heater Archives - Reeves Family Plumbing

Important Things to Know About Water Heater Replacement

A Guide to Water Heater Replacement

Water heater replacement can feel overwhelming, especially when homeowners wait until the old water heater leaves households dealing with cold showers and rising repair bills. However, several signs can signal the need to replace a water heater before homes are stuck without hot water. This guide will help make water heater replacement easier by sharing warning signs that indicate the need to replace a water heater, the benefits of water heater replacement, and comparing electric and gas water heaters.

Warning Signs Water Heater Replacement Is Needed

Homeowners should be able to recognize signs that indicate water heater replacement is needed, so they can call a plumber to inspect their water heater and determine whether replacing it is necessary. Common indicators include:

The water heater is over 10 years old
Frequent repairs are needed
Rusted and corroded water heater
Hot water is discolored or looks rusty, indicating tank corrosion
Hot water with a metallic smell, indicating tank corrosion
Insufficient hot water or inconsistent water temperatures
The water heater is leaking
High water heating costs due to being old and inefficient

Several of these signs have to do with a corroded water heater. Corrosion not only affects hot water quality but also compromises the structural integrity of the tank, which can lead to leaks and water damage. Don’t wait for complete failure before considering replacement. Proactive water heater upgrades can prevent problems and provide more reliable hot water and better efficiency for the household.

Advantages of Water Heater Replacement

Replacing an old water heater and installing a new one can lead to substantial advantages. A modern water heater installation delivers immediate improvements in energy efficiency, which leads to savings on utility bills. Water heaters lose efficiency as they age, and newer models utilize advanced technology for better efficiency, so replacing an old and inefficient water heater with a new high-efficiency water heater can lead to significant savings.

The financial benefits of a water heater replacement can also go beyond water heating costs. Aging water heaters are more likely to experience problems and require water heater repair, so a newly installed water heater will be more reliable with a lower risk of issues. This can help save money on repair costs.

Perhaps one of the most noticeable benefits is the improved hot water recovery rate and consistent temperature control that new water heaters can provide. Unlike older models that may struggle to meet household demands, modern units can heat water fast and maintain temperature more effectively. This makes water heater replacement a worthwhile investment for households tired of an unpredictable hot water supply and the frustration and discomfort that comes with it.

Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters

When installing a new water heater, homeowners may not know whether to choose a gas water heater or an electric water heater. Each type has its benefits, so the best option for a household may depend on what factors homeowners consider important. A plumber can also help homeowners determine which would work best for their household.

Electric water heaters have a few distinct benefits. They have a lower upfront cost and are easier to install than gas water heaters. Electric models also have fewer safety concerns than installing a gas water heater because they avoid the risk of gas leaks from the water heater.

On the other hand, gas water heaters also have distinct advantages. Gas models have faster heating times than electric models, which makes them great for large households that use more hot water. Additionally, despite higher upfront installation costs, gas water heaters cost less to operate, meaning lower water heating costs.

When transitioning between these water heating types, remember that switching to an electric water heater may require an electrician to upgrade the electric panel, while switching to a gas water heater may require a plumber to install a gas line.

About Reeves Family Plumbing

Reeves Family Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company serving the Dallas area. They provide 24-hour emergency services, prompt arrivals, and fast turnarounds. Call them for water heater replacement and installation services in Dallas, TX.

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Is 2024 the Perfect Time to Install a Tankless Water Heater?

Benefits of Tankless Water Heater Installation

People can’t seem to get enough of New Year’s resolutions. Every year, around this time, people make home improvement or health goals to improve their lives in the new year. Why not focus on a home plumbing upgrade that can help homeowners’ financial goals and offer additional benefits, such as a tankless water heater installation? Here is a quick guide to the advantages of installing a tankless water heater.

Energy Efficiency and Savings

The idea behind a traditional storage water heater is pretty simple, but the design has some flaws. One of the biggest problems with storage water heaters is that they require a lot of energy, contributing significantly to monthly utility bills. Much of that energy is wasted in a water tank from standby energy losses because they have to keep water heated for when it’s needed.

Tankless water heaters reduce energy usage and can save homeowners money because they only use energy when hot water is needed, eliminating the standby energy loss associated with conventional storage water heaters. This means they don’t waste energy sitting idle all day long, which helps save homeowners money.

