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Can water heaters last 20 years?

The typical warranty for a gas powered hot water heater is usually five or six years. A higher quality, more expensive brand will have a ten-year warranty. Gas water heater made of fiberglass will typically come with a lifetime warranty and a stainless steel gas water heater will last even longer than a conventional unit.

So, if we were to even all things to equal, a new gas water heater should last the length of the warranty. If you keep the basic maintenance done, like flushing it as recommended by the manufacturer, you could get up to thirteen years or longer.

How do you know when your water heater needs replacing?

Here in Chattanooga, Tennessee, like anywhere else, the water heater is an essential appliance for the household. We’re taking bathes or showers, we’re washing dishes or cooking, or we’re doing laundry. Not a day goes by that you won’t use you gas water heater. If you aren’t sure how old your gas water heater is, or you do know and wonder if it is time to replace it, here are some signs that will tell you it is time to get a new water heater:

The Age

If you aren’t sure how your gas water heater is, look for the manufacturer’s serial number tag. The first two numbers of the serial number are the year they manufactured your gas water heater. If you can’t find that tag, use the manufacturer’s website and they may have a source to determine the age.  A gas water heater that is ten years old needs to be replaced unless you have a history of the unit. 

Water is Rusty

If the hot water coming out of your faucets is rusty, your gas water heater is probably rusted inside the tank. Drain your water heater into several five-gallon buckets and if any rust comes out, you need a new gas water heater. Metallic tasting water or muddy looking water is a sign that a new gas water heater is needed.

Insufficient Hot Water Supply

If one load of wash keeps you from getting a hot shower, your gas water heater has probably reached its end of life. Overtime, sediment from the water will build up inside the water heater tanks and eventually, it can’t keep a supply of hot water. This is one reason manufacturers recommend draining your gas water heater ever two to three years to keep that sediment level minimized. 

Clanking and Rumbling

A gas water heater should be relatively quiet, but as they age and that sediment builds up in the tank, it is heated and reheated, eventually hardening. A lot of energy is wasted and you’re not getting full use of your water heater.  When you hear clanking, rumbling, or other noises, you’re probably running out of hot water faster too, it is time to replace the unit with a more energy efficient unit.

Leaking Gas Water Heater       

Metal contracts and expands with cooling and heating. If there is the smallest fracture in the gas water heater tank, you’ll probably notice sooner than later that your gas water heater is leaking. What if you don’t see any fractures or water leaking from the tank, but there is water in the floor around the water heater? Check all the connections and fittings to make sure none of it has come loose. Check the drain pan and if there is water there, your gas water heater is leaking from the bottom. 

How do I know if my gas water heater is bad?

Reviewing the signs of a gas water heater reaching its end of life are the same signs that a water heater is bad. If you’re not getting any hot water from it, it is already beyond those signs, and if you don’t know the exact age and can’t find the serial number tag, it is probably an old model that should have been replaced long ago.

How do you troubleshoot a gas hot water heater?

No hot water? First thing you want to check is the pilot light. Towards the bottom of the tank you’ll find an inspection window. Check there for either a small flame or an LED light, depending on how old your gas water heater is. If no flame or light, then the pilot light has gone out and needs to be relit. Your water heater should have instructions on the side of it how to relight it. 

If the pilot light on the gas water heater will not light, then check the electric spark needed isn’t getting to the pilot. This could be because the gas line has air in itand needs to be purged.  Or the gas supply valve is turned off. It should be in a parallel position with the gas pipe.

Sometimes, the thermocouple could be defective, which is easy to replace yourself if you have any mechanical ability. If not, call a professional plumber to replace it for you. The gas pressure may be too low, which will need to be checked by a professional plumber or your gas company.

While most households with a one-and-a-half bath can operate fairly efficiently with a 40-gallon tank for larger households, a bigger tank—50 gallons or more—is required. These bigger tanks often have higher recovery times. One of the best ways to determine what kind of water heater you might need is to talk with a plumbing professional, especially one that specializes in water heaters like Chattanooga Water Heater Co.. You can also get help with high recovery water heater installation in Chattanooga, TN. Learn more about how we can help by calling 423-718-7342

What is a good recovery rate for a hot water heater?

