Hot Water Heater
Repair & Installation
206-337-2406
WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE OR REPAIR YOUR WATER HEATER?
Picture to recreate: https://unsplash.com/photos/arCQys3B3hA
INTRODUCTION
Many homeowners are not sure when is the right time to replace their water heater. If you have come across this article you are probably having some issues with yours, and are wondering what can be done about it.
Here, you will read about types of water heaters as well as their lifespan, so you will know exactly what to do when you notice particular malfunctions. If you don’t like to read about hot water heaters, call us anytime and we can help answer your questions!
WE'RE THE RIGHT CHOICE
UPFRONT
PRICING
40 YEARS
IN BUSINESS
LATEST
TOOLS
TRAINED
PROFESSIONALS
FAST
TURNAROUNDS
TYPES OF WATER HEATERS
When choosing a water heater, you need to know your options, so you can choose one that will suit your needs. You could not only look at the price of water heaters, but rather at their features. The water heater features are of crucial importance because they determine your future household energy costs.
That’s why it is of crucial importance to learn everything about the types of water heaters and their characteristics. Once you learn how each type of water heater functions, you will know what will be suitable for your home. First, it is necessary to point out that there are three main types of water heaters:
- Gas water heater.
- Instant water heater.
- Electric water heater.
Below, we have provided a table of the main similarities and differences between the types of water heaters, so you can easily compare them. This way you can easily see what suits your household.
Hot Water Heater Selection Matrix
| Feature Type | Gas water heater | Instant water heater | Electric water heater |
| Efficiency | Less-energy efficient | More-energy efficient | More-energy efficient |
| Energy savings | $25 per year | $108 per year | $330 per year |
| Accessibility | More complex operation | Limited use for particular areas | Simple operation |
| Environmental drawbacks | Less eco-friendly | Depends on whether it is operated on gas or electricity | More-eco friendly |
UPSIDES OF A GAS WATER HEATER
Gas water heaters come with a lot of benefits, but it’s essential to point out that you may want to consider choosing an ENERGY STAR certified one. This kind of certification provides reliability, energy savings, and a better performing gas water heater. A high-efficiency gas water heater is quite different from a standard gas heater and can include many additional features.
Although high-efficiency gas water heaters have the same technology as the non-efficient ones, there are particular changes that make the former more efficient than the latter. That is, high-efficiency gas water heaters have better insulation, more efficient burners, and greater heat traps. These kinds of modifications allow the gas water heater to use 8-10% less energy. This can add up over time and save you hundreds of dollars a year.
In addition, there are even more developed gas water heaters that use a secondary heat exchanger that extracts a greater amount of combustion gas. That is why these gas water heaters are known as ‘gas condescending’ as well.
Make sure your gas water heater is ENERGY STAR certified, otherwise it will be less eco-friendly than electric water heaters!
ENERGY SAVINGS WITH GAS WATER HEATERS
The reason why a gas water heater might be a perfect solution for you is due to the fact that it provides a great deal of energy savings. The energy savings is the greatest benefit that comes with a gas water heater that is ENERGY STAR certified. However, they do not only save you money, but they are also more planet friendly.
By using a certified gas water heater you may use 10% less energy, which means that a four-member household saves about $25 per year. In other words, a regular family can save hundreds of dollars over a lifetime. In addition, gas water heaters with an ENERGY STAR certification can greatly reduce the environmental impacts, i.e. greenhouse and or gas emissions.
UPSIDES OF AN INSTANT WATER HEATER
Instant water heaters, also known as tankless water heaters, provide hot water only when it’s required. This means that they are high-energy efficient heaters that reduce the energy losses that occur with storage water heaters. This being said, it’s obvious that these kinds of water heaters will save you a lot of money.
Instant water heaters can be great for home use, but our technicians need to calculate exactly how much hot water you need for a particular area. Namely, these water heaters provide water the moment you turn them on. However, if you are using hot water in the bathroom while your dishwasher is running, the water heater might reach its limit. We have a solution for that as well, it’s called a hot water heater recirculator and is connected to a large holding tank and recirculates hot water throughout the house for on demand hot water everywhere in your home.
This means that you need to be careful when choosing the model of the instant water heater. Many homeowners decide to have separate water heaters for separate areas of the house. That way you ensure that you have hot water at any given moment.
Instant water heaters can operate on gas or electricity. It is up to you to decide which one works better for you. Our sales staff are more than happy to weigh the pros and cons with you and help you choose the appropriate hot water heater for your home
ENERGY SAVINGS WITH INSTANT WATER HEATERS
With the use of instant water heaters it is a fact that you can save up to 14% on energy use. They are especially beneficial for homes that use a lot of hot water since they can save about $108 per year. The energy efficiency can be enhanced if you decide to install an instant water heater at every hot water outlet in your home.
While these kinds of water heaters can cost more than standard ones, they are characterized by a longer lifespan and low energy and operating costs. In addition, they consist of replaceable parts that are easily installed and do not come at high prices. This means that they are not only energy-efficient but also are easier and cheaper to maintain.
