FAQS About Buying a Water Heater

Hot water heaters are common appliances found in modern day homes.Without a hot water heater, a hot steamy shower in the morning is out of the question.  They heat the water in the home to any desired temperature, depending on the intended use. Homeowners in the market for a new hot water heater, especially for the first time, have many questions about the how a hot water heater works and what features to look for in a new unit. 

If you are also asking similar questions, continue reading to learn some interesting and helpful facts about hot water heaters.

Indianapolis Water Heater Plumber 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Water Heater Plumber 317-454-3612

What Type of Water Heater Do I Need?

The very first consideration for selecting a water heater is the fuel type. The two main fuel categories for home appliances is gas and electricity, but some homes use propane. The size of your water heater is another major factor to consider. You must think about how much water your home uses, and then choose a water heater that has the capacity to heat that much water. To determine your required gallon capacity is to count the number of occupants in the home. This will let you know what size water heater you need. The general rule of thumb is:

1 – 2 Occupants: 23 – 36 gallon
2 – 4 Occupants: 36 – 46 gallon
3 – 5 Occupants: 46 – 56 gallon
5+ Occupants: 56 gallon or Higher

Do Water Heaters Come with Warranties?

Warranties are typically sold with hot water heater units to protect homeowners from costly repairs and fixes shortly after purchase. The problem with hot water heating warranties is that they do not last very long; and in most cases, the homeowner is unaware that their warranty has expired.  It is a good idea to ask about water heater warranties before making any purchasing decisions.

How Much Does a Water Heater Cost?

For tank-style water heaters, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand or more, depending on the size and application. Commercial water heaters range in the high thousands, sometimes over $10,000. But residential units are generally a few thousand unless you go tankless. But even then, conversion and installation costs add up to the same as tank-style units.

When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

Signs that suggest a water heater needs replaced include excess water buildup around the unit, drop in water quality, inconsistent water temperatures, and more.  Water buildup may be from a leak in the appliance.  These kinds of leaks are difficult to repair, and on a financial standpoint, more economical to replace the entire unit.  Water quality issues are evident when rust and other sediment buildup is seen throughout the water supply.  This suggests that the tank is failing and needs exchanged.

Where Can I Get Water Heater Plumbing Service in Indianapolis?

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional water heater plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed contractors, provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties, including water heater repair, installation, and replacement. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Indianapolis plumbers, today.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Solutions for a Leaky Hot Water Heater

Water Heater Assistance 317-454-3612

Water Heater Assistance 317-454-3612

It is never a good sign to see standing water around any major appliance in your home. When the standing water is found around your hot water heater, it is just as bad. Standing water suggests a leak, coming from the book of Plumbing 101. But how do you know the extent of damage without any plumbing or HVAC experience? Just follow these simple guidelines on how to repair a standard water heater leak in your home.

Water Heater Leaks

Typically, a puddle of water around your water heater means leakage. Fortunately, there is probably a simple solution for this leak. Before calling your local plumbing company, check out these scenarios to see if you can find the solution on your own, for free.

There is a valve located at the bottom of the water heater, called a T&PR valve. In most minor water heater leaks, this is the culprit. You see, water heaters only have three connecting lines. They are the hot water outlet line, the cold water inlet line, and the third line is attached to a brass valve with a lever on it. When there is an accumulation of water around the water heater, it usually means the T&PR valve is doing its job. It is there to relieve the excess water pressure inside the appliance. It is a safety mechanism that prevents water pressure from overheating and causing an explosion.

Indianapolis Plumbing Assistance 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Plumbing Assistance 317-454-3612

So if you see this standard leak under your hot water heater, it usually suggests that the Temperature and Pressure Relief exceeds the appliance design limitations. Generally, the heat limit is 120 degrees. At this point, the T&PR valve is designed to release this excess water and pressure. It is a sign that your water heater is reaching unsafe temperature levels. If you know how to refute this problem yourself, then do so with this new found information, otherwise, call a professional plumber to take a look and fix the problem.

Water Heater Inspections

Once a year, you should test your T&PR valve by simply lifting the lever attached to the third connecting line, as mentioned earlier. Once you release some water by lifting this lever, let go to see if it closes back up and stops the hot water flow. This simple test that only needs performed once a year can greatly reduce the need for repairs, and reduce the cost of repair altogether by discovering water heater issues early on.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed contractors, provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties, including water heater repair, installation, and replacement. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Indianapolis plumbers, today.