We use hot water daily, but most people don’t think about their water heater until there’s a problem. Whether you shower, wash dishes, or do laundry, your water heater works in the background. Heating water makes up about 18% of your home’s energy use. That’s why choosing the right system isn’t just about convenience—it also affects efficiency and long-term savings. When it comes to tankless water heater vs. tank options, each has its own advantages. You typically have two choices: a traditional storage tank or a modern tankless system. The best option depends on your home, lifestyle, and budget. If you are considering an upgrade or need emergency water heater repair, understanding how these systems work can help you make a confident decision. How Does a Storage Tank Water Heater Work? A storage tank water heater is the most common type found in homes. It consists of a large, insulated tank that holds and heats water. Cold water from your main supply line enters the tank and is warmed by a gas burner or an electric heating element. After the water heats up, it stays hot until it’s needed. When you turn on a faucet, the hot water flows out … Continue reading Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Extend Its Lifespan
Water heaters last an average of 8 to 12 years, but their lifespan can vary significantly depending on maintenance. Keeping your water heater in top shape prevents surprise breakdowns, boosts efficiency, reduces energy costs, and extends the system’s life. Simple, routine care can save you thousands in repairs or replacements down the road. In this blog, we’ll share five water heater maintenance tips that can help extend the life of your unit while improving its performance. 5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Extend Its Lifespan Flush the Tank Annually to Remove Sediment Buildup One of the most important aspects of water heater maintenance is ensuring that sediment doesn’t build up inside the tank. Over time, minerals from the water—like calcium and magnesium—can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, especially if you have hard water. This sediment buildup can lead to inefficient heating, causing the heater to work harder and use more energy to heat the water. Flushing the tank annually is an easy way to remove this buildup. It helps maintain water heater efficiency by ensuring the heating elements are not covered in sediment. Here’s how to do it: Turn off the power to your water heater. If it’s … Continue reading 5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Extend Its Lifespan
How to Drain a Water Heater?
Water heaters are the unsung heroes of our homes—quietly providing us with hot water on demand for showers, dishes, laundry, and more. But without regular maintenance, they can lose efficiency, consume more energy, and even fail prematurely. These minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, can build up inside the water heater, reducing efficiency and causing sediment to settle at the bottom of the tank. Regularly draining your water heater—at least once a year—can help prevent this buildup, extend the unit’s lifespan, and keep it running smoothly. In this blog post, we will explore how to drain a water heater as well as how to flush a water heater. How Frequently Should a Water Heater Be Drained? Knowing when to drain your water heater is crucial. Generally, most manufacturers recommend draining it at least once a year. This helps clear out sediment, allowing it to heat water efficiently. However, if you live in an area with hard water and high mineral content, you should flush your water heater every six months to prevent sediment buildup. Hard water leads to faster mineral accumulation, which can cause issues like noisy operation and reduced heating efficiency. For the best advice, always consult your owner’s manual … Continue reading How to Drain a Water Heater?
My Water Heater is Making Noise. Now What?
Discovering unusual sounds from your water heater can be alarming, but understanding why and how to address it can save you time, money, and stress. In this blog post, we will explore everyday water heater noises, when they might indicate a problem, and what steps you can take to resolve them. Common Water Heater Noises Water heaters can make a variety of sounds, each indicating different issues: Rumbling A deep, rumbling sound often indicates sediment buildup in the water tank. This sediment consists of minerals that settle at the bottom of the tank, especially in areas with hard water. When the heater heats water, it bubbles through the sediment, causing the tank to rumble. DIY enthusiasts can try flushing the tank with a hose to remove sediment or use descaling solutions to break down mineral deposits. Popping Like rumbling, popping noises are caused by sediment and mineral buildup inside the tank. As the water heats up, steam bubbles form under the sediment and burst, creating popping sounds. Flushing the tank annually can prevent sediment buildup and reduce these noises. If an aluminum anode rod reacts with high alkalinity levels, a plumber may need to replace it to resolve the issue. … Continue reading My Water Heater is Making Noise. Now What?
Is Water Heater Repair Worth It? 3 Factors to Consider
When facing the dilemma of water heater repair, it’s crucial to consider various factors that can impact your decision. Your water heater plays a vital role in your daily life, providing you with the comfort of warm showers and essential hot water for household tasks. However, like any appliance, water heaters have a limited lifespan and can encounter issues over time. In this blog post, we will delve into three key factors to help you determine whether water heater repair is worth the investment. 3 Factors That Determine Whether Water Heater Repair Is Worth It Your Water Heater’s Age The age of your water heater is a fundamental factor to consider when deciding between paying for repairs or replacing the unit entirely. On average, tank water heaters have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years. If your system is only a few years old, it may be worth investing a few hundred dollars in repairs to extend its operational life for another 5+ years. However, if your water heater is approaching the 10-year mark or is even older, repairing it may provide only a short-term solution. In such cases, the cost-effectiveness of repairing it becomes questionable, as you might … Continue reading Is Water Heater Repair Worth It? 3 Factors to Consider