If your household uses a lot of hot water, a high recovery water heater may be right for you. These units are usually larger—50 gallons or more—but the size of the tank isn’t what matters the most, it’s the recovery rate. This number measures how quickly in an hour it takes your water heater to heat water to 90 ¼ degrees. The number appears as gallons per hour (gph). A normal 50-gallon unit heats water at around 40 gph, and the higher the gph, the faster you’ll get hot water, and the more you’ll be able to use at any one time. Some heavy-duty models get 50-60 gph, and certain brands can produce almost 160 gph. What’s best for your household should be determined by how much hot water you use. You might have a large household that uses very little hot water or a small family with young children that uses a lot of water for baths, laundry and cleaning. The small family, in this case, might need a unit with a high recovery rate. 

High recovery water heater vs regular

When choosing between a high recovery water heater and a regular unit, you’ll weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both.

• Regular water heaters are less expensive and cheaper and easier to install 
• Regular water heaters are less efficient than high recovery.
• For gas heaters, the room where it is installed must be fire-rated and venting must be adequate
• High recovery water heaters are more efficient and cost less to operate.
• Hot water is created much more quickly with high recovery.
• No fire-rated room is required.
• Installation costs can be higher for high recovery units, depending on venting.

How long does it take for a 50 gallon water heater to run out of hot water?

In general, a standard water heater will deliver about two-thirds of its capacity at a time. If you use about 2 gallons of hot water per shower, a 50-gallon tank will run out of hot water after about 17 minutes. It will take about 20 minutes for the tank to refill and another 20 minutes or so to heat back up.

How long does it take for a 40 gal water heater to recover?

The time for a 40-gallon water heater to recover will depend on whether it is gas or electric. A gas water heater will take about an hour to recover, while an electric water heater will take about two hours. If you have a high recovery water heater, which normally has a larger tank, it will heat the water in much less time, on average about 20 minutes.

Electric water heater with a high recovery rate

Recovery rates for electric water heaters will vary. A key to a high recovery rate for an electric high recovery water heater is the wattage of the unit’s heating element. A small 750 watt heating element will only heat 3.4 gph to 90 degrees, while a 6,000-watt unit can heat water to 90 degrees at 27.3 gph. 

High recovery gas water heater

Typically, if you are getting a high recovery water heater, you’ll be getting a gas water heater. The recovery rate is figured on BTU (British thermal units). A 30,000 BTU unit will raise the water temperature to 90 degrees at 30.3 gph, while a 100,000 BTU unit will raise the temperature to 90 degrees at 101 gph.

How often should a water heater be serviced?

Today, it would be hard to imagine living without a water heater in our lives. We’ve become accustomed to this appliance in our home, our businesses, everywhere. We use hot water for bathing, cleaning, and cooking. There are industries that use hot water to create steam.

It isn’t a law when it comes to the frequency of water heater maintenance how often. Experts recommend it to have a regular water heater maintenance schedule for inspection and service of your water heater. The purpose of this is for you to get the longest lifespan possible.

Every two months, experts recommend checking the plumbing joints for corrosion as a part of your water heater maintenance schedule. If your water heater is gas-powered, make sure there are no flammable products around it.

Experts also recommend draining your water heater every 5 years to remove the sediment that builds up inside water heaters. You should replace the anode rod every 2 to 3 years, and they recommend that you should have this done by a professional as it entails many internal workings.        

How do I shut the water off to my water heater?

Gas and water leaks are two things that scare people about working on a water heater. If you know how to turn off both the gas and the water, it isn’t so scary, so even if you hear an alarm going off from the water heater, don’t panic. Turn off the gas and water, then call the plumber. Now, let’s earn how to turn that gas and water off so you can proceed with your regular water heater maintenance schedule that will keep your new water heater going for a long time. 

• Disconnect the Water Heater from the Power Source – if it is an electrical heater, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. If you have a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the lowest point. 
• Turning the Water Off – Only after you are 100% sure the electricity is off, find the handle on the water heater and if it is a circular handle, turn it to the right. This will open the cold-water flow, turning off the hot water to the kitchen and bathroom. If you aren’t sure where the water turns off at the water heater, turn off the main water supply to your house. 

How do you drain a water heater for maintenance?

Once you have the electricity and water off going to the water heater, the tank is drained through a connection at the bottom of the tank with a water hose. After inserting the hose there and running it outside or into a tub and allow the water and sediment to drain out. This is one of the biggest things you can to with your regular water heater maintenance schedule that will extend the life of your water heater.

Can I flush my own water heater?

