The True Facts About Electric and Gas Water Heaters

Posted on June 25, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes time to buy a new water heater, whether for a new construction home or an older one you’ve been living in for a while, you will be faced with the decision to remain with the power source your property is equipped with, or swap out for something different. There are various make and model hot water heaters to choose from, including tankless, instantaneous, solar-powered, and more. But, the top two most common and popular choices are gas water heaters and electric water heaters.

Continue reading to learn the difference between gas and electric water heaters, and how to determine which one is right for your property’s needs.

Indianapolis Water Heating Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Gas Water Heaters

A gas water heater is powered by, you guessed it, gas. It burns gas to heat the water. The most common make and model gas water heaters include Rheem and Bradford White. These are among the top-performing water heater appliances on the market, and economically-priced. When it comes to gas water heaters, they are usually a good choice. However, see our blog, “The Dangers of FVIR Gas Water Heaters” to learn why you should not consider a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant water heater.

Electric Water Heaters

An electric water heater uses a property’s energy and electricity supply to heat water. It works by using electric resistant coils to heat the water and distribute it throughout a building or home. They come in two primary models, tankless and tank-style. When choosing an electric water heater, the most important feature to look for are heavy-duty stainless steel heating elements. These will last a long time, while others will burnout and require replacement. Non-recommended water heater brands with low review scores include A.O. Smith, Whirlpool Energy Smart, Sears, and State Select water heaters. See our blog, “Electric Water Heaters: Need to Know Info” to learn more about these brands.

Comparison of the Two

According to personal reviews, statistics, and industry testing, gas water heaters are said to heat up water faster than electric units. They will even continue to supply hot water if the power goes out! They are perfect choices for larger families and properties with many people. An electric water heater has trouble keeping up with a steady hot water demand. This makes them perfect for homes with one or two people, such as single-family homes and apartments.

When it comes to cost-efficiency, gas water heaters are a more lucrative buying option over a long period of time. This is because they use gas rather than electricity, saving money on monthly utility and energy bills. Electric water heaters are still a popular choice because many people do not want an open flame constantly lit beneath the unit. Also, electric water heaters are perceived as more energy-efficient, and can last longer with less maintenance than gas units.

How to Determine Which One is Right For You

In most cases, if a property is already set up for gas usage, then a gas water heater would be the most convenient and cost-effective choice. On the other hand, if your property is set up for electricity usage, then an electric water heater would be a great choice. In order to choose the right gas or electric water heater for your property, you must consider these important factors:

☑ The number of occupants within the property.
☑ The square-footage of your property.
☑ Your property’s monthly water usage.
☑ Your future water heating needs.
☑ The amount of time you plan on living or occupying your property.

With the answers to all these questions, you can gauge which size, capacity, and power-source of water heater is best for your budgeting and your plans. Talk to a licensed Indianapolis plumber to get professional water heater procurement advice you can trust.

Where to Get Trusted Hot Water Heater Installation and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional advice, installation, and repair for all make and model water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber who employs a team of licensed and insured plumbing contractors with decades of experience. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water heater installation and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water heater installation, today.

Call Mark Weilhammer for Dependable Electric Water Heater Repair and Service!

Posted on March 5, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

When you need prompt and professional electric water heater repair you can trust, we are the experts to call for accurate and outlasting service!

Electric Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Here at Weilhammer Plumbing Company, we are committed to providing superior customer satisfaction and exactitude on every job. In fact, all services are executed by company owners only, including State Licensed Master Plumber, Mark Weilhammer himself! This means you can be sure you are receiving the most proficient service and information for your home water heating needs.

Our professional and licensed plumbers provide residential and commercial electric water heater repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout its surrounding areas. Our comprehensive water heater services are priced at the most competitive rates in town, which means you can get affordable plumbing service without sacrificing quality or professionalism!

Consider Rheem® for Water Heater Replacement!

