Water Heater Services in the Twin Cities
Is your water heater leaking, broken or under-performing?
Leaks, knocking noises, rusty or smelly water; these are all signs that you might have a water heater problem. One of the most common inquiries we get at Bruce Nelson Plumbing and Heating Service is when to do a repair versus a replacement. While some issues can be repaired, others do require replacement. If your water tank is more than 10 years old, it is probably time to consider replacement.
Being as water heaters are the second highest use of energy in the home - accounting for 14 to 18% of a home’s utility bills - replacing an older water heater with a new energy-efficient one can save you money on water and energy.
There are plenty of options to choose from: Gas Tank Water Heaters; Electric Tank Water Heaters; Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters; Gas Tankless Water Heaters; Electric Tankless Water Heaters; Solar; and Combi Boilers.
There are several factors involved in finding the right water heater for your home. You will need to consider the fuel source, the size of the unit, placement for the installation, etc.
It pays to purchase a quality unit as they come with superior features making them likely to last longer. Look for attributes such as porcelain casing which provides an extra layer of protection against rusting and a greater level of insulation. Also, it is typical for a higher quality item to offer a longer warranty period.
Maintenance Tips
- Check the pressure-relief value at least once per year. If the valve does not open, or if it leaks after testing, then it needs to be replaced.
- Most water heaters should be drained and flushed every six months. If you live in an area with extremely hard water, you will want to drain and flush it more often to remove any sediment that has settled in the bottom of the water heater tank.
- Both electric and gas water heaters have an anode rod. The anode rod attracts corrosive materials thereby eroding the rod instead of the tank itself. Replacing the anode rod every five years could also help to lengthen the life of the water heater.
