Would you know if your water heater was going bad? Sure, a lack of hot water is a tell-tale sign, but it’s more complicated than that. Water heater failure can present itself in a number of ways, some of which are less obvious than cold water coming out of the faucet.

Pay attention to these warning signs that your water heater may need repair or replacement.

1. Strange Noises

Strange noises (like popping, rumbling, or banging) coming from your water heater could be a sign that the unit is beginning to fail. These noises are usually caused by sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. If not addressed, it can cause the unit to overheat and eventually fail.

2. Temperature Irregularities

If you notice that the water temperature is noticeably lower than it used to be, or varies with no adjustments to the thermostat, it’s a sign that the unit needs attention. It could be a faulty thermostat or indicative of a much larger problem.

3. Discolored Water

If your hot water is discolored, it’s likely a sign that the anode rod is beginning to fail. The anode rod is responsible for protecting the interior of the tank from corrosion by attracting minerals and sediment. Once the anode rod fails, that sediment will start attacking the interior of the tank. To prevent internal tank corrosion, contact a licensed plumber to inspect and replace the anode rod at the first sign of discolored water.

4. Odd Smelling or Tasting Hot Water

Bacteria love the warm, moist environment a water heater provides, especially if the temperature is kept below 120 degrees F. If your hot water smells or tastes strange, you may need to drain the water heater to remove sediment and bacteria. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the unit.

5. Low Water Pressure

Is the water pressure from your cold-water faucets fine but low from your hot-water faucets? It could be a sign that there is sediment build-up in the water heater tank. Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank and lead to a number of problems if not addressed.

6. Not Enough Hot Water

Unless you’ve drastically changed your hot water using habits, your water heater should not consistently deliver adequate amounts of hot water. When a water heater starts to go bad, it often lose its ability to heat water properly, resulting in less hot water overall.

7. Water Heater Leaks

If you notice your water heater leaking, turn it off immediately and contact a plumber asap. Water heaters are designed to be airtight so any leaking is a clear indication that something is wrong.

8. More Frequent Repairs

If you’re experiencing more frequent issues with your water heater, replacement might be a more cost-effective solution. Especially if the water heater is approaching the end of its useful life.

9. Age

The average lifespan of a tank-style water heater is about 8 to 12 years. If yours is approaching (or has exceeded) this age, it may be time to consider replacement. As a water heater ages, it is more prone to sediment build-up and frequent repair issues. What’s more, it loses its efficiency over time, leading to higher utility bills.

If you have any concerns that your water heater may be going bad, call Best Choice Plumbers today.  We’ll inspect your water heater, discuss your household’s hot water needs, and recommend the best course of action.

What do all these and other daily activities have in common?  More often than not, you first take a nice hot shower.  Except, of course, when that fateful morning arrives when there IS no hot water…or at least not enough.

What causes a water heater to fail?  Let’s have a look:

• The pilot has gone out in your gas water heater won’t re-ignite. The gas valve could have been inadvertently shut off, the thermocouple could be dirty or bent, or the pilot may not be getting enough gas. In that instance, the solution could be as simple as adjusting the pilot knob.
• If you have an electric water heater, the heating can burn out from internal tank corrosion. Electrical components also can fail over time.
• A hard water supply can eventually corrode the inside of your tank. Unless your tank is routinely flushed and re-filled, it can eventually wear out. At that point, the system will need to be replaced.

And now for the good news: annual water heater inspections can prevent most water heater problems, thus providing you with added comfort, convenience, and savings. At the same time, your system won’t last forever – the average lifespan is 10-12 years – but we can delay the inevitable.

For more information or to request service, contact Best Choice Plumbers today. We’re your local water heater specialists.

A water heater’s job is pretty simple – heat cold water to a desired temperature so you can shower, bathe, and do the various other activities you rely on warm or hot water for. 

Here are five of the most common water heater problems you’re more likely to face during the winter months.

Inadequate Insulation – Most homeowners know to insulate exposed plumbing pipes during the winter months to prevent freezing and bursting. Well, water heaters need the same protection to perform at their best. Wrap an electric water heater with neoprene foam or a gas unit with fiberglass or aluminum foil tape. Doing so will raise and maintain the water temperature in the tank so the system doesn’t need to work as hard to bring tank water up to the desired setting. As a result, you’ll get hot water faster and cheaper.

Sediment Buildup – Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank, thus reducing its performance and efficiency. Have your water heater inspected for corrosion and sediment buildup (ideally before the cold weather kicks in) and have the tank flushed out to help it perform better all year long.

