How to Maximize the Life of Your Water Heater

A well-functioning water heater is a staple for any home. At Cass Plumbing, we can help you install, repair, and maintain your water heater. We’ve provided Tampa homeowners with water heater services for over 40 years!

Different Water Heater Types

There are a variety of water heaters that can be installed in your Tampa home, and each type functions in different ways and has different benefits. There are 2 basic types of water heaters: the traditional tank-type water heaters (the more common water heaters) and tankless water heaters. In the United States, 40% of the traditional tank-type water heaters are electric. An electric water heater doesn’t require gas and instead is powered by electric energy, which makes it a sustainable option. Electric heaters can also be easier to operate than gas water heaters.

Gas water heaters makeup about 60% of the tank-type water heater market in the United States and can often be less expensive than electric heaters, but it’s important to compare specific models against one another as efficiency can vary even between the same type of heater. Electric water heaters often require new elements and thermostats too over time. Both gas and electric water heaters should be flushed as part of a regular water heater maintenance program.

While these types of water heaters are two common options, there are other varieties as well. Tankless heaters and hybrid water heaters could also be a good fit for your home!

Tankless heaters will heat water on demand and can be more compact than other heater varieties. Rather than warming gallons of water at a time, they only heat up the water you need at the moment, making them an efficient option.

Hybrid heaters can use multiple methods to heat water, including electricity and heat pumps. This makes them an efficient, energy-saving choice. Hybrid heaters are both more efficient and better for the environment. In King County, municipalities and manufacturers also grant rebates on hybrid heaters as an extra incentive.

Water Heater Maintenance

Depending on the type of water heater you’re using, regular maintenance tasks can vary. However, for all water heater types, we recommend regular maintenance to ensure efficiency and longevity. This will help maximize the life of your water heater. With both electric and gas water heaters, call a professional, like Cass Plumbing, if you aren’t comfortable with handling these sources of heat. At Cass Plumbing, we can provide you with annual water heater check-ins and scheduled maintenance.

Water Heater Rebuilding

When you encounter issues with your water heater, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to completely replace it. Rebuilding the problematic parts of your water heater can save you time and money! This will also help extend the life of your water heater.

For example, in gas water heaters, a control valve or thermal ignitor may give out while the rest of the heater remains undamaged. Replacing these parts can return your heater to working condition without requiring a larger replacement project. In electric heaters, the temperature or pressure release valve might need to be replaced but not the entire heater.

Replacing Your Water Heater

Often, in many cases, you may need to replace your entire water heater rather than rebuilding it. This can be a necessity with older heaters or a voluntary replacement if you want to upgrade to a different type of water heater. There are also some telltale signs that your water heater might need to be replaced. Some of these signs can be solved by replacing parts rather than replacing your heater entirely, but it’s best to consult a professional like the Tampa water heater professionals at Cass Plumbing.

Signs that you need to replace your heater can include leaks at the top or bottom of the heater, strange noises being emitted, a lack of hot water, and rusty water from taps.

SCHEDULE A WATER HEATER CONSULTATION TODAY

For all your water heater repair and replacement needs, contact the Tampa water heater professionals at Cass Plumbing today at 813-265-9200. The experts at Cass Plumbing can help you decide if tankless water heater installation is right for you. We’ll consider all the factors, such as your family’s size and hot water usage, installation limitations, and the payback period of going tankless. With all this information, you can make the best decision for your Tampa home.