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Common questions and concerns about water heaters
How long does a water heater last?
Most water heaters will last about 12-15 years.
What causes a water heater to break?
Many of the failures that we see are are leaking tanks. Over time the tank will corrode and eventually rust through. This can cause a trickle of water on the floor or a larger (and messier) flood.
Can it be repaired or should it be replaced?
If the tank is leaking you'll need a new water heater. There are a few minor items that can be repaired
Can a defective water heater be dangerous?
Water heaters can become dangerous in a couple of ways. If it's a gas water heater it's possible that the venting system that removes the flue gases could become defective. That could mean something simple such as birds building a nest in the top of the chimney that would block the flue. There are several safety features on every water heater sold in the US. So long as these work properly the heater is probably safe.
There was a TV show on the Discovery Channel recently where they removed all of the safety features of a water heater and were able to make it launch like a rocket. That was fun to watch. But, it's probably unlikely to happen in the real world.
Is there any way to be forewarned that my water heater is going to break?
Although there is no way to know for sure when you water heater will fail, our technicians can use our high tech infra red video camera to show you the condition of your tank. This is included at no charge when we perform your annual furnace tune ups. If there is lots of rust and corrosion you should probably make plans to replace your water heater before you have problems.
What brand/type of water heater should I buy?
Most brands of water heater are VERY similar to the other brand choices. Many of the brands that you see are simply a brand label that is put onto the tank after it's manufactured. We've offered (and still do) a variety of brands over the years. We've never had any trouble with any of them. The most efficient type of unit are the newer style tankless water heaters. These don't keep any water heated until you turn on the tap ... then they kick in and heat as you use water for an unlimited supply. They are also the most expensive to install.
How much does a new water heater cost?
The price for installing a new water heater will vary based on a few factors. Things like how much of your current piping is reusable to connect your new heater, the condition and type of the current flue/venting system, and the type and size that you choose to purchase all have an effect on the price. A basic 40 gallon starts at around $800 and some of the new tankless types can be $2000 or more.
Call our office to get a quote on replacing your water heater today. 303-770-2776
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