If you decide to purchase an instant water heater that uses natural gas, make sure that you choose one with an intermittent ignition device (IID) instead of a standing pilot light. This usually reduces the use of gas, and energy use is decreased.
ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
Electric water heaters are suitable for any kind of home, no matter the size. They are very easy to operate since you only need electricity to run them. However, troubleshooting might be a pickle since you need to know the main components in order to find an issue that is preventing it from working.
Electric water heaters work by bringing cold water into the tank and heating it with immersion heating components. Since it runs on electricity, the electric water heater needs to be completely wired. The electrical connections are usually established in a junction box, which is generally found on the top of the unit.
Many homeowners opt for electric water heaters because they are significantly more energy-efficient than other types. That means that they can save you money, but they are also better for the environment.
Energy Savings With Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters with an ENERGY STAR certification can be quite economical because they will definitely save you money on monthly bills. More precisely, these water heaters are able to save you up to $330 per year if you are running a household of four members. In other words, they can use less than half the energy in comparison to standard electric water heaters. As a result the ENERGY STAR certification will end up paying for your hot water heater in a few years.
Electric heaters transfer the heat from the surrounding air to the water, gaining the ability to use less power than standard water heaters. More clearly, a four-person household can save up to $600 per year with a standard electric water heater, while with the ENERGY STAR certified one the savings are up to $330.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY WATER HEATER IS FAILING OR MAY NEED SIGNIFICANT REPAIR?
It is a fact that some water heaters are more sustainable than others, and if you keep good maintenance, you will be able to use them for a long time. However, it is also normal that a water heater
Once you notice your water heater is acting up, you might wonder whether you should repair or replace it. While some malfunctions can be fixed, others are beyond repair, so you may need to repair or replace the water heater. However, you need to know which operation failures have an available fix.
The most common signs that will show you that your water heater is not working properly are the following:
- Leaking water.
- Rusty water.
- Lukewarm water.
- Short-lasting hot water.
- Unusual noises and sounds.
-
Leaking Water
Leaking water is usually the most common sign that shows that the water heater is not working properly. This kind of issue can cause serious damage to your home. Some leaks can start small, but they can develop over time, and flood the area in which the water heater is. That is why it is important to react quickly even when the leak is not so serious.
It is important to point out that some leaks are not so noticeable, meaning that you might already have an issue with your water heater, but you have not spotted it yet. That is why it is wise to do regular inspections of your water heater and the area that surrounds it. This is how you can spot even the tiniest leaks and prevent greater damage.
If you are not able to find where the leak is coming from, make sure to clean the wet area, and observe the water heater for some time. If it continues to leak, you should call Fischer Plumbing for professional help.
-
Rusty Water
If your faucet starts distributing rusty or red-colored water, that is a sign that there is damage and corrosion inside your water heater. However, you should not cross out the possibility that rusty water might signify that the pipes are corroded. Generally, red-colored water is a sign of corrosion, but it is quite difficult to determine by yourself whether the water heater is the problem or the pipes.
That is why it is best to call us for help and leave it to the professionals. Our professional plumbers can tell you the reason for rusty water quickly, so you will not have to rack your brain.
-
Lukewarm Water
If you are experiencing lukewarm water from the faucet and it’s not as hot as you’d expect, this might be a sign that your water heater needs to be repaired. However, before you determine that your water heater is not working properly, make sure to check a few things.
First, you should check whether the temperature settings on the water heater have accidentally been changed. Another cause might be a turned-on vacation mode. These two can cause the water heater not to heat water as expected, so you might need to do some adjustments. Please refer to your owners manual so that you do this procedure safely.
Moreover, lukewarm water may be produced by the water heater if the temperatures outside are extremely cold. If you are facing seriously cold weather, the water heater may have a hard time heating the extremely cold water coming from outside.
Nonetheless, if cold temperatures and wrongly-adjusted settings are not the issues, then this might mean that your water heater needs some repairs. That is why you should call a professional, and see what is causing the issue in your water heater.
-
Short-lasting Hot Water
Short-lasting hot water is a common problem that shows that something is wrong with the water heater. For instance, if you are used to taking showers for 15 minutes without any issues, and now the hot water runs out within minutes, that means that repairs are in order. This kind of issue is noticed quite quickly because it usually happens out of the blue, i.e. you will notice by the time you take a shower.
So, this might signify that some element in the water heater is broken or does not work properly. At this point, we recommend that you call us for an inspection of your hot water heater and be prepared that it may need to be replaced. And yes we do charge for this service to send out a professional plumber.. Determining the problem by yourself can be difficult, so it is best if you call us to estimate the cause of the issue and find a suitable solution.
-
Unusual Noises And Sounds
Over time, the water heaters can develop some issues from the inside, and you will end up hearing unusual noises and sounds. This usually happens when the water heater develops an accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the tank. With time the sediment can harden and produce unusual noises from the inside.
