Water Heater Maintenance to Keep Your Hot Water Flowing
Your home’s water system needs regular maintenance to keep it in good shape. Depending on the water heating system you have, this might include:
- Tank maintenance: The hot water tank needs to be drained, flushed, and refilled every 6 to 12 months to keep it free from sediment.
- Anode rod check and replacement: Tank systems have an anode rode that protects against rust and corrosion. The rod should be checked regularly and replaced at least every three years.
- Pressure release: Hot water tanks have a pressure-release valve that regulates the pressure inside the tank. This should be checked regularly to make sure it’s functional. It is best to catch a faulty safety valve before you are counting on it to function properly.
- Descaler: Installing a descaler reduces the sediment in the unit and in your home’s water lines, saving the efficiency of the heater as well as making your unit last longer.
- Plus: Adjusting water temperature and replacing insulation, as needed.
Keeping up with regular maintenance ensures your family’s hot water supply is plentiful and uninterrupted. If you’d rather leave maintenance to the experts, you can rely on CW Service Pros for water heater repair and maintenance in Frisco, Texas. With CW Service Pros on the job, you’ll never have to worry about your hot water supply.
How Do You Know If Your Water Heater Needs Repairs?
Performing regular maintenance is the best way to take care of your hot water system. Even so, there might be times where your hot water heater is not pulling its weight.
The most obvious warning sign is that there’s cold water coming out of the hot water side of the faucet. If there’s no hot water or you’re running out of hot water more quickly than usual, that’s a definite indication that there’s a problem.
You might also notice some other warning signs:
- Water tank corrosion
If you spot corrosion on the hot water tank or its fittings, it’s important to address this immediately. Otherwise, those small corrosion spots will grow and may one day lead to a burst pipe or a burst tank, resulting in flooding and potentially costly water damage.
- A bulging hot water tank
A bulging tank is a sign of a problem with the pressure valve. This can cause the tank to burst and needs professional attention from a Frisco plumber ASAP.
- Noisy tank
Unusual noises are a sign that sediment is building up inside the tank. You can safely clean the tank by:
- Switching off your electric or gas
- Letting the tank cool down
- Opening the valve
- Flushing out the unit
For your convenience, feel free to call CW Service Pros for hot water tank maintenance in Frisco, TX.
Noises could include:
- Creaks
- Knocks
- Whines
- Bangs
- Crackling
- Gurgles
- Your utility bill spikes
If you see a sudden spike in heating costs, your hot water system may be the culprit. If you can’t figure out the cause of the spike, call a professional for expert advice.
How Do You Know If You Need Water Heater Repair or Water Heater Replacement?
Problems with your hot water heater may mean it needs repairs of some kind. But sometimes it’s actually better to replace a broken water heater instead of trying to repair it. To help you make this decision, here are a few questions to consider.
Age: How old is your existing water heater? Did it break down for a specific reason, or just because it’s old? If it’s close to the end of its lifespan (typically 10 years or so for a tanked unit or more for a tankless unit), replacing it makes more sense than if it’s only a couple years old. If it’s still relatively new, part repair may be more cost-effective.
Your hot water needs: Does your current hot water system meet the needs of the household? If not, this could be a good time for an upgrade.
Cost: 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? Replacing an older tank may be more cost-effective than repairing it, especially if you consider that the existing tank could break down again in the future.
For Frisco water heater repair and new system installation, CW Service Pros are the experts you can rely on. Our licensed service professionals can:
- Offer repair recommendations
- Help you choose a new hot water system
- Perform any needed repairs or installation work to a high standard
Call us today, and we’ll get your hot water back on ASAP.
Considering a New Water Heater? Here Are Your Options
If water heater installation is in the cards, then you have some important decisions to make. Hot water tanks aren’t the only way to heat water for home use—now there are tankless hot water systems too.
Conventional Tank Water Heaters
These systems store water in a large tank that holds 30 to 50 gallons of water, using an element or flame to keep it hot. Tank-style systems can be powered via electricity or gas.
Pros & Cons
- Cost
Tank-style systems have the lowest up-front costs but are less efficient at heating water because the system works by keeping the tank and water hot at all times. In addition, the older the unit is, the less efficient it becomes because of sediment buildup in the tank.
- Water usage
Tanks hold a finite amount of water. Once it’s gone, it takes several hours to heat more. On heavy-use days, your family may run out of hot water, especially if you have a lot of family members using showers at the same time.
- Installation/space requirements
Hot water tanks are large, and typically have to be installed in a storage closet or attic. In a smaller home, finding the space may be difficult.
- Lifespan
Electric hot water tanks last around 10 years. Gas-powered tanks have a lifespan around 8 to 12 years.
Tankless Hot Water Systems
Tankless systems heat water instantly—on demand—rather than heating stored water. They can run on electricity or gas.
Pros & Cons
- Cost
Tankless systems have a higher upfront cost, but they have lower running costs. You only heat water as you need it, so you’re not paying to keep water continuously hot. However, since the supply of water is not limited, some people may find they are using more heated water than they did previously, which could offset the potential savings.
