A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Posted on January 20, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you in need of a new water heater? Not sure what type to buy or how to go about selecting the right one for your home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Selecting the right water heater can be confusing and overwhelming. With so many different types of water heaters on the market today, it is important to understand the differences between them and which will work best for your needs.

In this blog post, we provide you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the right water heater for your home. We cover topics such as storage tank vs tankless hot water heaters, energy efficiency ratings and more! With this information at hand, you should have all that you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a new hot water heater.

Call 317-784-1870 For Water Heater Installation in Indianapolis Indiana.

Top Considerations When Buying a Hot Water Heater

Type of Water Heater

When it comes to hot water heaters, there are two main types: storage tank and tankless. Storage tank models maintain a reservoir of hot water at all times, while tankless units heat water on demand as you need it. If your home has a high demand for hot water or if you typically run out of hot water quickly when taking showers, then a tankless model may be the best choice for you. Additionally, tankless water heaters are often more energy efficient than storage tanks and can save you money in the long run.

Energy Efficiency Rating

When choosing a water heater, it is also important to consider its energy efficiency ratings. Models with higher efficiency ratings tend to cost more upfront but can provide significant long-term savings by reducing your monthly energy costs. It is also important to consider the size of water heater you need; too large and you may be paying for more hot water than you need, too small and you won’t have enough capacity when multiple water fixtures are being used simultaneously.

Additional Features

Next, it is important to consider any additional features offered on different water heaters. Some models may offer features such as freeze protection and energy monitoring, while others may include advanced safety features or even remote access capabilities. Taking the time to research these features can help you make an informed decision when selecting a hot water heater for your home.

Professional Service

Finally, seek personalized advice from a certified professional. A licensed water heater technician can offer experienced advice to ensure that you select a model that best fits your lifestyle and budget. Furthermore, they can provide you with interesting tidbits regarding energy efficiency and an explanation of different heater models and their capacities. Having an informed resource at your side will make it much easier to pick out an appropriate product in a short period of time. So, if you’re currently researching heaters, consider consulting with a dependable water heating plumber first!

Start Shopping Around for a New Water Heater

We hope this blog post has provided you with all of the information you need to make an educated decision when it comes time to select the right water heater for your home. Remember, selecting a water heater replacement is an important decision and should not be taken lightly; however, armed with this comprehensive guide and some research of your own, you can feel confident in making the best choice for your family.

Are you ready to have your brand new water heater installed by a certified professional? Or perhaps you need to procure a unit that fits your budget? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service for water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer full-service water heating solutions, from sales and installation to routine service, repair, and more.

How to Make Sure Your Water Heater is Set for Winter

Posted on January 28, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

It may have taken a little while longer than winters’ past, but here in Indiana, the cold seasonal weather is finally upon us, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. This has many Hoosiers dashing to get their homes and businesses prepared for the winter ahead. Everything from storm drains and furnaces, to doors, windows, outdoor plumbing connections, and more, are all on the typical Hoosier’s seasonal To-Do list. But what many tend to leave off this important checklist is the water heater. During the peak of winter, you do not want to be left without hot water, especially if you have young children or elderly ones to cater to.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about routine water heater maintenance, including how to ensure your hot water is set for the Indiana winter season.

Indianapolis Hot Water Heater Services 317-784-1870

Water Heater Inspections are Vital in Winter

Water heaters are known to break down the most during the coldest parts of the winter. A combination of the extreme climate and harsh elements can cause a long list of things to go wrong in a hot water heater, eventually causing it to perform poorly, or fail entirely. Common water heater repair calls in the wintertime include water heater bursts and water heater leaks. You see, your water heater has a cylindrical tank that stores heated water.

As you use your hot water in the home, the water heater depletes its reserves, and then pulls in cold water from outside to replenish. In the winter, it is colder, which means the water coming into your water heater is even colder than usual. As a result, the water heater must work harder to keep up with the hot water demand. If your water heater is old, between 7 and 8 years, it could have rusty parts that are not allowing it to perform as efficiently.

If your water heater is in an non-insulated area, like a garage, the air surrounding it makes the water even cooler, causing the unit to work longer to heat it on demand. Furthermore, factor in the surplus of water usage during the holidays when family and friends come to visit. All of these factors require a water heater to work continuously, which can lead to problems if it is not in tip-top shape before these winter factors become relevant.