Definitely! Making it part of your water heater maintenance schedule, flushing your water heater will help extend its lifetime. The first thing you need to know is where the cold-water spigot is on the water heater tank. Hook up the water hose as described above and turn the cold water on, allowing it to run until the water coming out of the hose is clear.

Create a water heater maintenance checklist and follow this with your regular water heater maintenance routine: 

• The Pressure Relief Valve: the pressure relief valve is needed to make sure it is working order, it is the safety mechanism that prevents it from exploding if there is a buildup of pressure inside the tank.   
• The Anode Rod: The anode rod attracts corrosive minerals, so the rod corrodes instead of the tank. By replacing it every 5 to 6 years, the tank won’t corrode as quickly. 
• Tank Flushing: Once a year flushing the tank will remove mineral sediment build-up that rusts the tank. 

While this may all seem overwhelming, once you have a routine water heater maintenance in place, it will become second nature, like changing the HVAC filter. For your water heater maintenance in Chattanooga, TN, call 423-718-7342 today.

Maybe you’re asking, “How do I get my water heater inspected?”, and we’ve got a water heater inspection checklist for you here.  Or you can call a professional plumber to do an inspection, we recommend twice a year, or at least once a year. Instead of waiting for water heater problems come about, be proactive with the following simple inspection steps. This will ensure your water heater is operating correctly, efficiently, and safe:

1. Is the hot water supply consistent? If the hot water flow unexpectedly drops, the burner could burn out or the tank may have sediment build-up in the bottom.  
2. Are there strange sounds coming from the water heater? Sounds of water boiling, boiling, or gurgling coming from the water heater typically indicate sediment build-up in the tanks.
3. Are there scorch marks at or near the water heater base? This usually indicates a backdraft, which could mean that carbon monoxide is being released. This is beyond homeowner DIY – call your plumber immediately.
4. Is the water heater properly ventilated? Make certain the draft hood is secure above the tank, with the flue connected at each joint with at least 3 screws each. If the flue passes through to a chimney, make certain it is properly lined and well connected. This keeps that carbon monoxide from coming back inside the home. 
5. Is the drain pan properly placed under the water heater? 
6. Are there any drips or leaks coming from any of the pipes?  
7. Are there any combustible materials nearby? 

How do you check an electric hot water heater?

The steps we just listed pertain to electric or gas water heaters.  With an electric unit, the following steps will guide you through checking the heating element. You’ll need a multimeter (they are inexpensive at any auto parts or hardware store) and a screwdriver.

• Turn the breaker to the water heater off.
• Remove the access panels, then any insulation and safety cover.
• There should be two wires at the top above the red reset button.
• These are the 120-volt lines that come from the breaker.
• Electric water heaters need 240 volts, and this is where you must use the multimeter to check the voltage coming into the unit.
• Set the multimeter dial on RX1K.
• Remove one wire from the element of the water heater.
• Place the meter probes on the element screws.
• If there is no movement from the meter needle, the element is not working.  
• If the water heater cuts randomly or the water is too hot, it could be the element that is grounded.

The easier way to do this, and the safest way, is to hire a plumber for an official water heater inspection. This will cost you a few dollars, but it can also save you from the expense and trouble of having a new water heater installed.

How do you know a water heater is going bad?

• Check the Power for Issues: If you’re not getting hot water, it could be your water heater has died, but it may also be as simple as the breaker has tripped for an electric water heater, or the pilot light is out for a gas unit. A quick water heater inspection of whichever power source is the first thing to do before assuming you need a new water heater.
• Check the Water: If the water is coming out of the faucet rusty, your water heater is about to quit working. Other indicators would be muddy water, or the water tanks are having a lot of sediment in the bottom. You can flush this out by attaching a water hose to the drain bib and turn the water heater off. As the water drains and performs a water heater inspection tank by watching the contents coming out with the water. If there is a metallic taste to the water, that would be another indicator your water heater is about to quit.
• Tell Tale Noises: If you are hearing strange noises and sounds coming from the water heater, like bubbling, burping, gurgling, loud cracks and pops, the heating elements are probably covered with sediment and must work harder to heat the water.  The above draining method could help, or it may be time to buy a new water heater.
• Address Any Water Leaks: Do a water heater inspection of sorts around the exterior and if you see any water leaking around the water heater, turn the electricity or gas to the water heater, and order a new unit.

For your water heater inspection in Chattanooga, TN, call 423-718-7342 today! Chattanooga Water Heater Co. is always available to assist you!

