Water Heater Services
Top Water Heater Specialists in Knoxville
The lifespan of your water heater depends significantly on routine maintenance each year. Typically, a conventional water heater lasts anywhere from 8-11 years, but we’ve seen instances of a conventional heater lasting nearly 20 years due to routine maintenance. A well-maintained tankless water heater typically lasts upwards of 20 years.
Annual water heater maintenance is the best way to ensure your heater lasts as long as possible. At Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc., we offer a full range of water heater services, and our experienced technicians are happy to come take a look at your water heater and make their honest, professional recommendations for repairs or replacements. They can even help you evaluate your upgrade options, including tankless water heaters, which can help you save energy and money.
Types of Water Heaters
Conventional Water Heater
Most homes are equipped with a standard storage tank water [link to https://www.pipewrenchplumbing.com/water-heaters/repair/] heater that utilizes the tank to store water that is kept hot and ready to use at any time. Sources to fuel conventional heaters include natural gas, propane, fuel oil and electricity. These heaters are typically more cost-efficient and inexpensive to replace, however, conventional tanks are always on and lack efficiency when it comes to energy savings.
Tankless Water Heater
Highly efficient when it comes to energy and cost-savings, tankless water heaters only operate when there is a demand for hot water, reducing energy costs by close to 25% annually. They’re compact in size – taking up much less room than a conventional water heater – and their lifetime expectancy is 20+ years. Tankless systems cost nearly twice as much as a conventional heater and installation can be pricey, but annual energy savings can help to balance out the costs.
Repair or Replace? Understanding Your Options
If you’re dealing with water heater problems, like lack of hot water, our water heater specialists can help you determine if repairs are possible or if you should consider replacing the unit altogether.
While we always strive to perform water heater repairs whenever we can, you should consider replacing your water heater if:
- Your water heater keeps breaking down, leading to multiple professional repair visits in a single year.
- Your water heater has reached its maximum lifespan, per the manufacturer (usually about 8 – 12 years).
- You notice signs of water leaking near the base of your water heater.
- Water from taps is rust-colored or there are other signs of water heater tank corrosion.
At Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc., we are happy to help you with both water heater repairs and replacement in Knoxville or the nearby areas. We can even help you take a look at potential upgrades so you can make the most of your home or business’s energy-efficiency.
Water Heater Safety Tips
Did you know?
- Hot water heaters should be properly sized for your house.
- Extra thick insulation helps prevent radiant heat loss and saves energy and money.
- Water temperatures above 120° F can cause scalding especially on young children.
- Sediment build-up can cause premature tank failure, electric element failure, and excess costs on fuel bills.
- Hot water heaters require yearly maintenance to ensure proper operation.
Do’s
- Set hot water heater temperature below 120° F.
- Flush hot water heater through drain valve at least once a year to remove sediment build-up.
- Test safety relief valve once a year to ensure proper operation (this device protects the heater from over-pressurizing and from exceeding 210° F.)
- Keep area around hot water heater, clean and free of combustible and flammable material.
- When leaving for vacation, set hot water heater temperature at its lowest setting. This will save money and reduce the risk of any problems while you are away.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended maintenance schedule.
Don’ts
- Set hot water heater temperature above 120° F.
- Keep combustible material or flammable material or flammable material within 18″ of the hot water heater.
- Never leave children unattended around a hot water heater.
Preventing Problems: Maintenance Is Key
What’s the best way to avoid water heater problems? Like most of your home’s crucial heating, cooling, or plumbing systems, regular maintenance is the answer. The most important aspect of a water heater tune-up is the flushing and draining of the tank. This task should be done at least once a year to prevent sediment from building up in the tank. During your Knoxville water heater tune-up, our technicians will also conduct a thorough inspection during which they will be able to spot signs of damage or potential problems and make necessary repairs to prevent these problems from later becoming emergencies.
Have questions about water heater safety? Need to schedule water heater service in Knoxville, TN? Call us at (865) 583-3957 to find out how a Pipe Wrench plumber can help!
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