We carry a full line of Rheem water heaters and water heating products for clients wishing to replace an old or broken water heater on the same day as their initial appointment. We know better than most that NO ONE wants to be without hot water, even for an hour! Our professional plumbers can offer same-day service and get your hot water functioning in no time at all! If you choose to purchase a water heater from another provider, no problem! We will gladly provide installation services at a cheaper rate than your provider! We recommend Rheem®, Bradford White®, Bosch®, Kenmore®, Koehler®, and American Standard® brand water heaters. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND Whirlpool products!

Count on Us for Honest Prices and Exceptional Service

We find it important to never pressure our customers to purchase any of our services or products, nor do we have any hidden agendas. Our price quotes and estimates are never confusing, and we never add hidden costs or surprise fees. Trust our electric water heater repair contractors to meet your hot water needs at a price that makes you happy!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company has served Hoosiers for more than 117 years, and our current generation owners have more than 60 years of experience in the water heater repair industry. You can rest assure that you are hiring the most competent and effective plumbers in town. We have remained a successful company over the past century due to our commitment to honesty, integrity, and quality service. To this day, we remain dedicated to this philosophy and always encourage our clients to ask questions and stay in touch for further assistance after a job is completed.

Call Mark Weilhammer Today

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

If you are having trouble with your electric water heater, or need hot water heater repair, contact our licensed contractors at 317-784-1870 today. We use a comprehensive approach to plumbing diagnostics, with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies in the plumbing industry. This means we can usually diagnose a water heater problem that no other company has been able to diagnose so far. Give us a call at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information, anytime.

The Advantages of Electric Water Heaters

Posted on March 8, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Electric Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Whether you’re moving into a new home or replacing an old unit, you will be faced with the decision of choosing among all the different types of water heaters on the market. Hot water heaters can be powered by many energy sources, so you have the option of buying a unit that runs off natural gas, fuel oil, propane, geothermal power, solar power, electricity, or even a heat pump. Out of these options, one has made quite the impression on home and business owners over the last few years: electric water heaters. Electric units have gained popularity since newer, more dependable models have been introduced to the market. If you are trying to decide among all the hot water heater options out there, continue reading to learn why electric water heaters are so beneficial.

Traditional Water Heaters

To better understand the various benefits of electric water heaters, it is helpful to review how a traditional model works. Traditional hot water heaters come with an 80 gallon tank, or larger depending on the property’s hot water needs. This tank holds heated water that is ready to use, instantly. Cold water enters through the bottom of the tank from the city’s main water supply, and it is heated to a preset temperature. It remains at this temperature at all times inside the tank.

Tankless On Demand Water Heaters

Just like traditional “tank-style” units, it is helpful to review how tankless water heaters work as well. These units do not come with a large-gallon tank, and instead, only heats water when it is requested for immediate use. This reduces standby-energy loss, making it a more efficient method of heating water. Now let’s take a look at the many advantages offered by tankless and tank-style electric water heaters!

Electric Water Heaters

Traditional Tank-Style:

Tank-style electric water heaters come with storage tanks between 20 and 80 gallons. They operate by using two separate heating elements, each with their own thermostat. The first heating element is positioned at the top of the storage tank. It is designed to recover more hot water in the case that more hot water is demanded. The second heating element is found at the bottom of the tank, and its job is to maintain the preset temperature setting. In contract to traditional, gas water heaters, electric units are incredibly efficient because the water is not being heated at all times.

Tankless On Demand:

If you are looking for even more energy efficiency, a tankless electric water heater is the right choice for your home. Water is only heated upon request, making these units extremely energy efficient. Here’s how they work: Cold water enters through the bottom of the unit where it is heated to a preset temperature, and then it is then sent through the hot water lines, directly up to the faucets. This process takes between 5 to 10 seconds from the time you turn on the water.

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional electric water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber who employs a team of licensed and insured plumbing contractors with decades of experience. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water heater installation and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water heater installation, today.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Water Heater

Posted on November 19, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

It is easy to ignore the water heater. After all, if they work well, you almost don’t even notice they are there. But then that day comes when your hot water is no longer hot, and you instantly turn to your water heater for answers. One of the first questions a plumber will ask you when you call for hot water heater service is which kind of unit you own: electric or gas powered. It may be surprising, but many people get this part confused! After a while, you can easily forget which type of water heater you own because we rarely pay attention to them unless it’s time to have it flushed. So get to know your water heater before the day comes to have it serviced.

