Is It Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Whether you have a house full of company or it’s just your average Thursday, there’s never a convenient time for your water heater to malfunction. The professionals at Guin will help you find the best solution, whether you need a simple repair or a replacement.

Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement

Not all water heater issues signal the need for a repair, and not all replacements are the result of a malfunction. Telltale signs that something isn’t right with your water heater include:

• The total absence of hot water.
• If the water gets hot, but it doesn’t last as long as it used to. 
• Water pooling on the floor around your water heater or water droplets on the ceiling underneath your unit.

Schedule an appointment for same-day service with a Guin professional to determine if we can repair your water heater or if it’s time to replace it.

Replacement Options

If the bottom of your heater is leaking because of extensive rust, you have no choice but to replace it. You may also choose to replace a heater in good condition if it isn’t meeting your capacity needs.

Water heaters come in two main varieties: traditional tank heaters and tankless water heaters.

If you choose a traditional tank heater, you’ll likely choose from the following three sizes: 

• 40 gallon – A good option for families of four people or less in a two or three-bedroom home.
• 50 gallon – Families of four or more people who have a higher water demand may like a larger capacity tank.
• 80 gallon – If you live in a spacious home and have a large family, you may need a sizeable tank to accommodate showers, laundry, and dishes.

Homeowners who want an endless supply of hot water may prefer a tankless water heater. A traditional tank heater works to maintain a constant supply of warm water in its tank. However, tankless heaters warm the water on demand.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

One of the most significant benefits of a tankless water heater is that they use less electricity than tank heaters. Instead of keeping a large tank of water warm at all times, a tankless heater only uses energy when you turn on the faucet. People who own vacation homes or travel often will see a sizeable drop in their energy bill when they switch to a tankless heater.

Another benefit of tankless heaters is that they provide an unlimited supply of hot water. Tank heaters can only provide a limited amount of water before they need to pause and warm a fresh tank. Tankless heaters warm water on demand, so you can take several showers back to back or do laundry all day long and never run out of hot water. 

Water Heater Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your water heater can help extend its life and save you money over time. If you have a tankless heater, schedule a full flush to clean it yearly. If you have a traditional tank heater, have a technician check the water pressure on it each year. When you sign up for GuinGuard, these services are part of your house-wide inspection and maintenance bundle.

The average, well-maintained tank water heater should last 10 – 15 years and a tankless heater should last around 20 years. However, scale buildup from the minerals in hard and unfiltered water can shorten your water heater’s life. Installing a water softener and a whole-home water filter can help your appliances run more efficiently for longer by decreasing mineral buildup. You’ll also experience several health benefits!

Timeline for Repairs and Replacements

We know how much you value your warm water, so we pride ourselves in providing same-day repairs and replacement. If it’s not possible to replace your water heater at your first service appointment, we’ll replace it the following day. 

Extra Accessories

Discovering a water leak in your home is nerve-racking. You’re rightfully concerned about how long you’ve overlooked the leak and how much damage the water has done. One way to catch leaks before they become a major issue is with a water sensor. 

With a smart sensor, all you need to do is place it where water may leak. If the sensor detects moisture, it’ll send an alert to your smartphone. Another option is a sensor that you can integrate into your incoming water source. If the sensor detects moisture, it has a valve that automatically cuts off the water supply. 

Both sensors can protect you from catastrophic events with any of your water-using appliances. Some homeowners’ insurance policies even cover the cost of the sensors or offer a discount on your monthly premium. 

An excellent accessory for a tankless water heater is a circulating pump. If your heater is across the house from the master bathroom, it may take a minute for the warm water to get to your faucet. A circulator will cycle warm water through the house one to two times per hour, significantly cutting down the length of time it takes to get hot water to your faucet.

If you have questions about tankless water heaters, accessories, or regular maintenance, give our friendly office staff a call!