Approximate Cost of Replacing a Water Heater

Is your water heater not performing up to the mark? Do you think it is time to replace it with a new one? If yes, then you need to have an idea of the cost of a new water heater before you buy one of these gadgets. Before you hit the purchase button, here’s a few factors that you need to keep in mind to understand the best combination and price for the water heater that you want to buy:

1. Choosing between tank and tankless water heaters

2. Choosing between gas and electric water heaters

Are you always confused about the size of the water heater tank that will be appropriate for your family? This is a confusion that millions have because you are not aware of the average gallon of water that a family may use every day. Moreover, you will also have to keep an eye on energy usage. So, you shouldn’t buy a big water heater tank for a small family. The idea is to find a tank that suits the daily usage of your family so that you don’t have to pay a huge energy bill at the end of the month.

Buying a water heater involves a bit of background check and making a list of the features you want in that heater. Many manufacturers attract the attention with the latest features and stuff, but you need to focus on the basic functioning and a few other factors to decide which one is best for your house. So, here are the differences between a traditional and tankless water heater that will help you decide:

• Initial cost
• Longevity
• Delivery of hot water

4 Steps To Extend The Life Of Your Water Heater

Water heaters work hard each day to ensure that your family is comfortable, so don't forget to regularly maintain your water heater. With just a couple of steps your water heater will be well on its way to serving you and your family for a long time. Read on as we dive into some tips on how you can extend the life of your water heater.

Check Up On The Pressure Valve
Both electric and gas heaters are equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve system. When the pressure or temperature builds excessively, it will open to let them out. If your valve is malfunctioning, it could have been caused by residue. When residue builds up, it will eventually block the opening of the valve.

So, be sure to check the valve regularly to ensure that your heater is functioning at optimal performance. In the instance where no water is being released from the valve, it might be time to replace the valve with a new one. Maintaining your heater will cost you much less than having to completely purchase a new unit.

Maintenance Flush
As previously mentioned, sediment builds up over time. However, it will build up even more if you have hard water in your taps. When the particles accumulate over time, very thick layers will force your water heater unit to work double time. The sediments will also eventually corrode your tank and cause leaks.

When you perform hot water maintenance leaks at least once a year, this will ensure that your tank is sediment free and working properly. All you need to do is simply drain the tank and all the sediments will go along with the water as it's draining out. This can be done by shutting off the power supply.

Next, you'll need to attach a garden hose to the drain vale on the bottom to empty the tank. The sediments will drain through the hose and into the bathtub or the sink. Don't forget, there's a good chance that hot water will be coming out form the tank, so use caution when doing this. It is also recommended that you use a colander to prevent clogs due to the sediments.

When the tank is empty, you'll need to turn off the cold supply and run water into the tank from a hot water faucet. Keep the drain open so that it can empty on its own. When the water begins to emerge, you'll notice that its discolored and gooey. However, it will clear up after the sediments drain out.

In the event that the sediment begins to clog the valve, you'll need to turn the cold water on and spray blasts of water to remove the gunk. After the hot water properly drains, you'll need to close the vale, fill the tank and begin the draining process all over again. This process should be repeated until the water leaving the tank is clear and clean.

After you've flushed the tank, don't forget to remove the hose and turn the cold water on. As the tank fills, it will eventually settle and hot water will come out of your faucets.

Anode Rod
Every water heater comes equipped with a metal rod that is used to attract different minerals. These minerals usually become sediments over time and will corrode the water tanks lining. The rods are installed as a method of attracting different minerals and preventing deposition.

After a period of time, the rod will wear out leaving your tank without its core preventative measure. When minerals are floating around in your tank, they will eventually cause it to leak because of rusting. Hence you need to inspect your anode on a yearly basis and replace it at least every 3 or 5 years to extend the life of the heater.

It is advised that you turn off the electricity or gas before your being your inspection. During this step, you can also drain some water from the tank to ensure that you are able to check for rust. If you loosen the nut at the top of your tank, the rod will be attached to it.

While observing, if you see a large portion of the core wire visible with a thick layer, it's time to replace it. These rods can be easily sourced at a hardware.

Maintain Your Relationship With The Maintenance Company
While you can approach the DIY with most things, it's not the same for your water heater. So, if you're not comfortable or you're having problems figuring out the issue with your heater, it's a good idea to call in the local water heater company. However, it's best to do some research before you hire them.

When you maintain your relationship with them, having them on speed dial in the event of an emergency will be a huge life saver. This is especially important for 24-hour emergencies.

Takeaway
As we conclude, we have just looked at how you can extend the life of your water heater. Water heaters can last more than 10 years if need be. When you spend some extra time and maintain them, you'll increase their life.