The Benefits of Tank Water Heater Systems

Although much has been said about the efficiency and other advantages of tankless units, water heaters with tanks still offer certain benefits. They represent the best choice for homeowners who prefer to avoid a large initial expense, want to minimize maintenance or use comparatively small amounts of hot water.

Expense

A heater with a tank generally costs far less to purchase and install. The equipment price usually ranges from $550 to $750. The installation expense starts at about $600; some people spend up to $200 more. On the other hand, you'll probably pay around $1,400 to $3,000 to buy and install a tank-free model.

Upkeep

Conventional water heaters may last for many years with little maintenance. Tankless units normally need to be serviced annually, especially if you have hard water. To avoid frequent repairs, a technician may have to spend about two hours maintaining the equipment each year.

Electricity

A tankless heater consumes less power than a unit with a tank. However, tank models spread their energy consumption over longer periods of time. You may need to upgrade your electrical panel, outlet or wiring to keep up with the demands of a tankless unit. This also makes it harder to use a generator.

Natural Gas

Likewise, tankless models consume gas more rapidly. The equipment does this because it needs to heat water instantly rather than gradually warming it up in a container. Consequently, you might have to upgrade the gas line to a larger size when you switch to a tankless heater.

Basically, units with tanks don't use energy as efficiently but they're less expensive to buy, install and maintain. You probably won't have to upgrade your gas or electrical lines. If you're interested in purchasing a new water heater, please contact The Polite Plumber for a quote or additional information about this equipment.

3 Signs Your Water Heater is on the Verge of Breaking Down

Let's be real, the water heater in your home isn't a topic your family usually discusses, at least while the appliance is functioning properly. However, when cold showers become a regular occurrence, the health of your home's water heater quickly turns into a main talking point; especially when deciding whether the appliance needs servicing or replacing. If your water heater is displaying any of the symptoms listed below, it's time to call your knowledgeable neighborhood plumber.

Age Matters

The age of your water heater factors in largely when determining whether your appliance needs repairing or replacing. Most water heaters are expected to last 8 to 12 years. Writing down the month and year you purchased the unit in its owner's manual will help you keep track of the appliance's age. If you weren't the one to install your home's water heater, and you're not sure how old it is, go to the manufacturer's website and use the unit's serial number to find out the month and year the appliance was made. Replacing an older malfunctioning water heater with a new and more efficient unit is best for your home and your wallet in the long run.

A Noisy Water Heater

Over time, as your water heater gets older, more and more sediment falls to the bottom of its tank. Eventually, due to heating and reheating, the sediment hardens, which causes your unit to become noisy and less efficient. As the appliance's efficiency drops, the time it takes to heat the water in the tank grows longer, meaning the metal the tank is made out of acquires more wear and becomes brittle faster, which can lead to small holes in the metal. If your water heater clanks or bangs, its time to contact a professional plumber.

Rusty Water Inside the Water Heater Tank

Rust-colored water coming out of your faucets and your shower heads can mean one of two things, your home has galvanized pipes that are corroded or the inside of your water heater is rusted. If you think your hot water heater is the cause, try draining around 10 to 15 gallons of water out of the tank. Once you reach 15 gallons and you discover the water is still rust-colored, a corroded tank is clearly the issue. Unfortunately, that means it's time to start shopping for a new hot water heater.

Knowing when to repair or replace your water heater isn't always easy. Fortunately, contacting a highly trained plumber can get you the answers you're looking for. If you're worried about your units declining performance, please contact us today and we'll be happy to answer all your questions.

Everything You Need to Know About Water Heaters

Water heaters are essential to many of our day-to-day domestic functions, such as bathing, washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, and even washing our hands. However, you've probably never thought twice about how they work and other important maintenance information.

The Parts of a Water Heater

Water heaters utilize a heating element—often a burner of sorts—to raise the temperature of the water before it ever even reaches your faucet or shower head.

A water heater is comprised of multiple elements:

• The Tank is the inner shell of the water heater, with a capacity of somewhere between 40 to 60 gallons of hot water at about 50 to 100 lbs per square inch.
• The Dip Tube allows water to travel into the tank and down towards the heating element.
• A Shut-Off Valve, as its name implies, is a separate component that stops all water flow into the water heater.
• A Thermostat not only measures the temperature of the water, but allows you to set the maximum heat to somewhere between the range of 120-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The Heating Element is a mechanism that electrically raises the temperature of the water. Gas water heaters, on the other hand, utilize a burner and chimney in place of electricity to raise the temperature.
• A Drain Valve is located near the bottom of an exterior casing, allowing the tank to empty sediment and easily replace elements.
• A Pressure Relief Valve is a safety device that keeps water pressure within a safe operating limit.
• A Sacrificial Anode Rod is constructed of aluminum and magnesium with a steel core. It is suspended within the water heater to prevent corrosion.

Additional Water Heater Facts

• The general lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years. However, some situations may warrant a sooner replacement. Even if your water heater is in good condition towards the end of its lifespan, it is still recommended to replace it, to be on the safe side.
• A professional should inspect your water heater once every 6 to 12 months.
• A water heater consumes about a quarter of the energy used within your home.
• The first water heater was conceptualized by a painter in London in 1868.
• Exploding water heaters are a myth, as it almost never happens. However, it can still happen, technically. As long as you follow through with regular maintenance and replace your water heater every decade or so, you shouldn't have to worry.
• The average person will use between 6 and 8 gallons of water while showering. Those who bathe, on the other hand, will use about 15-20 gallons of water.

For more plumbing tips, head on over to our blog. If you are interested in learning more information about The Polite Plumber, our team of experts, as well as our services, please contact us.

5 Home Plumbing Tips for the New Year

It's time to put the past behind us and look forward to new and better things. So, if your home's plumbing and has seen better days, use the new year as a sign to get it back to its former glory.

To help you turn your plumbing nightmares into a dream, here are five tips to help you along this winter.

1. Reduce pressure to prevent leaks. If your water pressure is too high, consider reducing it to ease the burden on old and weak pipes. If your pipes are bad enough that they need to be replaced, consider how a professional can help you better the situation.
2. Get a water softener and add years to pipes. Hard tap water clogs and corrodes pipes, but this is preventable with a water softener. Unsure where to begin with a softener? Research online first, then call a plumber to assist you in the entire process.
3. Drain your water heater. Water heaters have a fairly long working life, but they can expire too soon if not properly cared for. For expert help in draining your water heater, a plumber can make the job easy and painless.
4. Have your sump pump and sump pit looked at. When the rainy season comes, the last thing that you want to worry about is a flooded basement. If this has been a concern in the past, perhaps it's time for a second sump pump or a clean sump pit. A plumber can help you decide how to proceed with this process.
5. Stop leaks as soon as you spot them. A drip here, a drop there, it's never a good thing. Always (always) stop leaks as soon as you see them. Water, when left to its own devices, will ruin anything not meant to contact it. For particularly hefty leaks, talk to a plumber for help.

If you have questions related to your plumbing in Succasunna, NJ just call The Polite Plumber at (973) 398-0875. We’ll never ask how it happened!