High Temperatures – When water heater temperature exceeds 120 degrees, the electrodes in the water can degrade and cause scaling. That makes water more acidic which in turn can destroy the anodes protecting the inside of the tank. At that point, your system may need to be repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage.

Component Malfunction – Keep an eye on your water heater and contact Best Choice Plumbers if it’s not working up to snuff. When the water is too cold, components such as the pilot control valve and the thermocouple can malfunction. Regular maintenance can uncover the beginnings of these and other problems, potentially avoiding big issues, including system failure.

Heater Re-circulator or Thermal Expansion Tank Problems – It’s common for a water heater to have a circular pump or re-circulator in addition to a thermal expansion tank. When they are not operating properly, these parts can cost you a pretty penny to replace.

Your best bet? Be sure to have your water heater thoroughly inspected once a year by a member of our experienced team of plumbers. In fact, by enrolling in our Service Partner Plan for one low annual fee, you’ll receive a whole-house plumbing inspection along with several other key benefits.

For now, contact us today or anytime for plumbing problems small and large.

Much the same happened when the first tankless water heaters came on the scene. “Like, huh, how on earth do you heat water without a storage tank?” That kind of thing.

Well, they’re here all right, and we’d be shocked if you don’t already know one or more people who have one. The question is, when will it be your turn?

In case you’re only moderately familiar with tankless water heaters, here’s essentially how they work. Cold water is heated inside a wall-mounted heat exchanger, but only when you turn on a hot water faucet or appliance.  And there’s benefit number one: no more wasted electricity required to keep water heated inside a storage tank 24/7.

With a tankless water heater, you also pick up some extra floor space once the big, bulky tank is gone.

Here’s more:

• Because a tankless system heats water only when it’s needed, a family of 4 can save an average of $175 a year on energy costs.
• Typical tank style water heaters only last about 10 to 15 years, with warranties of 6 to 8 years. Tankless heaters last up to 20 years and often come with a 10 to 15-year warranty. That helps you save on repair replacement costs, too.
• Have you ever gotten into a nice, steamy shower, only to feel the sting of cold water because someone else started a load of laundry or the dishwasher? Not pleasant, we know. With a tankless system, the hot water stays hot, regardless of who might be using water – hot or cold – elsewhere.
• The system’s heat exchanger can be installed just about anywhere: on your basement wall, under a sink, inside a closet, even outdoors in warmer climates.
• Best Choice Plumbers offer you the option of whole-house or single-use tankless water heaters. “Whole-house” speaks for itself while “single-use” models are designed to boost the hot water supply in a remote corner of your home or to supply hot water to a new bathroom, etc.

To learn more about tankless water heaters and discover if one is right for you, contact Best Choice Plumbers today. We offer free new system proposals plus guaranteed price quotes.

For starters, water heaters are more energy efficient than ever. But, with increased efficiency comes larger sizes so you first need to be sure the replacement unit can fit into the space you have for it, especially if it’s limited.

Types of Water Heaters

You also have more choices than just basic gas or electric storage tank models. In addition, you also can choose from among the following options:

• Tankless, on-demand water heaters that heat water without the use of a storage tank.

• Heat pump water heaters that use a combination of ambient air and electricity to heat water.

• Tankless coil water heaters that heat your water and home at the same time. These also are called combination boilers.

Water Heater Selection Criteria

When selecting the best type and model of water heater for your home, consider the following:

• Fuel type, availability and cost. The type of water heater you choose needs to be consistent with available fuel types. If, for example, there’s not a gas main on your street, a gas water heater won’t be among your options – unless, that is, you opt for one powered by propane.

• Storage tank capacity. Let’s say you’re replacing a 50-gallon water heater, but your family has grown since that purchase was made. You’ll probably need a replacement unit with greater hot water capacity.

At the same time, think about ways you can use less hot water in particular, and water in general. You’ll save money and help conserve an essential natural resource.

Here’s something else to consider. Starting in 2015, federal regulations mandated greater energy efficiency in water heaters. To achieve that goal, manufacturers needed to build new systems with greater amounts of insulation and other energy-saving components. One of the outcomes is size, as in, new storage tank water heaters are large than earlier models and thus consume more space.

Sounds like a lot to consider, doesn’t it? Well, fear not because Best Choice Plumbers is here to guide you through the selection process, one step at a time. That means you can count on the best water heater for your money, regardless of what your budget parameters might be. Contact us today for a free hot water needs analysis and new system proposal.