Continue reading to learn the different ways to identify a gas water heater from an electric one.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters run on fuel, usually liquid propane or natural gas. A burner is located at the very bottom of the flue, where gas is ignited by a pilot light. This combustion creates heat, which then transfers to the water. But this combustion also creates harmful gas emissions like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide. This is why gas water heaters retain draft hoods, flues, and vents, to push these gasses outdoors and prevent them from back-drafting into the flue. You can also identify gas water heaters by their “chimney” or flue, as well as, the gas line near the bottom of the tank that connects to the gas valve and thermostat control on the front of the tank. The dial gauge should have a “pilot” setting, which also positively identifies it as a gas-powered water heater.

Electric Water Heaters

Unlike gas water heaters that use a fuel source and ignition to heat water, electric water heaters use electricity, generally by means of electrical copper coils. Water inside the water heater tank is cold until the heating element within the unit heats the water up. These heating elements, or coiled wires, can be stainless steel or copper, depending on the make and model water heater. The heating elements are controlled by either thermostats or microprocessor control modules. Electric water heaters generally have two heating elements, both an upper and lower thermostat, as well as, a control circuit and reset limit switch.

If you require water heater repair or service, be sure to call an experienced professional who will provide skilled work at an honest price.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has serviced hundreds of water heaters over the past 50 years, and retains the skill and knowledge to service or repair any make or model unit. We offer a wide range of plumbing and water heater services, for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about water heaters and get professional water heater repair in Indianapolis, IN.

Learning About Sediment Buildup in Water Heaters

Posted on August 27, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Sediment refers to the small and often times, microscopic, particles that precipitate out of water at high temperatures. Sand, dirt, calcium carbonate, mineral ions, and any other solid debris commonly makes up the sediment found at the bottom of hot water heater tanks. Sediment buildup in hot water heaters generally depends on what kind of water you have. In some areas, there is virtually no sediment; while other areas contain water with high levels of sediment.

Regular flushing of your hot water heater helps prevent sediment build up. The heating of water in your water heater causes calcium carbonate to precipitate out and settle to the bottom of the tank. Steam bubbles form under the sediment when the burners come on, causing popping and other similar noises as the bubbles escape from under the sediment.

Why Is Your Water Heater Not Producing Enough Hot Water? It Might Be…

• A Broken Dip Tube
• Incorrect Temperature Setting
• Faulty Thermostat
• Sediment Buildup
• Faulty Electric Components
• Burned Out Heating Elements

What is a Dip Tube?

The dip tube is a long slender tube that fits down into the water heater inlet, and usually has a small hole about 6 inches from the top. The dip tube directs the incoming cold liquid down to the bottom of the tank. If the dip tube is broken, the incoming cold liquid can mix with the outgoing hot liquid and cause it to seem as though you are running out of hot water.

Do You Have a Noisy Tank?

Noise coming from gas water heater models are often times caused by the sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Steam bubbles form under the sediment; and when the bubbles begin to escape from under the sediment, it causes thumping and popping noises. On the other hand, sizzling noises can be caused by condensation dripping onto the hot burner; like falling water drops on a hot griddle.

Thermal Expansion

When water is heated, it expands. If an inlet is not blocked by a check valve, pressure reducing valve, or other device, the increase in water volume simply travels back into the source. If the inlet is blocked, this increase in volume will cause an increase in pressure; and sometimes to dangerous levels. The T&PR (Temperature & Pressure Release) valve relieves this pressure by discharging a small amount of liquid.

A thermal expansion tank can be installed in the line that will absorb the increase in volume, thus preventing the T&PR valve from discharging unnecessarily. T&P valves are strictly an emergency measure and should be replaced every 2 years. At 180 degrees, the temperature at which the T&P valve opens, damage can occur to your system and you may have voided the warranty on your water heater. The improper installation of backflow preventers can block the thermal expansion leading to operation of the T&P Valve.

What is Water Hammer?

