Answers to the Most Common Water Heater Questions

Many homeowners prefer traditional water heaters, however tankless and solar options are available. Next on the list is your budget. Traditional water heaters are cheaper than solar or tankless as the latter are higher in demand. Another piece is the overall cost, and I don’t mean the cost of the heater itself or the cost of water heater installation.

I’m talking about efficiency. Tankless water heaters run much more efficiently than traditional ones, and therefore can save you money every month. So if long-term savings are your goal, and you can afford it, that’s the way to go. But if you’re not sure which model or type is right for you and your needs, a licensed plumber will be able to help.

The best temperature setting is…?

Everybody likes their shower a little different, but even those who like to crank the temperature handle in the shower all the way up have a limit. If your water heater is too high, it can be an injury risk, especially to young children and those over the age of 65. In 15 seconds, 133° can scald — leaving third-degree burns. At 156° it only takes one second.

The limit I would put for your water heater is 120° to reduce the risk of scalding burns.

How do I take care of my water heater?

Again, this will depend on the appliance. But, as most people have a traditional tank, here are the common steps involved.

• Drain the tank. This removes sediment that can build up over time and cause serious damage to your tank. And trust me, flushing it is much cheaper than buying a new one.
  • Attach a hose to your tank’s drain valve.
  • Drain at least a quarter of the water in the tank, until the water running out is clear.
  • Repeat a few times a year.
• Test the temperature relief valve. Discharge this valve a few times a year, look for leaks and cracks. If you’re unsure of how it’s done, give me or another licensed plumber a call.
• Call a plumber. There’s no better care than a licensed water heater professional. To extend the life of your water heater and catch problems early, calling a plumber out a few times a year is the best solution, just like getting an oil change on your car.
  Tankless models are much more difficult to care for, and I highly recommend calling out a professional.

How often should I replace my heater?

There are a ton of factors that play into this, many of which are covered in another piece of mine. The quick answer can be narrowed down to three things:

• There’s no hot water. Consistent cold water could have a variety of causes, including a tank ready to be put out to pasture.
• Leaking. A significant leak could be a sign of problems inside the tank. Patching or repairing it is a temporary solution at best.
• Inefficiency. This will cost you more and more over time, and because this is usually a sign of age, you will end up having to purchase a new water heater anyway. So why waste the money on an inefficient heater?

Contact the Plumbing Pros today (916) 778-7384 if you have any questions about your water heater