But what if you do have gas, or currently have a gas water heater, but need to replace it? Should you stick to gas, or switch to electric?

Before you answer, consider these electric water heater attributes:

1. Safety: While water heater explosions are rare (thank goodness!), they’re even less likely to occur with electric water heaters. And that means a reduced potential for damage to your home.
2. Cost of purchase: Electric water heaters cost less than gas heaters of the same size, e.g., comparing one 50-gallon tank size to another.
3. Cost of installation: Gas water heaters must be vented outdoors to expel processed natural gas. As such PVC tubing is required up through your home and out your roof. No such need exists with an electric system.
4. Smaller footprints: Gas water heaters need at least 6-18″ of ventilation around all sides and top, which means you can’t just install the tank in a small closet or crawlspace. An electric tank can be installed in confined spaces without fear of gas buildup or an explosion.
5. Life expectancy: Electric water heaters use fewer parts than their gas counterparts – plus, those parts are subjected to less heat. That adds years to their expected lifespan vs. gas units.
6. They both can lose power: Once upon a time, gas water heaters were built with pilot lights. So, when a home incurred a power outage, the system could still operate. Not anymore – not, that is, for gas units with electric ignitions. Should the power go out, electric or gas, you’ll be going without hot water until power is restored.

Rheem Marathon Water Heaters

At Best Choice Plumbers, we recommend and install Rheem Marathon electric water heaters. They come in multiple sizes and, more importantly, they feature a lifetime warranty. That means the tank is guaranteed to last for as long as you own your home.

Marathon electric water heaters are durable, lightweight and non-metallic. And, due to their seamless molded polybutene inner tank, they don’t require anode rods – metal-lined tanks do. No anode rod means no smelly water, the kind caused by chemical reactions with sulfates.

To learn more about electric water heaters in general, and Rheem Marathon models in particular, contact Best Choice Plumbers today. We’re the only water heater plumber you need.

What we can offer, however, are some guidelines and rough estimates to help you determine when it might be time to replace your current water heater.

First, here are the primary factors that determine water heater longevity:

• Product quality
• System type (gas, electric, tankless or heat pump)
• Quality of the installation
• Wear and tear
• Water quality

Ongoing Maintenance Helps Your System Last Longer

Water heaters that are professionally and regularly maintained tend to outlast those that aren’t. With a qualified and licensed plumber inspecting your system even just once a year, small issues can be resolved before they become bigger and costlier problems.

Here’s another factor to keep in mind: tankless (on demand) water heaters generally outlast storage tank models since the former don’t store water.  Rather, they heat water only as a faucet or appliance calls for hot water. No storage tank means less wear and tear, not to mention lower electricity bills.

Estimated Water Heater Duration

As a rough rule of thumb, here’s what you can expect from your current system or the one you’re thinking about buying:

• Gas storage tank system: 8 – 12 years
• Electric storage tank system: 8 – 12 years
• Tankless water heater: Up to 20 years
• Electric/heat pump system: 13 – 15 years

More Information & Free Quote

At Best Choice Plumbers, we install, maintain, and repair all types of residential hot water systems. What type is right for you and how long might it last? Contact us today to schedule a free in-home hot water analysis and new system proposal. Or, if your current system is lagging in performance, we’d be happy to inspect it and recommend exactly the right solution: repair or replace.

Maybe the death knell rings suddenly, or maybe there are warning signs indicating the need for an inspection (at least) and perhaps some repair work to keep it in action for at least a while longer. To help prevent or delay a total shut down, here are problem symptoms to look for in your home:

• If the water temperature appears to be dropping or you’re experiencing lower than normal water pressure, you might have a broken or faulty dip tube. Dip tubes serve to separate incoming cold water from hot water. Over time, they can break or crumble, resulting in tepid vs. hot water. Dip tubes can easily be replaced.
• Another cause of hot water turned cold is a broken thermostat – usually an easy fix.
• If you notice water leaking or pooling up around the base of the storage tank, call a professional right away. Large or small, leaks are never good, and indicate that internal corrosion is taking its toll.
• Banging, clanking, or the sound of boiling water all point to a build-up of sediment at the bottom of the tank. Excessive build-up will decrease water storage capacity and can affect the taste and safety of your water.

Some people wait until the bitter end before replacing their water heater, while others don’t want the hassle of being without hot water even for a day. So, if your water heater is under-performing – or not performing at all – now is a great time to contact the water heater specialists at Best Choice Plumbers.  We look forward to your call.