repair your existing water heater—or you want to upgrade your system—then you have some important decisions to make. Hot water tanks are no longer your only option for home water heating in Carrollton. Along with conventional tank-style systems, there are tankless hot water systems too.
Conventional Tank Water Heaters
Tank-style hot water systems store water in a large tank and use a flame or element to heat both the tank and the water inside. Tanks commonly hold 30 to 50 gallons of water. These systems can be gas-powered or electric.
Pros & Cons
- Cost
Tank water heater systems are the least expensive in terms of upfront costs, but they’re less efficient than tankless systems because the tank and the water it contains are continuously being heated whether the water’s being used or not.
- Water usage
Another downside with these systems is that on heavy-use days, you may run out of hot water. This means waiting several hours for more water to heat up.
- Installation/space requirements
These systems take up a certain amount of room, typically meaning the tank has to be installed in a storage closet or somewhere in the attic. This isn’t much of an issue if you’re replacing an existing tank, but if you’re installing an entirely new tank, you’ll need to find space for the water heater installation.
- Lifespan
Electric water heaters last about 10 years. Gas water heaters have a shorter lifespan: around 8 to 12 years.
Tankless Hot Water Systems
Tankless systems don’t store and heat the water you use. Instead, it’s heated instantly, on-demand. Like tank-style systems, they can run on either gas or electricity. However, electric units typically aren’t efficient enough to support an entire family’s usage.
Pros & Cons
- Cost
These systems are the most expensive in terms of upfront costs, but they’re more efficient than hot water tanks because you only heat water when you need it. You’re not paying round-the-clock to keep water hot, so the tankless system can be more cost-effective, especially if you are able to install one unit to replace two tanked units.
- Water usage
Hot water is heated instantly on-demand, meaning no matter how much you use, you’ll never run out. While your family will get more water to use, this convenience often means people use items like soaking tubs more often and take extended showers, which may ultimately cost more to run.
The downside is, if you have an electric tankless water system, you’re completely reliant on electricity for hot water. Since the system doesn’t have a hot water reserve, if your power goes out, you won’t have any hot water until the power’s back on. In addition, electric tankless heaters are not effective enough in this area to run an entire household.
- Installation/space requirements
Hot water is heated instantly on-demand, meaning no matter how much you use, you’ll never run out. While your family will get more water to use, this convenience often means people use items like soaking tubs more often and take extended showers, which may ultimately cost more to run.
The downside is, if you have an electric tankless water system, you’re completely reliant on electricity for hot water. Since the system doesn’t have a hot water reserve, if your power goes out, you won’t have any hot water until the power’s back on. In addition, electric tankless heaters are not effective enough in this area to run an entire household.
- Lifespan
Hot water is heated instantly on-demand, meaning no matter how much you use, you’ll never run out. While your family will get more water to use, this convenience often means people use items like soaking tubs more often and take extended showers, which may ultimately cost more to run.
The downside is, if you have an electric tankless water system, you’re completely reliant on electricity for hot water. Since the system doesn’t have a hot water reserve, if your power goes out, you won’t have any hot water until the power’s back on. In addition, electric tankless heaters are not effective enough in this area to run an entire household.
What’s the Best Hot Water Heater for Your Home?
Picking out the best water heater for your home and family isn’t always a straightforward decision. You have to choose between tank-style and tankless systems. Each of these has both electric and gas-powered versions.
Gas or Electric?
Whether tank-based or tankless, gas water heating systems have several advantages. They tend to have lower running costs and need less maintenance than electric systems. In the event of a power outage, you won’t lose your supply of hot water. Gas systems have a lower carbon footprint too.
The main downside of gas applies if you choose a tankless system. Tankless gas-powered systems have higher space requirements and need a larger venting and gas systems than electric systems need. This means they’re not suitable for all homes.
Tank or Tankless?
Tankless water heaters have higher installation costs, but over time, their higher efficiency will help you save. Tankless systems need annual maintenance but may have a longer lifespan than tanked units. They’re also an advantage if you live in a home where space is tight.
Consider Your Hot Water Usage
Thinking about your family’s hot water usage habits is another way to help you decide what’s best:
- What’s your busiest time of the day, in terms of hot water use? For most families, it’s mornings or evenings.
- For your family’s busiest time, estimate your total usage by adding up the flow rate for each faucet or device that uses water, that your family might use simultaneously. This might include a shower, dishwasher, clothes washer, and faucets. The total is your peak flow rate, calculated in gallons per minute.
- For tank systems, look for a tank with a “first hour” rating that meets or exceeds your peak flow rate. The “first hour” rating is a measurement of how much hot water a full tank can supply during the first hour of use.
- For tankless systems, look for a system with a rating that meets or exceeds your peak flow rate. Keep in mind that tankless systems also rate according to temperature. For most families a temperature of around 120° Fahrenheit is ideal.
Read more about the different types of water heaters here.
Choose CW Service Pros for Water Heater Repair in Carrollton, TX
- Same-day appointments
We offer same day appointments whenever we can. We’re based in Lewisville, TX, and we serve many of the surrounding neighborhoods, including Carrollton, Plano, Allen, Frisco, and more!
- Courteous plumbers
Every technician is background checked and receives ongoing training in plumbing and customer care to ensure their knowledge remains current.
- Simple, upfront pricing
You’ll never be blindsided with hidden cost or surprise fees. Once we’ve reviewed your situation, we’ll give you a written estimate before the work starts.
- Brands you can trust
We only use quality parts and brands of water heaters, such as:
- Rheem®
- Rinnai®
- Noritz®
We also offer extended warranties!
- Satisfaction guaranteed
If you’re not happy with our work for any reason, we will continue working until we exceed your expectations!
- 24/7 emergency service
Got a water heater issue that just can’t wait? Call us any time, any day. We’re here to help!
- Disposal of old water heater
We’ll deliver your new water heater and dispose of your old unit!
- City permits
We’ll take care of pulling the permit and scheduling the inspection according to both your Carrollton, TX’s regulations and your convenience.
- Our customers love us!
We’ve received multiple recognitions and awards from sites such as Angi, Thumbtack, Expertise.com, and more! We’re also A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau!
Financing Options for Water Heater Repair and Plumbing Services with CW Service Pros
It’s always more convenient to have options, so at CW Service Pros we offer our customers multiple ways to pay for a new water heater or water heater maintenance. In partnership with Synchrony Financial, we also have a range of payment plans available for the purchase and installation of new water heaters. You can spread the cost over time, with terms from 6 to 36 months and as little as 0% interest.
We have a range of options for warranty on labor and parts. At CW Service Pros, we’re happy to help you choose financing and warranty solutions that give you peace of mind.
Click here to learn more about financing options. And check out our coupons page to learn how you can save on plumbing repairs or get a discount on a new hot water heater! Receive even greater discounts as a Gold Member with CW Service Pros. Click here to learn more.
For All Your Carrollton, TX Water Heater Needs
Having hot water troubles at home? Call CW Service Pros, and we’ll send a licensed professional plumber to your door ASAP. Whether it’s a quick repair job to get you up and running with hot water again or a completely new hot water system, you can rely on the expertise of our Carrollton, TX plumbers.
Call CW Service Pros today on 972-395-2597. We’ll do our best to give you a same-day appointment, to get your home back to normal that much sooner.