heater Archives - Quahog Plumbing

Why Is Water Heater Maintenance Important?

Don’t Lose Hot Water This Winter

Of all the problems homeowners will have to deal with during their homeownership, one of the worst is losing hot water because of a broken water heater. Surprise repairs and replacements are expensive and can stress the budget, but a loss of hot water feels like being sent back to the Stone Age.

Most water heaters last about ten years, so a water heater will likely need to be replaced multiple times during the typical mortgage period. But water heaters that aren’t properly cared for can break down sooner and don’t last as long. Luckily, adding years to the life of a water heater and reducing the operating costs is simple. Water heater maintenance is a manufacturer-recommended service that stops the causes of premature failure and allows them to last longer. Here is a complete guide to water heater maintenance from local professionals.

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

When a water heater is well-maintained, it lasts longer, performs better, and uses less energy. Some advantages of scheduling annual water heater maintenance with a plumber are:

Reduces the likelihood of problems
Extends the unit’s lifespan
Protects or improves energy efficiency
Lowers operating costs, saving homeowners money
Ensures adequate hot water is always available
Prevents corrosion and leaks
Verifies safety devices to protect the home

Steps Taken During Water Heater Maintenance

In an age where everyone considers themselves a DIYer, as soon as most people hear about water heater maintenance, they take to the internet to figure out if they can do it themselves. While it’s true that some DIYers can successfully perform the necessary tasks, most people decide to let the professionals handle it since they can do it quicker and more precisely. Some of the tasks that the professionals will do during a water heater maintenance visit are:

Drain and flush the tank to remove solids and sediment
Check safety devices for proper operation
Look for leaks or signs of corrosion
Inspect the anode rod and replace it if it’s time
Clean the burner

It’s important to note that even tankless water heaters need maintenance, not only traditional storage water heaters.

When Is Water Heater Repair Necessary?

Hot water heaters don’t last too long, especially when they are neglected, but one of the things that causes them to age prematurely is ignoring problems. Water heater repairs are necessary to keep the whole system running smoothly, so it is crucial homeowners know the signs that repairs are needed. Some symptoms that can prompt homeowners to call for professional water heater repairs are:

Unusual sounds like thumping or hissing
Leaks around the tank or nearby plumbing
Corrosion
Leaking safety devices
Not enough hot water
Slow recovery period
Higher utility bills

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has more than 15 years of expertise serving Somerset and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, rapid service, and the latest technology. Call them today for water heater services in Somerset, MA.

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Why It's More Eco-Friendly to Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Learn More About Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters go by many names. Instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash, and on-demand are just some. Still, no matter the moniker, they all refer to the same water heating system that does not use a storage tank and instead relies on a heat exchanger that heats water as it flows, practically on demand.

While most water heaters commonly found in modern homes still employ storage tanks, there is an argument to be made for switching to a tankless system that aligns with energy efficiency and water conservation. This blog will discuss tankless water heaters and signs to replace an old water heater.

When to Replace an Old Water Heater

Most water heaters have a life expectancy between 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last closer to 20 years. But there are times when it might be necessary to replace a water heater before it reaches the end of its intended lifespan. Here are some telltale signs that it might be time to retire that old water heater:

Not heating properly: If the water heater gives off inconsistent temperatures or it doesn’t heat water, there is a problem. This can be for several reasons, like a malfunctioning component or lack of maintenance.
Constantly needing repair: If the water heater has undergone several repairs and it still fails to work as intended, fixing it might not be enough to solve the problem and may require a replacement.
Corrosion on the tank or in the water: If the water tank has some rust forming on any part of it, or if the water coming out of the faucet looks discolored and rusty, it can indicate corrosion and will need replacement.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

When considering a water heater replacement, it might be more advantageous for homeowners to go green and switch to a tankless water heating system. A tankless water heater works by heating water directly without needing a storage tank. When hot water is needed, cold water travels through pipes and enters the unit, passing over heating elements that warm the water to its predetermined temperature. This heated water is then sent directly to its destination, where it is used immediately.

Unlike traditional storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters don't run out of hot water due to the lack of a large tank that needs to be refilled whenever hot water is used. Tankless models also take up much less space since they are installed directly on the wall and can save homeowners money in the long run, thanks to their increased energy efficiency.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters provide a great alternative to traditional storage water heaters and offer many benefits. Tankless water heaters are more compact in size, more energy efficient, have longer lifespans, and provide an endless supply of hot water. They can also help homeowners save on utility bills because of their energy efficiency.

Because hot water is not stored, it is also not necessary to constantly heat the stored water when it falls out of the desired temperature range. Tankless water heaters only need to use energy when the water is flowing and is therefore being used. This adds up to long-term savings in energy and the cost of replacing the water heater itself.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving Somerset and the surrounding communities. They provide same-day services, flat rate pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for tankless water heater services in Somerset, MA.

