As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
3 Things To Know Before Buying A New Water Heater
Jorge Alexander
Does your home have a water heater that no longer heats very well, is leaking or that otherwise needs to be fixed? Have you already decided that you're going to replace the water heater, but you're not sure what to look for? Your plumber will likely recommend one or more water heaters to put in place of the old one, but the choice will ultimately be up to you. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Bigger isn't always better: If you're always running out of hot water and have a hookup for an electric water heater, you may be tempted to get one with a higher-wattage heating element. After all, higher watts mean more heat being put into the water. Unfortunately, this isn't necessarily the case. If the water heater pulls too much power, it will cause the electrical circuit to overload and shut off. Having this happen often can cause your wiring to overheat and result in a fire hazard. Consult with a professional electrician so that you can find out exactly what size of water heaters are okay for installation in your home.
Tankless isn't just hype: Your plumber has probably included one or more tankless water heaters to show you. Since these may cost significantly more to purchase than a more traditional water heater, you may be wondering if they're worth the price. This obviously depends on your specific circumstances, but they can definitely save you money on your utility bills in the long run. A regular water heater with a tank works by heating up water ahead of time and storing it until it's needed. As the water loses heat, it will be reheated over and over again. If you don't actually use much hot water on an average day, this can be a waste of money. Tankless water heaters only heat as much water as you need. Whether you want just five gallons or 500 gallons, they're able to do this for you.
Regular maintenance is key: If you want to avoid needing to replace your water heater again in only a couple years, it's vital that you follow the proper maintenance schedule. For water heaters with tanks, this means doing things like draining and flushing out your water heater on a yearly basis and having the heating element or burner checked for damage. Your plumber will be able to give you more specific maintenance information depending on the model of water heater that you ultimately buy.
For more information, contact a plumber at a company like Buchner Bernie Inc.
Share