Smaller but Provides Endless Hot Water

One of the great things about tankless water heaters is that, even though they pack quite a punch when it comes to heating water, they do so with a much smaller space footprint than a conventional storage water heater. The bulky hot water tank of storage water heaters can vary in size but take up a lot of space. On the other hand, tankless water heaters require much less space and can be mounted directly to the wall, opening up more space for storage.

Despite their smaller size, tankless water heaters can produce more hot water than a storage tank, a nearly endless supply. The key is that they only heat water when it is needed. As water flows through pipes, tankless water heaters quickly heat the incoming water to the appropriate temperature. They will continue to do so until hot water is no longer required. This means endless hot water for families that may be used to fighting over who has to bathe last and get stuck taking cold showers.

Longer Life Expectancy

Another significant advantage of tankless water heaters is that they have a longer life expectancy than a traditional storage tank water heater. A storage water heater typically lasts about 10-15 years, while a tankless water heater can last more than 20 years before needing replacement.

So, not only will homeowners require less frequent water heater replacements and the costs associated with them, but tankless water heaters can also save them money on their utility bills. This saves homeowners money over time even though they cost more to install initially.

About Reeves Family Plumbing

Reeves Family Plumbing is a family-owned and woman-owned company serving Dallas, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer prompt arrivals, fast turnarounds, and clean, courteous technicians. Call them today for tankless water heater repair and installation services in Dallas, TX.

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Why Schedule Water Heater Maintenance With Professionals?

Don’t Get Stuck Without Hot Water!

Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a fear that lurks in the back of everyone’s mind. The risk of having to endure a frigid shower should be enough to encourage homeowners to protect their water heaters. However, many people neglect water heater maintenance to their own detriment. Here is a quick guide to water heater maintenance and signs that water heater repair is needed.

Benefits of Routine Water Heater Maintenance

There are a lot of benefits that homeowners get from scheduling routine water heater maintenance with a professional, including:

Improves Functionality and Reduces Issues: Maintenance helps avoid getting stuck without hot water and reduces the risk of problems and repairs. When the water heater is correctly cared for, users will get the best quality function as long as it lasts.
Increases Longevity: Like everything else, maintenance on the water heater will help it last longer. Proper water heater maintenance can add years to the unit’s life, thus reducing the risk of paying for early water heater replacement.
Improves Efficiency and Saves Money: Routine water heater maintenance will also help the system work more efficiently, saving homeowners money on water heating costs.

What Is Done During Water Heater Maintenance?

All parts of the water heating system are examined during maintenance, which allows plumbers to find any issues that need to be addressed before they can create worse problems for the water heater. They will also perform some essential tasks to prevent issues from occurring and keep the unit working efficiently.

This includes draining and flushing the hot water tank to remove solids that have settled at the bottom. With the tank empty, plumbers will also inspect the anode rod, replacing it if they find it can no longer protect against tank corrosion. Plumbers will also clean the burner or heating elements and refill the water tank.

When to Call for Water Heater Repair or Maintenance

There are some obvious signs that the water heater needs maintenance or repairs and requires the attention of a plumber. Some of these signs are:

Strange sounds from the water heater, like rumbling or banging
Leaks from the water heater
Lack of hot water or fluctuating water temperatures
Water discoloration
Strange smell from the hot water

The best way to prevent these problems is to schedule routine water heater maintenance at least once every year.

About Reeves Family Plumbing

Reeves Family Plumbing has 60 years of expertise serving Dallas and the surrounding areas. They offer 24-hour emergency services, on-time arrival, and fast turnarounds. Call them today for water heater services in Dallas, TX.

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Thinking About Water Heater Replacement? Read This First

Break Up With That Old Water Heater

Water heaters are an essential piece of home hardware that gets daily use. It provides the home with hot water for crucial tasks such as cooking or cleaning. Having a functioning water heater is necessary for the health and comfort of modern homes.

This blog post discusses all the factors homeowners should consider when thinking about water heater replacement. The age of the water heater, the type of system, and the cost of new water heater installation vs. repair are all things homeowners should consider.

How Long Water Heaters Usually Last

The longevity of the water heater system may depend on what kind of system it is and how well it has been taken care of. Keeping up with a regular water heater maintenance schedule can drastically improve the longevity of the water heater system. Gas water heaters last between eight to 12 years on average, but electric water heaters can last 15 years.

The most efficient and long-lasting type of water heater is a tankless water heater. These water heaters eliminate energy wastage and can last up to 20 years.

