Water Heaters

The primary issue impacting water heaters is sediment accumulation, particularly in aging units. As water is heated, minerals such as calcium and magnesium accumulate on the tank and burner surfaces. If these minerals are not filtered out, they create a sediment barrier that settles on the burner, significantly hindering the water heater's efficiency. To ensure the well-being of your water heater, consider reaching out to Clean Water Plumbing & Gas for water heater inspection or water filtration services.

Typically, tank-style water heaters have a lifespan of approximately eight to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last 15 to 20 years. As these appliances age, they tend to operate less efficiently and become more susceptible to failures.

Rather than waiting until a water heater completely breaks down, which can be stressful and may result in significant damage if it fails catastrophically, it is more convenient to consider a replacement around the 10-year or 15-year mark, depending on the type of water heater you own. This proactive approach allows for a smoother transition and helps avoid unexpected disruptions.

Upon initially opening a hot water faucet after a prolonged period of inactivity, you might experience a wait of 30 seconds or more for the water to become hot. Once heated, it remains so for a considerable duration. This delay occurs due to the distance between the faucet and the water heater, with several feet of pipes in between. The water cools as it remains unused in these pipes. The farther the fixture from the water heater, the longer it takes for the water to reach the desired temperature.

If you consistently face hot water shortages, it could indicate potential issues with your water heater, such as impending failure or sediment buildup that requires flushing from the tank.

It's crucial to be aware of the "cold-water sandwich effect" in tankless water heaters. This phenomenon involves a brief interval of cold water following the initial flow of hot water before it becomes hot again. Tankless units turn off when not in use, and there's a slight delay for the burner or heating element to activate when hot water is requested, introducing a brief period of cold water into the pipe. This occurrence is normal and doesn't necessitate tankless water heater repair.

Absolutely. Similar to your furnace and air conditioner, your water heater requires routine tune-ups to operate at its optimal level. We offer service plans to keep regularly maintain your system. Key reasons to prioritize water heater maintenance include:

1. Improved efficiency
2. Reduced utility costs
3. Minimized breakdowns
4. Lower repair expenses
5. Extended lifespan

A conventional water heater consists of a sizable tank capable of holding approximately 60 to 100 gallons of water. To ensure immediate availability, the water in the tank must be maintained at a temperature between 120 and 140 degrees F at all times. This constant heating demands substantial energy and places considerable stress on the unit, contributing to the typical lifespan of storage water heaters, which is around eight to 12 years.

In contrast, tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand. Robust electric elements or gas burners swiftly elevate the water temperature when hot water is requested. Once the demand ceases, the tankless unit shuts off, conserving energy and minimizing wear and tear.