Water Heaters 101: What Homeowners Should Know

Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 8, 2020

Does your water heater pop or leak? It could be time to repair or replace it

Everyone likes to have instant access to hot water when they need it, whether it’s for washing dishes after dinner or taking a relaxing shower or bath. But what if your water heater starts to malfunction? What if you hear a strange popping noise? Or notice a leak?

If there’s something odd going on with your water heater, it’s probably time to call an expert to inspect it and help you decide whether you can repair it or need to replace it. When inspecting a water heater, Hanna plumbers look for:

• Sediment build-up, which can cause popping noises
• Leaks
• Malfunctioning thermostats
• Disconnected dip tubes, which can cause cold water to mix with outgoing hot water
• Broken pipes caused by thermal expansion

Depending on what the problem is, Hanna plumbers will provide you with a detailed rundown of options, as well as a price estimate and timeline for repairs or replacement.

If your water heater must to be replaced, you’ll need to decide, with your Hanna plumber, what shape and size of water heater you want or need, and if it will be part of your central heating system. You may also need to consider the heat source. These are all decisions that your Hanna plumber can help you with.

Another decision may be the type of water heater you want. There are two options: a traditional tank water heater or a tankless water heater. Hanna Plumbing and Heating recommends RUUD tank water heaters and Navien tankless water heaters. What are the differences between tank water heaters and tankless water heaters?

• A tank water heater has a storage tank that holds heated water for use in your home. Once the tank is emptied of hot water, the cold water that refills the tank must be heated.
• A tankless water heater has a flow switch that is opened when a hot water faucet is turned on in your home. Hot water flows, without end, until the faucet is shut off.

Once your new water heater is installed, it’s possible with Hanna Plumbing and Heating to sign up for a maintenance plan, which will cover regular service of your new water heater. Whether you choose a tank water heater or a tankless water heater, or even if all you need is a simple repair, Hanna plumbers will take care of you!