Benefits of a Water Heater Booster

So are there any advantages to a booster for your hot water heater? There actually are! Getting a water heater booster can seem like an additional item that you don’t need, but there are a number of advantages to this appliance. While they can be expensive initially, installing a water heater booster in Chattanooga, TN homes can ultimately help to save you money in the long run. What other benefits are there?

• More Hot Water: As the name suggests, a water heater with a booster will have increased hot water. Even more than that, you’ll have improved water pressure which can help preserve your plumbing. 
• Energy Efficient: In comparison to a complete water heating system, booster use less energy but produce similar if not better results. That in mind, even the best hot water heater boosters will only operate efficiently when attached to a hot water heater. 
• Easy Installation: If you have already purchased a booster for your water heater, then installation will be relatively easy. Again, when compared to a complete water heating system, the installation of a water heater booster is incredibly easy. 
• Water Conservation: With a booster, you’ll actually use less water overall throughout your home. That’s because hot water is stored for longer between uses so you won’t have to wait as long for the water to get to the right temperature. 

It’s important to note that all of these benefits are dependent on a quality installation. Though we mentioned installation is easy, it’s not something that should be attempted by someone inexperienced. Yes, there are several sites that can teach you how-to install a water heater booster, but there are many factors in your home and with your hot water heater. Rather than take your chances, rely on Chattanooga Water Heater Co. for all your installation and maintenance services.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do water heater boosters work?
  • Yes, they do. Water heater boosters help to decrease the amount of down time between use. Rather than waiting for the water to heat up again, a booster can help multiple people in your home use hot water over a short period of time. 
• How does a hot water heater booster work?
  • These systems work by mixing cold water in from the input valve with the hot water that comes out of the hot water valve. What this means is you’ll have more consistent hot water every time you turn on the tap. You won’t have to wait for it to heat up. 
• What is a hot water tank booster?
  • A hot water tank booster is a mixing valve that can be installed with your existing water heater. The booster mixes hot and cold water to reach the desired temperature that you expect from your water heater every time. 
• Why would I have no hot water pressure?
  • This could be the result of a number of issues. Most likely it’s because something like sediment, rust, calcium deposits or other debris are clogging the plumbing lines. 
• How can I get hot water faster?
  • You can always increase the temperature setting on your hot water. If that’s already as high as it will go and you still need more heat, you can install a booster to increase the amount of heat you are receiving.

Tankless water heater vs tank

• Installing a tankless system is normally much more costly than a tankless system. A tankless system will cost as much as three times more to buy and install than a standard tank system.
• A tankless system is energy efficient and can save you money over time in utility bills.
• A tankless system will normally last longer than a standard tank unit. Tankless water heaters last 20 to 30 years, about double that of a standard unit.
• A tankless system produces hot water on demand, while it may take a standard tank system several seconds or even minutes for the water to heat, especially with heavy use.
• Although tankless systems produce hot water on demand, they can have trouble managing the demand if multiple appliances are being used simultaneously
• Tankless systems take up much less space than standard water heaters. Standard water heaters are restricted to areas where they will fit.
• Tankless systems are more durable than tank systems, but are much more complex and difficult to repair.

While tankless systems have many advantages, initial costs may deter you from installing one. They are, however, a generally good choice because of long term savings. If you are considering tankless water heater installation in Chattanooga, TN, you can count on the professionals at Chattanooga Water Heater Co. for reliable and professional services. Schedule us for services today by calling 423-718-7342.

Is a tankless water heater worth it?

While initial installation costs are high, overall many consider a tankless water heater a good long-term investment. One of the most appealing aspects of a tankless system is the prospect of hot water on demand. You won’t, for instance, have to wait for the water to heat up in the shower. The other main appeal of a tankless system is its potential for long term energy savings. Since the water takes no time to heat, it takes less energy for the water heater to work properly. Savings estimates range from $44 per year for an electric unit to $108 per year for a gas-fired unit. 

Tankless systems also take up less space than standard tank systems, so if your space is limited, a tankless system may be right for you. Another advantage of tankless systems is that they can be installed along with a standard system to supplement your hot water production.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

While tankless water heaters are valued for their supply of on demand water and energy savings, they do have some downsides. A big deterrent to tankless water heaters are their upfront costs, but they also have problems managing two or more appliances at a time, especially smaller units. There are larger units, however, available to manage larger households. Another problem with installation is that some homes may need to be rewired to support the tankless unit. 

Do tankless water heaters run out of hot water?