- Water usage
Hot water is heated instantly on-demand, meaning no matter how much you use, you’ll never run out. If your family members love taking extended showers or filling up jacuzzi tubs to bathe, then a tankless unit may be your best bet.
If you have an electric tankless water system, you do risk running into problems if your power goes out, as you won’t have access to hot water. In addition, electric tankless units are not the best at heating the water as it passes through the system. Some people find them to be too expensive and not adequate for supplying an entire home. They are good to use for things like heating water for a soaker or jacuzzi tub or heating water to go into a steam shower.
- Installation/space requirements
Tankless systems use a water-heating unit that is significantly smaller than the average hot water tank, though gas-powered tankless systems have higher space needs than electrical systems because they require extra ventilation.
Installing a tankless water heater can be complicated because you may need to install a new electric or gas line. Gas-powered tankless units also have venting needs that may be different than what’s installed in your home, requiring it to be changed to accommodate the installation of the new tankless heater.
- Lifespan
Tankless hot water systems have a lifespan of over 20 years, though that can be shorter if they’re in area that can freeze, like on a brick ledge outdoors or in the attic.
Learn more about the signs that it’s time to replace your water heater here.
What’s the Best Water Heater for Your Home?
For home hot water systems, you’ll generally have a choice between tankless and tank-style systems. Each kind also has gas and electric versions.
Tank or Tankless?
Tankless water heaters cost more to install, but they cost less to run, so you may save money over time. Tankless systems last longer but require annual maintenance. Tanked systems require maintenance but not as often as their tankless counterparts. Tankless water heaters don’t need as much installation room, so they can be installed even in smaller homes and apartments.
Provided you can afford the upfront water heater installation costs, the tankless hot water system is a good choice for most families. However, a tank-style system is still a good options as long as you choose a tank size that meets your family’s needs, you’ll have plenty of hot water.
Gas or Electric?
For both tank-style and tankless systems, gas has several advantages. These systems tend to need less maintenance and cost less to run, in comparison to electric systems. Gas systems also have a lower carbon footprint. And since they’re electricity-independent, you’ll still have hot water in the event of a power outage.
Gas systems have few downsides. The main problem applies if you choose a tankless gas system: They need more ventilation, which means the installation takes up more space.
What’s Your Hot Water Usage?
Thinking about your family’s hot water usage habits is another way to help you make your new water heater decision:
- When does your family use the most hot water? Usually, it’s either mornings or evenings.
- Estimate your total hot water usage by adding up the flow rate for each faucet or appliance that your family uses during that busy time. For instance, this might include a shower, dishwasher, clothes washer, and a faucet. The sum is your peak flow rate in gallons per minute.
- For tank systems, look for a tank with a “first hour” rating that meets or exceeds your peak flow rate. This rating measures 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. Tankless systems also rate according to temperature. For most families, a temperature around 120° Fahrenheit is ideal. Families with young children may prefer a lower temperature, for safety reasons.
Read more about the different types of water heaters here.
Choose CW Service Pros for Water Heater Repair in Frisco, TX
- Same-day appointments
We do our best to offer same-day appointments whenever possible. We serve many of the surrounding neighborhoods, including Frisco, Allen, Plano, Carrollton, Lewisville, and more!
- Courteous and experienced plumbers
Every CW Service Pros plumbing technician undergoes a background check and receives ongoing training in plumbing and customer care.
- Simple, upfront pricing
We never surprise you with hidden cost or extra fees. We review your case, give you a written estimate, then get to work.
- Satisfaction guaranteed
If you’re not happy with our work for any reason, we’ll stay on the job until you are.
- Brands you can trust
We only use quality parts and water heaters from brands such as:
- Rinnai®
- Noritz®
- Rheem®
And we offer extended warranties!
- Disposal of old water heater
We’ll deliver your new water heater and get rid of your old unit!
- On-call for emergencies
We’re here to help 24/7, so call any day, any time when you have an emergency on your hands.
- City permits
If a permit is needed to complete the work, we’ll pull the permit and schedule the inspection. You won’t need to worry about a thing!
- Our customers love us!
We’ve received multiple recognitions and awards from sites such as Angi, Expertise.com, Thumbtack, and more! We’re also A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau!
Check Out Our Financing Options for Water Heater Repair and Plumbing Services
It’s never good to put off essential plumbing work, so we offer multiple financing options for your convenience. CW Service Pros partners with Synchrony Financial, with a range of payment plans for the purchase and installation of a new water heater. Terms range from 18, months with as little as 0% interest and several low-interest revolving credit terms with approved credit. We also offer 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 water heater! Get even more savings as a Gold Member with CW Service Pros. Click here to learn more.
For All Your Frisco, TX Water Heater Needs
Problems with your hot water? Call CW Service Pros to get a licensed professional plumber to your Frisco home ASAP. Whether it’s a quick hot water tank repair or a new hot water installation, you can rely on the expertise of our Frisco, TX plumbers.
Call CW Service Pros today on 972-395-2597. We deliver same-day appointments whenever possible, and we always aim to please!