As water heaters age, their performance may become less efficient, and homeowners may notice a spike in their utility bills. Replacing outdated water heaters with more efficient, new models can make the home more eco-friendly by eliminating wasted energy usage.

Leaking Water Heater Replacement

When homeowners notice a leaking water tank, it is usually time for a replacement. Corrosion is the most common reason for a leaking water tank. Corrosion is most often caused by a build-up of sediment within the system. Sediment from minerals in the water can build up over time and wear down the inside of the tank.

Regular water heater service will help prevent corrosion as the technician will safely remove sediment during the appointment. Skipping water heater service appointments can lead to irreversible system damage.

The cause of the leak could also be something such as a broken valve. A fractured valve is a quick fix, but it could become a serious problem if left alone. Water heater leaks can lead to accidental house fires if the water reaches electrical wiring.

Why Is the Water Heater Not Working At All

When the water heater fails to produce hot water, it could indicate a problem with its heating element. A broken heating element could be a hazard to the household, so it is essential for homeowners not to ignore signs of a malfunction.

An improperly installed tank could be why a new water heater is not working. It is recommended to always leave new water heater installation up to an experienced water heater installer. Water heater technicians undergo years of training to obtain licensing and insurance for working on water heaters. DIY water heater installation or maintenance can be dangerous.

About Reeves Family Plumbing

Reeves Family Plumbing is a local, family-owned plumbing company offering comprehensive water heater service, maintenance, and repairs from experienced technicians. Call them today to schedule a consultation for water heater installation in Dallas, TX.

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When a New Water Heater Should Be on Your Holiday Wishlist

Is It Time To Add a New Water Heater To the Holiday Wishlist?

This time of year is so full of joy- a bell from Santa’s sleigh, a Red Ryder BB gun, or a magical nutcracker. But these classic holiday gifts can’t compare with jets of warm water on a cold winter morning. No one deserves to step into the shower only to become the joke of the household as ice-cold water sends them shrieking back to the covers.

Not only is hot water a modern pleasure, but it is also responsible for, on average, 20% of the energy costs in the home. An inefficient water heater is taking money from the Holiday gift fund like Scrooge docking Bob Cratchit’s pay.

In addition to noticing more goosebumps than steam in the shower, there are several key factors to knowing just when to replace the water heater: age, the integrity of the storage tank, and rust-colored water.

An Old Water Heater Is a Thief

Water heaters are like athletes: in their prime, they are paragons of efficiency and power. But wear and tear catch up with them over the years. The average career of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years.

Check the date of the installation. If the water heater is approaching the 10-year mark, it’s an excellent time to have it checked to determine if it’s still at its peak performance.

It’s also important to check heating bills. If energy costs climb every month, then the water heater is a likely culprit. That’s money that could be better spent elsewhere, say on this year’s must-have toy or a National Lampoon level holiday lighting display. Stay ahead of the curve with a little preventive attention.

Cracked Storage Tank

Wear and tear can age a water heater before its time, and a replacement may be necessary due to a cracked tank. Even minuscule cracks can make a big difference in efficiency. Cracks can be caused by:

Sediment buildup: Over time, natural minerals in the water build-up in pipes, narrowing the opening. As the pressure increases, so does the likelihood of cracks.
Damaged Internal Components: With many different working pieces under constant pressure, it’s not a surprise that, over time, little damage to small elements leads to larger problems.

If any of these problems crop up, it may be time to ask Santa to add a new water heater to the list.

Rust-Colored Water

While a rust-colored coat may look quite nice on a figure of holiday joy, it is less appetizing coming out of the faucet. It is a key indicator that it’s time to buy a new water heater. Wear and tear of the internal ceramic coating may allow for rust to enter the water, but it is not the only factor.

Iron producing bacteria from wells or other water distribution systems can also create rust-colored water. If disinfecting the tank is not sufficient, it’s a good time to look for newer options.

But there is good news! A new water heater can be a good long term investment. More energy-efficient systems produce more heat with less energy. If luxuriating in warmth and wealth sound like just the thing for the holiday spirit, consider a new water heater this season.

About Reeves Family Plumbing, Inc.

Dallas based Reeves Family Plumbing incorporated has served the community since 1960. With 24/7 call responses and a reputation for dependable, quality work, it’s no surprise that most of their business comes from word of mouth referrals. The team at Reeves Family Plumbing, Inc. is there for their customers with dependable water heater services in Dallas.