Is your water heater leaky, unreliable, or just not functional? If so, it could be time for a change. The Best Plumbing team is available to help Seattle area homeowners with water heater repair and replacement. We can inspect your water heater, evaluate the problem, and propose a solution that meets your needs.

Repair or Replace?

Not sure whether your water heater needs a quick fix, or a complete replacement? Many water heater issues can be repaired, especially if your heater is less than 10-12 years old. If your water heater has been well maintained over its life, it probably doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a serious issue. A professional plumber should be able examine your situation and tell you if your home needs a new water heater.

Another reason to replace your water heater is for greater energy efficiency. If you currently have an older water heater, a newer and more efficient model could help you save on energy costs.

Choosing a New Water Heater

There are several things to consider when choosing a new water heater. Here are a few important factors that may affect your choice:

• Volume (gallon capacity) – how much water can the water heater hold?
• Recovery rate – how many gallons of water can it heat in an hour?
• Size (dimensions) – how much space do you need for the water heater?
• Energy efficiency rating

If you’re not sure where to start, you can always check your existing water heater stats and look for a similar model. Best Plumbing can also provide suggestions about what type of water heater may best suit your home and needs.

If you think your water heater might be on its last legs, give us a call! Best Plumbing is proud to serve homeowners in the Seattle and Bellevue areas. We’ll be able to identify the problem and recommend either repair or replacement, depending on the situation.

Did this winter season take a toll on your plumbing? Were you dealing with uncomfortable problems or irritating noises? Many homeowners might try to ignore issues until the weather warms up, but many also end up having to pay for expensive emergency repair. No matter what issue you dealt with, the team here at Best Plumbing can help you fix it for good and better prepare for future winters.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes don’t just turn your water to ice and keep you from running your faucet; they can crack your pipes or break rubber gaskets leading to leaks. Some of these leaks may be too small or too hidden to notice, but over time they can add up to big water bills or big damage to your home.

Water Heater Problems

It might take longer to feel hot water since the water sitting in your pipes is colder, but your water heater should maintain the same temperature even during winter. If your hot water isn’t coming out at the set temperature, it could be a sign that your water heater is poorly insulated or that you have a leak allowing cold water to come in even when only the hot water valve is open. Remember: the more your water heater has to work, the more money you have to spend, so don’t settle for turning up the heat a little or deciding your water is “warm enough.”

Clogs

If you flush more things down your pipes than you should, you can end up with a bad clog. Cold weather can make us hope for the best and put off finding a fix until it warms up. At best, you’ll be faced with an irritatingly slow drain until the problem is fixed. However, ignoring a clog could lead to a backup in your pipes or end up with a leak.

Get Help Now

Avoid running up your utility bills or having to pay for an emergency repair next winter. Talk to Seattle’s Best Plumbing and trust us to make repairs that will last many winters to come! We can take a look at any problem areas or do a full inspection of your home. Contact us now for an appointment.

Your water heater is an appliance that can last for decades, yet daily usage will take its toll and your water heater will eventually need to be replaced. Here are four indicators to watch out for so that you have plenty of time to repair or update your system before a malfunction leaves you in the cold.

Age

If your water heater is more than 10 years old then you should consider getting it professionally inspected to determine whether or not it needs to be replaced. If you’re not sure of its age, look for the manufacturer’s label on the upper part of the water heater. This label will feature the serial number for the unit and a date code for when it was made. To read the date code, look at the first letter and the first two digits. The letter “A” represents the first month of the year (i.e. January), the letter “B” represents February, and so forth. The next two digits represent the year. If the beginning of the date code says D07, it means that the water heater was made in April 2007. You can also use the manufacturer’s website to help you determine the date of your water heater.

Less Hot Water

A sure sign that your water heater is wearing out is when it starts producing less hot water. This issue could be caused by several factors. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing the volume of hot water available for your home. Another common problem is that the heating element starts to fail and is unable to heat the water to the desired temperature.

Leakage & Rust

Leakage and rust are two common signs that it’s time to get an inspection or go shopping for a new water heater. Water pooling on the floor around the heater indicates that the inner tank sealing has failed. If you turn on the hot water and it looks brownish-red, this is the sign of rust in the tank.

High Energy Costs

Older water heaters are less efficient and upgrading to a newer model, such as a tankless water heater, can really help cut energy costs. It can also help reduce water waste, as you’ll no longer have to keep the tap running constantly, waiting for the hot water to arrive.

Best Plumbing is available to help homeowners with all of their plumbing needs. Call or contact us today if you think your water heater needs an inspection or that you might benefit from a system upgrade. Our expert plumbers will come out and help you determine the best solution for your needs and budget.