Water Heaters

Hot water heaters come in various sizes and shapes. Some are standard tank (meaning they heat the water and store it in, you guessed it, a tank) and others feature the newer tankless technology in which the water is heated on demand. Regardless of the type, the experts at Cedar Bluff Plumbing can install, repair and maintain your hot water heater.

CONVENTIONAL HOT WATER HEATER

Conventional (standard) water heaters are the most common type of water heater in US homes today. With a conventional hot water heater, water held in a metal cylinder is heated using electricity, gas or propane. The size of the tank is based on the size of the home and expected usage. As hot water is used, more is allowed into the cylinder through a water line connected to the home’s plumbing system. The water is then heated to the set temperature, keeping a steady supply of hot water ready for use.
A conventional hot water heater typically lasts between 8 and 12 years. The lifespan can be affected by several factors such as where it is located, the quality of the water, and whether regular maintenance is performed.
Common issues with standard hot water heaters include discolored water, tank noises, water too cold/hot, water leaks, or not enough water. If you’re having one of these problems, contact the experienced plumbers at Cedar Bluff Plumbing. They can explain what is causing the trouble and give you options on repairs or replacement.

TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters do not store water in a tank. Instead, the water is heated instantly when needed, such as when you turn on the hot water in your shower. The incoming cold water is warmed by a heating element to the designated temperature. When the faucet is turned off, the heater turns off. This process is much more energy efficient (estimated between 24-34% more efficient than standard water heaters for homes using less than 41 gallons of water per day by energy.gov) and space saving since there is no tank needed.

Tankless heaters can be powered by electricity or gas and come in different capacities from providing hot water to a single bathroom to a whole house. While tankless water heaters cost more initially, they save money on operating costs and typically have a longer life expectancy than standard tank heaters.

No matter which type of hot water heater you have in your home, maintenance is key to keeping it working properly. Regular checkups by a professional plumber can extend the life of your water heater, decrease the chances of leaks that can cause damage to your home, and save you from an unwanted cold shower!

Do you remember when your hot water heater was last serviced? If not, give Cedar Bluff Plumbing a call at (865) 588-4448.

Cedar Bluff Plumbing is Knoxville‘s water heater specialist.