While plumbing may be our thing, it’s not everyone’s, so when you go into people’s homes, we ensure that we educate them on the decision we recommend and, more importantly, why. One of the most common reasons we go into someone’s home is to update or maintain their water heater.
We wanted to break down the types of water heaters available to you at Todd’s Plumbing, their use case, and how to maintain them.
Types of Water Heaters
Storage Tank Water Heaters
These are also known as a traditional water heater, with a tank that holds water to be heated. This means the water is heated continuously, ensuring that hot water is always available.
Traditional water heaters are popular due to their lower initial cost and their user-friendly operation. However, the lower initial cost is met with higher utility costs due to the constant heating, not to mention the large amount of space they require.
This type of heater is ideal for homes with higher water usage and/or anyone looking for a cost-effective installation.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless models heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, and either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water.
In contrast to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters have lower energy costs in the long run despite their initial upfront costs.
This type of water heater is great for smaller households that do not require large amounts of hot water at a time. It is also great for homes with limited space as it is “tankless” and does not require much space.
Maintenance Tips
No matter which type of water heater you choose, maintaining it properly can significantly extend its lifespan and efficiency. Here are some of the maintenance steps conducted during our Water Heater Maintenance:
- Check for leaks or signs of corrosion once a year. We look at the anode rod to check for tank corrosion.
- For traditional tank water heaters, we recommend you drain the tank twice a year to remove sediment that can hinder efficiency. For tankless systems, flush out the mineral deposits at least once a year. If you haven’t done this with an older water heater, it may not be wise to begin now. Please give us a call for questions regarding this.
- We test the pressure relief valve annually to ensure it’s working correctly and to prevent potential overpressure problems.
Choosing the right water heater depends on your household needs, budget, and energy concerns. Proper maintenance, regardless of the type, can help you get the most out of your water heater. If you’re unsure about which type to go for, consider calling us and we would be happy to help you in choosing your next water heater. Remember, investing in a good water heater not only provides comfort but can also increase energy efficiency and save money in the long run.
Stay warm, Coweta County!