Your Water Heater Repair FAQ – Answers to Your Water Heating Questions from Victoria Plumbers
Water heaters play a vital role in your home throughout the year, ensuring hot water access for showers, baths, and washing dishes, allowing you and your family to benefit from modern plumbing conveniences. When a water heating problem occurs in your home, you likely face several questions about the next best step to restore the system. This latest water heating FAQ answers some of the most common questions our plumbers receive about water heaters, water heating repair, and optimal water heater performance.
Why Does It Take My Shower a Long Time to Heat Up?
Many homeowners assume they have a problem with their water heater when it takes their shower a long time to heat up. However, the issue is often related to the placement of the water heater rather than the water heater’s performance. If the heater is on the opposite side of the home, the water must travel a greater distance, requiring more time. Consider reviewing the water heater’s location with a plumber as a potential solution to this common issue.
Why Do I Not Get Enough Hot Water for a Bath or Shower?
If you’re unable to meet the home demand for hot water, the problem is likely related to the capacity of your water heater. A higher capacity heater will support increased hot water levels to meet home demand. You might also try increasing the temperature on the thermostat to see if you can manually alter the water heater temperature for your showers or baths. Lastly, you might consider draining the tank to remove the buildup in the tank, which may be preventing the system from reaching the optimal temperature.
What Can I Do to Extend the Life of My Water Heater?
Water heaters are a significant investment. Many homeowners are now looking into techniques to enhance their water heater’s lifespan. One option is to limit the temperature to 115 Fahrenheit, which helps limit the demand placed on the heating elements. Commit to regular professional flushing of the water heater to remove any built-up sediment and protect the various heating components.
Is a Conventional Water Heater or a Tankless Water Heater Right for My Home?
When deciding between tankless and conventional water heaters, consider the following pros and cons of each:
Tankless water heaters:
Pros
- Has a smaller system footprint, so they require less space in the home – ideal for strata properties
- Provide hot water on demand so water access is continual
- Heat the water faster than storage tank heaters
- Offer longer lifetime performance
Cons
- More expensive to install than storage tank heaters
- Replacing a storage tank heater with a tankless system is a complex job and requires the relocation of existing pipes
Storage tank heaters:
Pros
- Lower initial installation costs
- Simpler to repair than tankless water heaters
Cons
- Higher utility bills
- Occupy more space in the home because of their larger size
- Require replacement more often than tankless equipment
Your local plumber can help analyze water use in your home by performing a water demand analysis. They can then provide a clear insight into the relative value of storage tank heaters and tankless water heaters, ensuring you choose the ideal system for your home.
The Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater
You’ll likely know your water heater is failing without having to conduct an in-depth inspection of the unit. When you recognize the following performance issues, it’s time to bring in a plumber to investigate the water heater and consider water heater replacement services:
- Your water heater is leaking.
A leaking water heater is often related to component wear as the water heater heats and cools during use. A leaking heater is a clear sign it’s time to review your replacement options.
- Your storage tank heater is over 15 years old.
Most storage tank heaters require more frequent repairs as they age, and after 15 years, the return on investment for repair diminishes compared with replacing your water heater.
- The water heater has undergone significant repairs several times in recent months.
If the costs associated with water heater repairs have risen significantly in recent months, it may be time to speak with a plumber about why the equipment requires regular repair. You may also consider whether there’s any chance to preserve the current unit before considering replacement.
- The water heater is suddenly not producing enough hot water.
You may find your water heater suddenly unable to meet the demand in the home after working efficiently for over a decade. This is a clear signal that components such as heating elements are wearing down, and you should consider water heater replacement options.
Thunderbird Plumbing Brings Decades of Water Heating Repair & Replacement Experience to Victoria Homeowners
Are you considering your water heating options? Do you have questions about your water heater’s performance? Request a visit from the licensed plumbers at Thunderbird Plumbing for expert insights and compelling insights into your water heating requirements. We have experience installing, repairing, and upgrading traditional and tankless water heaters and offer same-day responses for urgent water heating service requests.
Call Thunderbird Plumbing today at 250-514-4044 to speak with a water heating expert!