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Get Your Water Heater Ready for Cold Weather

Signs a Water Heater Needs Repair

The water heater is one of the most important pieces of plumbing hardware in the home. Homeowners should be on the lookout for warning signs that the water heater needs repair. Fixing minor problems early can help to prevent a total system breakdown and add years to the lifespan of the hardware.

This blog discusses several signs that a hot water tank is in need of repair. Homeowners should try to maintain, repair, or replace their water heaters before the temperatures drop in the winter. It may be more challenging to complete the installation in freezing winter weather, and nobody wants to take cold showers during the winter!

Temperature Issues

Not having any hot water is an obvious sign that the water heater is not working correctly. Other symptoms of a broken water heater include fluctuating temperature, not enough hot water, or water taking a long time to warm up. All of these problems are more common in aging water heaters. A new water heater should provide consistent temperatures.

Fluctuating water temperatures are a sign that the water heater needs repair. There could be a problem with the heating element, or the water heater is simply getting too old. When the shower or bath runs out of hot water right away, this is also a sign that homeowners need to call a plumber to work on solutions.

Water Heater Leaks

When water is heated up in the hot water tank, it can cause minerals to bind into solid sediment. Over time, this sediment can build up into a slurry of debris that corrodes the inside of the tank until it begins to leak. It’s necessary to drain and flush the tank one or two times a year during a part of routine maintenance to remove sediment buildup and prevent corrosion.

Some leaks can be an easy fix, such as a leak around a plumbing connection. However, a leak from corrosion usually means that the whole water tank will need to be replaced. It can be difficult to stop corrosion once it begins, meaning the leak will worsen until it is repaired.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Water heater replacement is typically done every 10-15 years. Tankless water heaters can last over 20 years. However, homeowners usually begin to notice needing more frequent repairs after around the 10-year mark, especially if maintenance is neglected. It may be more cost-effective to replace an old water heater with a new energy-efficient model than back-to-back repairs on a failing water heater.

It requires the experience of professional water heater technicians to install water heaters safely. Without the necessary training and tools, an amateur could install the water heater incorrectly, causing problems from the start. Because of the high temperatures and many gallons of water within the water heater, it’s essential to leave installation and repairs up to a professional for safety reasons.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving Somerset, MA, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and the latest technology. Call them today for water heater services in Somerset, MA.

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How to Know When It Is Time to Replace An Old Water Heater

It May Be Time to Break Up With That Old Water Heater

Water heaters are essential for the comfort and health of modern homeowners. The water heater is the piece of home hardware that provides the household with hot water on demand for crucial tasks such as cooking or cleaning. Not only is dealing with a broken water heater inconvenient, but it can also be a hazard if the heating element within the system is malfunctioning or it is leaking water.

This blog discusses how to know when to break up with that old water heater. No water heater lasts forever, and at a certain point, water heater replacement is more affordable than keeping up with constant repairs. Installing a new water heater can cut back on utility bills, make the household more eco-friendly, and provide the house with more hot water for essential tasks.

Water Heater Age

One of the most important factors for homeowners considering a water heater replacement is the age of the water heater system. Most water heaters last between 8 and 12 years. Electric water heaters can last up to 15 years, and tankless water heaters can last 20 years, so these systems provide more efficient operation than gas water heaters.

As the water heater ages, it will need more frequent maintenance and repairs. There may also be a spike in utility bills as the old water heater wastes energy trying to keep up with the demand for hot water in the house. Keeping up with water heater service by scheduling annual/bi-annual appointments with a water heater technician can drastically improve the system's longevity.

What Causes a Leaking Water Heater

When a water heater begins to leak, this may signify that it is time for water heater replacement. One of the most common causes of a leaking water tank is corrosion from sediment. Water contains natural minerals which turn into solid deposits when the water is heated.

The build-up of sediment over time can lead to system malfunction as the slurry of minerals corrodes the interior of the tank. During regular water heater maintenance appointments, the technician will clean sediment out of the tank to prevent corrosion.

Another cause of a leaking water heater could be a broken valve. Water heaters use a valve system to control the flow of water. These valves get constant use, so they wear out and need replacement. This is another problem that water heater technicians know to check for during maintenance to prevent a future water heater breakdown.

Why the Water Heater Is Not Working

When the water heater fails to heat water, or there is not enough hot water, it can mean it is time for a new water heater. Too much sediment within the tank can cause the water pressure to increase and the system to stop working. A broken heating element could be a severe hazard, so when the water heater stops working, it is essential to call a specialist to look at it.

New water heaters might malfunction if they are not installed correctly. An improperly sized tank could be why the water heater is not working. To prevent improper installation, homeowners should entrust the job to an experienced local water heater installer.

About Quahog Plumbing

When homeowners trust Quahog Plumbing with the care of their water heater and plumbing systems, they can expect to receive top-of-the-line service from the most experienced plumbers around. Their prices are fair and up-front with no surprises. Give Quahog Plumbing a call to schedule an appointment for water heater installation in Somerset, MA.