Avoid Water Heater Breakdowns and Repairs

By having your water heater inspected and serviced prior to the harshest point of winter, you will avoid potential breakdowns, and costly damages and disasters, such as water leaks and floods. Start each season off with a full water heater inspection to check off on its efficiency, performance, and safety. For those with gas water heaters, you do not want to potentially face a water heater explosion accident, either. It is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional home plumbing inspections for water heaters. However, you can do a preliminary inspection on your own before you call a professional.

Here’s How to Inspect a Water Heater:

Look all around the outside of the water heater. Take note of any rusting, corrosion, or leaking. Also look for dents or ruptures of any kind.

Locate the installation date on the outside of the water heater tank. Take note of the age. If your unit is older than 7 or 8 years, it is in the zone for replacement.

Consider doing a water heater flush to drain and remove sediment inside the tank. Be sure to only do this if you have experience with this type of water heater service, or someone with experience who can assist you.

Tankless Water Heaters

If you have a tankless water heater, your seasonal To-Do checklist will look a little different, but you will still need to have your unit inspected routinely, especially prior to winter, to ensure it is ready to perform efficiently. Outdoor tankless water heaters will need to have proper insulation installed around the pipes.

Professional Water Heater Repair Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

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!

Water Heaters: Buyers Beware

Posted on August 20, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When it comes to shopping for FVIR gas water heaters, there is much “need to know” information before making a final decision to purchase one. When asking Master Plumber, Mark Weilhammer, you can trust that you are receiving professional and accurate industry advice regarding all water heaters and more. With his many years of experience and expert knowledge of plumbing, Mark warns all potential water heater buyers about the troubles and complications associated with FVIR gas water heaters. Continue reading and learn what Mark Weilhammer, Master Plumber and Owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company, has to say about them!

WARNING! Did You Know…

1. Many brands of FVIR gas water heaters contain a lint filter that, if not taken apart and cleaned four times a year, the entire appliance’s warranty is void!

2. Several brands of FVIR gas water heaters have CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS pending against them, as well as, more than 1500 customer complaints! Want to know which brands?

3. If installing a FVIR gas water heater, be sure to install it in a CATCH PAN.

4. For properties with high water pressure and a closed-looped system, it is highly encouraged to install a T&P valve or THERMAL EXPANSION TANK & PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE (Average Cost: $475). This is OPTIONAL and can be passed on at the time of your installation.

5. A T&P valve can burst open due to high water pressure or thermal expansions, creating extensive flooding issues. If this happens to you, our Master Plumbers can redirect this open pipe to a nearby drain for free, if one is available.

6. BEWARE OF THE BAD WARRANTY! Many brands of hot water heaters offer poor labor warranties, so customers end up paying for replacement parts and repairs after just one year of ownership.

7. Thinking about buying a hot water heater at HOME DEPOT? Perhaps you should think again. Read negative customer reviews for Home Depot water heaters right now!

Customer Reviews #1
Customer Reviews #2

8. WHIRLPOOL WATER HEATERS are gaining a BAD REPUTATION. Check out this article published by Consumer Affairs, Online:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/whirlpool_water_heater.html

And by My Three Cents.com:

http://mythreecents.com/showReview.cgi?id=122529

9. Might want to do more research on KENMORE WATER HEATERS before deciding to buy a new as well. Check out more customer reviews on My Three Cents.com:

http://mythreecents.com/reviews/american-water-heaters

10. If a hot water heater has a label on it that says, “Do Not Call the Hardware Store About Problems, Call 1-800-555-5555 for Help” It is basically saying you are hung out to dry on day one of owning your new water heater. And when calling, you will most likely be transferred to an overseas department that can be even more frustrating and confusing to deal with on top of a wasting money on a new but defective water heater.

11. Many times, in-house or contracted company installers are not licensed and insured plumbers; a critical prerequisite for water heater installation. So who’s really coming to your house trying to service and install your brand new expensive appliances?

Information Provided By Mark Weilhammer, Master Plumber and Owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Hot Water Heater Installation Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer at 317-714-0759 for licensed and insured hot water heater installation services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are highly trained and experienced master plumbers who provide a wide-range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We offer free estimates, discounts when applicable, emergency plumbing services, exceptional customer service, competitive prices, and much more! Call us today at 317-714-0759 for free estimates and details about Indianapolis plumbing services and more.