Because water is heated up when there is a demand for it, a tankless water heater technically will not run out of hot water. This is one of the primary reasons people choose tankless systems. Although they won’t run out of hot water, the system can be overwhelmed by the demand put on them if you are running more than one appliance at a time. This can cause the water heater to struggle and use more power.

Are tankless water heaters more energy efficient

A tankless water heater for the most part can be much more energy efficient than a standard tank unit, by as much as 24% to 34% for a household that uses 41 gallons or less of hot water per day. For households using 86 gallons each day, you can expect 8% to 14% more in energy savings. A tankless system installed at each hot water outlet will increase savings by 27% to 50%. Overall, a family can save on average about $100 per year with a tankless system.  

Do tankless water heaters leak

Because tankless water heaters store no water, it’s very rare that you can experience a leak. Leaks may occur in the piping and joints after several years of use. When there is a leak, it usually occurs along the bottom or at connections. As with a standard water heater, any leakage should not be ignored. Leaks are signs of bigger problems in the system, and the dripping water can cause damage to floors, walls and roofs.

Water leaks or floods can cause serious damage to your home. When you have water damage, water cleanup in Memphis Metro, TN, is the next step to protect your property.

What is the average cost to install a tankless water heater?

One disadvantage of tankless water heaters is the initial start up costs. You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,470 and $2,510 for installation. Costs can vary depending on other additional costs such as rewiring to accommodate the system. A rewire can add as much as $3,000 to the cost. Vents for gas systems run between $50 to $100.

If your water heater is aging or has consistent problems needing frequent repair, you may want to consider replacing it. For exceptional service when it comes to water heater replacement in Chattanooga, TN, reach out to the professionals at Chattanooga Water Heater Co.. To schedule services, call or text us at  423-718-7342.

How to tell if you need to replace your water heater

Your water heater’s age is the best determining factor when it comes to water heater replacement. Most water heaters will need to be replaced after about 8 to 10 years, though if it is well maintained, the water heater could last longer. Poor maintenance or trouble with installation could decrease the water heater’s lifespan as well.

While age is the primary reason you might consider replacing your unit, there are common signs that indicate it’s time for a new unit.

• Rusty water or tanks: The older a water heater gets, the more likely rust will appear. If you notice rusty colored water or have rusty valves, that’s a sure sign the tank is rusted inside and needs to be replaced. 
• Leaks: While some leaks may be due to problems with fittings or connections, leaks often occur as the tank ages and the metal begins to develop gaps and fractures when it expands as it heats up. This is where leaks form and replacement is usually necessary. The tank itself can become damaged as the sediment builds up over time.
• Strange noises: Noises, like rumbling or whining, are usually due to sediment build-up, which will affect performance, often affecting the heat levels inside the tank or the water itself.
• Low temperature or no hot water produced: Any number of issues from sediment build-up to incorrect thermostat settings to too small of a tank can cause the water not to heat up. If your tank is too small, you should replace your water heater.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

At times, when you have problems like leaks or your water heater isn’t producing enough hot water, water heater replacement is in order. However, many of the symptoms that indicate the water heater should be replaced, are often the same signs that just repairs are needed. For instance, if your thermostat is faulty or you have a broken heating element, your unit might not produce any hot water. All that’s required are repairs in this case.

If you are having problems with producing enough hot water to keep up with your household’s demand, one option may be to install a hot water heater booster. These devices are installed on or next to standard tank units and significantly increase your system’s ability to produce hot water. With this device in place, you can operate multiple fixtures like showers and dishwashers at one time without worrying about not having enough hot water.

To find out if you just need repairs or if your unit needs to be replaced, you can have professionals come out for inspection and testing. The experienced professionals at Chattanooga Water Heater Co. provide comprehensive water heater inspection and testing services. To set up these services, give us a call today at 423-718-7342.

An inspection can help determine whether your unit just needs repairs or is ready for replacement. Inspections give you a thorough overview of your water heater’s condition. These services are also useful as a regular maintenance option to ensure your water heater performs at peak levels.

In some cases, you will be charged for removal, unless you choose Chattanooga Water Heater Co.. We remove and recycle old units for free. Tankless water heater installation costs an average of about $2,900.

When you are looking for affordable water heater replacement in Chattanooga, TN that fits your needs and budget, count on the experienced professionals at Chattanooga Water Heater Co.. Schedule our services by calling 423-718-7342. Same-day service is received by calling before noon.