If you hear rumbling or clanging noises and sounds (pipe bang) coming from your water heater, you should consider seeking our help. This is usually a sign that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. You should not wait long to call a plumber since this might develop into greater damage.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR WATER HEATER MAY BE BROKEN
CALL FISCHER
PLUMBING
CHECK OUT
THE PROBLEM
ESTIMATE TO
PROBLEM
FIX
THE ISSUE
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT VS REPAIR:
WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT
There are cases in which the water heater needs to be replaced, meaning that will be your only option. For instance, if there are serious leaks coming from it, you will not have another solution for the water heater but to replace it with a newer model. Moreover, if rusty water comes from your faucet, and the cause is corrosion from inside the water heater tank, repairs will not be the solution.
However, sometimes you might experience malfunctioning of your water heater that has developed due to fixable elements of the unit. In this case, you will probably think that it would be better just to replace the parts. You have to think about the costs that will take place for the repairs.
If your model of water heater is older than seven years, and the warranty has expired, it is wiser to replace it with a newer model. This way you will have a water heater that is more energy-efficient.
WATER HEATER REPAIR
Some parts of a water heater are easily repaired, meaning that the repairs will not cost you a lot. When your water heater is malfunctioning due to some faulty parts that require a simple fix, there is no reason to consider a replacement. This is especially important if your water heater is still under a warranty, and is only a few years old.
For instance, elements, such as a broken thermostat and a malfunctioning burner are easily repaired or replaced, meaning that there is no reason to replace the whole unit. In addition, if the circuit breaker inside the water heater is tripped and obstructs its operation, you will just need a simple repair by a professional plumber. The same thing refers to when you are facing a pilot light that goes out when a gas water heater is in question. Of course this is not 100% certain and we always recommend calling us if you have questions.
WATER HEATER REBATES TO SAVE MONEY
Today, people are always looking for solutions that will decrease their energy bills when it comes to heating systems. In order to obtain a more energy-efficient water heater into your home, there are rebates that help you achieve that with quality equipment.
In other words, you can lower your utility bills significantly by incorporating a particular rebate offer. There are rebates for both electric and gas water heater customers, meaning that you do not have to switch your appliance in order to use rebate benefits.
Currently, there are several offers that provide rebates and allow you to save money when using water heaters. You will need to meet some special requirements in order to receive the rebate. You can read about these special requirements here. These rebates change from time to time and you will need to work with Puget Sound Energy or your county in order to cash in on these rebates.
| Water Heater Rebate Types | Savings |
| Electric hybrid heat pump water heater | $500 |
| Natural gas storage water heater | $50 |
| Natural gas tankless water heater | $250 |
Table 1: ENERGY STAR Certified Gas Tankless Water Heater Rebates
Table 2: ENERGY STAR Certified Gas Storage Water Heater Rebates
LET FISCHER PLUMBING REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR WATER HEATER
As you can see, there are many things to consider when it comes to water heaters. There are many types, and each of them comes with special features that might be beneficial to your needs. Whenever you have an issue with your water heater, we recommend that you take into consideration all of the possibilities that are at your disposal.
Sometimes it is not worth it to repair your water heater when you can have a new one at approximately the same price. You need to be able to determine the malfunction, so you will know whether you need a fix or a replacement.
If you are not sure what you should do with your water heater, you should rely on Fischer Plumbing services. We have been in the business for over 40 years, so we will definitely know what to recommend regarding your water heater and offer you the best solution. You can contact us any time you are in need of plumbing services.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU SPRING A LEAK
When you need to keep your hot water heater working in top form, call Fischer Plumbing. Our technicians have a cumulative 35 years professional experience working on major brand water heating systems.
They can quickly diagnose problems and apply effective solutions. When one of our experts is on the job, you can be confident that the job is done right.
WHY CHOOSE
FISCHER PLUMBING?
If you are searching for drain cleaning near you, then Fischer Plumbing is the right choice.
Our plumbers are professionally trained experts who are licensed and bonded to perform plumbing services in your home or business. We take pride in offering the highest quality workmanship for all of our residential and commercial customers. We have built a solid reputation for providing reliable, efficient, and affordable drain cleaning and rooter services all around the Seattle and Eastside metro areas.
Whether you have a drain blocked, major sewer issue, or other plumbing problem, we are here to help.
Call the professionals
Call Fischer Plumbing Right Away And Get The Best Hot Water Heater Service At Your Doorstep
Frequently asked questions
We are a full-service plumbing company that does all home service plumbing and sewer repairs.
This can be anything from drain cleaning, toilets, or sink replacement to rootering drains and repairing sewer lines. When it comes to plumbing, we do it all, just call us at (206)-279-3322
We care about your health and continue to serve our customers safely through the CDC COVID-19 protocols.
Office hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, after-hours emergency calls are very limited with current labor shortages, we cannot guarantee the ability to provide after-hours plumbing services. We will do our absolute best to accommodate your needs.
We are an hourly shop and charge time and material for most of our plumbing services. This is a more cost-effective process for our customers and most other plumbing companies charge overinflated prices and they have much higher profits as a result.
We do plumbing as far north as Everett and as far South as Renton. We also travel east as far as Woodinville and Issaquah. Please call us if you would like to know about providing plumbing services in your community.
Yes, we love to support non-profits, from Churches to Volleyball Teams, Little League, and our local roadside clean-up crews, we love to help out where we can.