For homeowners, replacing a water heater is inevitable. When looking to upgrade to a tankless water heater for your home it can be daunting when confronted with so much information. If you have come across some misconceptions during research, Best Plumbing is here to help you out with our professional water heater knowledge and installation skill. Keep reading to learn more about tankless water heaters, and debunk some common myths!

Myth: Tankless Water Heaters Deliver Hot Water Instantly

Tankless water heaters are a great advancement in hot water technology, but if immediate hot water is the sole purpose of purchasing a tankless water heater you may be disappointed. Tankless water heaters heat on command, unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water until it is ready to be used, making them far more efficient. Regardless of efficiency, it still takes the same amount of time for that hot water to reach your faucet from the water heater. If instant hot water is at the top of your list, perhaps a circulation system to keep the hot water flowing through your pipes is the solution.

Myth: Tankless Water Heaters Require Natural Gas

Not all tankless water heaters require natural gas. Tankless water heaters are very diverse in how they heat water. Depending on what model you choose, you can use natural gas, propane, or even electricity to heat your water without losing efficiency. In fact, tankless electric water heaters are 8%–14% more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts for large households that use more than 86 gallons of hot water a day.

Myth: Tankless Water Heaters are More Expensive

It is true the cost of installation for tankless water heaters is higher than traditional storage-tank water heaters, but in the long term, they are worth the investment. Tankless water heaters last longer than and typically have longer warranties than traditional water heaters equating to less upkeep and replacement costs. Also, the design of tankless water heaters means gas and electricity bills will be lower as it takes less energy to heat the water when needed, rather than constantly keeping a large tank of water hot.

Unsure if a tankless water heater is right for your Seattle home? Contact Best Plumbing today to schedule a water heater evaluation and find the right tankless water heater for your needs! If you are ready to switch to a tankless heater, our professional plumbers can help install your new system in your home.

Serving the communities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Burien, Everett, Woodinville, Redmond, Federal Way, Kent, Issaquah, Renton, SeaTac, Bothell, and Lynnwood.

Whether renting or owning a home, your water heater should be a part of a regular home maintenance checklist. Issues with your water heater, when ignored, can not only leave you with a freezing cold shower but a costly cleanup and repair job. Be sure not to ignore the common signs of water heater trouble.

Not Enough Hot Water

If the water takes longer than usual to heat up, or no hot water is coming out at all, you have a problem. For no hot water, the issue may be related to the pilot light. If the pilot light has blown out this could be caused by a faulty pilot light control valve or thermocouple. If there is not enough hot water, the issue may be caused by a damaged heating element, or a damaged dip tube, allowing incoming cold water to mix with hot water at the top of the tank and causing cold water to come out.

Smelly or Dirty Water

Smelly or dirty water can be a sign of contamination in the water tank. Smells that occur from hot water typically are caused by bacteria inside the tank. Flushing the tank may be a solution and is good to do 1-2 times a year, regardless, to maintain a healthy water heater. If smells are coming from both the hot and cold water, then the issue may be caused by another source outside of the water heater. In either case, if the smell lingers, it’s best to call a professional plumber. 

If the water is dirty or cloudy in color, this is most likely caused by sediment build-up and mineralization inside of the tank. Any build-up inside the tank can reduce its effectiveness. Rust-colored water can be a sign the anode rod needs replacement, as its core function is to reduce sediment inside of the tank.

Unusual Noise Coming from the Water Tank

A noisy water tank is a sign of several potential problems, and diagnosing a specific issue may be difficult alone. For gas water heaters, hissing, popping, and banging can be a sign that the tank’s heating elements are burning sediment in the tank, or the elements themselves are burning out and need replacement. To remove sediment, it is recommended to flush the tank.

Water Heater Leaking

Leaks are a big problem! Should you notice a leak, turn off the water and power supplies, and call a plumber immediately for an emergency repair. Before you know it a small leak can turn into a flood.

For water heater maintenance, repair, or replacement, the professionals at Best Plumbing are available 24/7 and in case of emergencies. Call or contact us today if your water heater needs an inspection.

Serving the communities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Burien, Everett, Woodinville, Redmond, Federal Way, Kent, Issaquah, Renton, SeaTac, Bothell, and Lynnwood.

If you’re tired of wasting water while you wait for it to heat up or fed up with inconsistent water heating, it may be time to consider installing a new tankless water heater. This is a great option if you currently have an aging traditional water heater at home.  At Best Plumbing, we offer assistance to help you choose the right water heating option for your home. Learn more about this great feature.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater is a piece of equipment used to heat the water throughout your home. Rather than a typical water heater that houses stored water in a tank, this is a more “on-demand” option. When you’re ready to use hot water there’s no waiting period, the water is heated instantly and continuously.

Homeowners love installing tankless water heaters for the range of benefits they offer. These units are more energy efficient than typical water heaters making them a cost-saving option.  Another great feature about tankless water heaters is that they have a longer life span than other equipment and typically do not need as many repairs as other options.

Detecting Issues and Dealing with Tankless Water Heater Repair

No one likes to be surprised with scalding hot or ice-cold water in the shower. Even though tankless water heaters are typically low maintenance, issues can still occur. Here are some signs that you may need to have your tankless water heater repaired.

• Fluctuating water temperatures
• Delayed water heating
• Failure to ignite
• Error messages
• Visible corrosion

It’s important to have these repairs done by a professional with years of experience as soon as an issue is suspected. You can put your trust in our team of experts to get the job done right.

Best Plumbing Offers 24/7 Emergency Assistance

We understand plumbing issues often occur without warning. At Best Plumbing, we have experienced plumbers on hand, ready to be dispatched when you need. Your safety is our priority.  We strive to manage all plumbing issues with the utmost efficiency and professionalism.

Service Your Tankless Water Heater with Best Plumbing Today!

If you suspect your tankless water heater is in need of repair, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. In need of other plumbing repairs? Our other services include handling leaky faucets, running toilets, and more! We proudly serve homeowners in Bellevue, Everett, Redmond, and beyond. See for yourself why customers love choosing Best Plumbing and give us a call.