When water travels through the pipes, it creates kinetic energy or energy of motion. When a valve abruptly shuts off, a shock wave results. Water hammer most often occurs when a valve shuts off suddenly. Commercial arrestors are available to combat this problem. They have a small air bladder within a cylinder plumbed to the piping system that is located near the problematic valve. Select hardware stores carry them. Also, when pipes appear to droop, adding a support system can solve the problem.

Is the Water a Milky Color?

Water contains dissolved oxygen, as well as, several other gases. When water is heated, it loses most of its ability to maintain these gases. So when the water pressure is lowered as the liquid comes out of the tap, these gasses can form tiny bubbles; which gives the liquid a milky appearance. Allowing the water to stand for a few minutes will permit these bubbles to rise out of the liquid; successively eliminating the milky-ness and restoring a clearer appearance. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, be sure to strap the tank to the wall in order to prevent damage and possible injury.

Water Heater Services – Indianapolis, Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mark Weilhammer, owner and master plumber, has more than 60 years of experience repairing hot water heaters, water softeners, and plumbing systems for residential and commercial properties. He and his team are state licensed master plumbers (#106214), and highly trained to provide a wide-range of water heater repairs and services. We offer free estimates, emergency services, and water heater unit and product sales! Call 317-784-1870 and speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Indianapolis plumber today!

Electric Water Heaters: Need to Know Info

Posted on August 22, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

When it comes to purchasing a new electric water heater, the best advice I can give as a master plumber of 60+ years is to ask if you are getting good lifetime elements. The only recent advances in electric water heaters have been the Rheem and the GE Hybrid models. These models came on the market about five years ago but never gained popularity because of their higher prices and associated costs. If you are looking for the BEST electric water heaters on the market right now, I would suggest Rheem or Bradford White models. They are made with heavy-duty stainless steel heating
elements that last a lifetime.

GE Electric Water Heater Hybrid Customer Reviews

Features of the Rheem Electric Hybrid Water Heater

Poor Choice for Electric Water Heaters: Whirlpool Energy Smart

These water heaters are “sub-standard” to say the least. Because of the various fire and liability issues associated with the control panel, repairs are far more complicated. If the circuit board gets wet, there is no hope for repair. Also, a replacement circuit board can cost upwards of $200 plus labor, and take more than a week to be delivered; and this might not even fix the problem. Many more repairs could possibly be needed. The biggest problem however, is that many plumbers (such as myself) refuse to attempt repairs on these units because of the safety and liability concerns. If you have this unit, and it breaks, it can be difficult fining someone to repair it for you at a cost that seems fair. In my opinion as a veteran master plumber, these are the WORST electric water heaters on the market right now.

Whirlpool Water Heater Customer Review #1

Whirlpool Water Heater Customer Review #2

A.O. Smith, Sears, and State Select Water Heaters

The 2010 make and model A.O. Smith FVIR gas water heater has similar problems to the Whirlpool models. They are poorly designed; taking in barely enough air to operate. For those who have their Smith water heaters installed in a laundry room, clogs and unit problems will most certainly occur in a very short period of time. This is COSTLY! Remember that State and Sears water heaters are made by A.O. Smith, so beware. In my previous years of experience I have installed many of these units, only to uninstall them less than a year later. This is why I do not repair or install them anymore. For example, 150psi air pressure couldn’t even remove the lint stuck in the lint screen less than a year later in a 2004 State Select Gas Water Heater. With my experience as a master plumber, I can make an educated guess that this FVIR design in the A.O. Smith gas water heaters will not only see a heap of problems in the future, but perhaps a product re-call and class action lawsuit as well.

Sears Water Heater Customer Review #1

Kenmore Water Heater Customer Review #2

Weilhammer Plumbing Company – Indianapolis, Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, owner and operator of our 112 year-old Indianapolis plumbing company, for accurate industry-information about water heater repair and installation services. We offer the most competitive prices and highest quality customer service in Indiana. This is why we have been a family owned and operated plumbing business since the early 1900’s. We offer a wide range of plumbing services; including 24 hour emergency plumbing, unit and product sales, installations, repairs, maintenance, replacements, DIY advice, and much more. Call us today at 317-714-0759 for a free estimate regarding water heater repair services in Indianapolis, IN and any nearby counties.