Common Signs That Suggest You Need Hot Water Heater Replacement Service

Hot water heaters are silent workhorses in our homes, diligently providing us with warm water for our daily needs. But like any appliance, they’re susceptible to wear and tear over time. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to understand the common signs that suggest your hot water heater might be nearing the end of its lifespan. This knowledge can help you stay proactive about your water heater replacement needs, avoiding sudden breakdowns and ensuring consistent access to hot water.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the most common indicators that suggest it might be time to consider professional water heater installation services.

Hot Water Heater Company Indianapolis Indiana
Hot Water Heater Company Indianapolis Indiana

Does Your Water Heater Need to Be Replaced?

Sudden Decrease in Hot Water Supply

If you’re noticing a sudden decrease in hot water supply, it’s likely that your water heater is starting to fail. This can be caused by mineral build-up inside the tank which acts like an insulator, reducing the amount of heat transferred to the water and making it harder for your unit to do its job. In some cases, corrosion can lead to leaks and further reduce the amount of hot water available.

Discolored or Rusty Water

Another common sign that your water heater is on its last legs is discolored or rusty water coming from the tap. This indicates sediment build-up in the tank which then leaches into the water supply and causes discoloration. This can also be an indicator of corrosion and other forms of damage to the tank itself.

Unusual Noises or Leaks

If you’re noticing any unusual noises coming from your hot water heater, there’s a good chance that something is wrong with the unit. This could be caused by sediment build-up or corrosion inside the tank and might indicate a need for repairs or replacement. The same goes for any signs of water leaking from the unit; these are likely not normal and point to some form of damage to your hot water heater.

Age

Finally, age can be another indicator that you need to replace your hot water heater. Most units last between 8-12 years so if yours has been in use for more than that, it might be time to consider a replacement.

In Summary

If you’re noticing any of the signs discussed above, it’s important to seek professional help from a water heater installation service. They can assess your hot water heater and recommend repairs or replacements as needed, ensuring you have reliable access to hot water in your home.

If you’re on the lookout for a reliable hot water heater replacement service in your area, Mark Weilhammer can help. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured water heater repair and replacement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We specialize in water heaters and are committed to working with you to find the best solution for your home.

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4 Critical Steps to Prevent a Water Heater Explosion
The Dangers of FVIR Gas Water Heaters
4 Signs Your Home is Ready for Water Heater Replacement

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

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.
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.

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Understanding the Most Common Water Heater Problems
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What To Do If Your Hot Water Heater Springs a Leak

What To Do If Your Hot Water Heater Springs a Leak

Anytime an appliance shows signs of leaking, panic is permitted. Although not all leaks are serious, they do require immediate attention. This is especially true in the case of water heaters. If your water heater is leaking, you would be wise to act fast and begin taking the necessary steps to stabilize your plumbing emergency.

Continue below to learn what you should do if your water heater springs a leak in Indianapolis.

Water Heater Repair  Indianapolis 317-784-1870
Water Heater Repair Indianapolis 317-784-1870

Water Heater Patching for Small Leaks

In the case of small or minor water heater leaks, it is likely that your Indianapolis plumber can simply patch it up without any problems. However, not all water heater leaks fit this scope of compatibility. For moderate to severe water heater leaks, more advanced repairs will be necessary. But before you call your trusted plumbing company in Indianapolis, there are a few things you can do to get the leak under control and organize some information prior to their arrival.

First, let’s the top reasons why water heaters leak:

Drain Valve – Broken drain valves are frequent causes for water heaters leaks. A common sign of a broken water heater drain valve leak is water coming from the very bottom of the water heater tank

Corrosion – Rust and corrosion can jeopardize the structural integrity of a water heater tank. Too much corrosion can cause holes and cracks that leak water from the bottom of the unit.

Loose Water Line Connection – Loose or worn out inlet and outlet water lines connected to your water heater can leak water from various places.

T&P Valve – Temperature and pressure release valve is prone to breakage and corrosion. If the valve is damaged, it cannot properly regulate the pressure within the tank, and therefore cause water to leak in the sides of the unit.

There are many other reasons why water heaters leak. It is recommended to speak with a licensed and insured water heater service technician in Indianapolis to accurately diagnose and repair your water heater leak.

How to Manage a Water Heater Leak

As soon as you become aware of the water heater leaks, there are some important steps to take to ensure that the situation is managed safely and efficiently. Here’s what to do:

Turn off the energy source to your water heater. If you have a gas water heater, refer to the thermostat for the ON and OFF power knob. Switch it to the OFF setting or the PILOT setting before moving onto the next step. If you have an electric water heater, open to the breaker panel and flip the water heater fuse to off.

Turn the main water supply off. Your next step is to turn your main water supply off to your home or building. Find the cold water line and turn the valve all the way to the right until it is tight.

Drain the water heater tank. At this point, you can choose to take a step back and turn the rest of the job over to a trusted Indianapolis water heater plumber. However, if you feel comfortable with such handiwork, your next step to managing a water heater leak is to drain the tank.

Contact a water heater repair company. After you have drained the water heater tank, contact an Indianapolis water heater company to schedule a time for them to come out and make the necessary repairs to your unit.

Are you ready to skip the hassle of dealing with a leaky water heater and go straight to trusted service and repair? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana for water heaters. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Energy Efficiency Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Wintertime certainly brings on the conversation of upgrading or replacing your water heater. This winter, if you are planning to get a new water heater for your home or office, you may be interested in considering a tankless water heater. Although tank-style water heaters are the more conventional option among residential and commercial property owners, a tankless water heater offers a unique set of energy efficiency benefits that could better suit your water heating needs, year-round.

Continue reading to learn some of the energy efficiency benefits of tankless water heaters, plus who to trust in central Indiana for professional and affordable water heater services and sales.

Tankless Water Heater Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Tankless Water Heater Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

A tankless water heater is designed to heat water on demand using an electrical element or gas burner. So, water heaters can use gas, electricity, or propane as an energy source. On-demand means that a tankless water heater will begin to heat the water once you turn the hot water on, which is opposite of a conventional water heater that stores hot water in a tank for automatic usage.

This does mean that water from the faucet will take a bit longer to heat up or reach the desired temperature you’re after, however, tankless water heating delivers an extraordinary level of energy efficiency because the unit is not working at all times to keep stored water heated. You can also have your Indianapolis water heating plumber install a circulation pump, which can help the water travel faster to the faucet or point of demand.

Not only does this save on your monthly utility costs, but it also helps save on future water heater replacement cost. You see, tank-style water heaters are suggested to last up to three times longer than a standard tank style water heater! This makes them a highly reliable, convenient, and energy-efficient option for residential or commercial water heating.

Advantages of Tankless Water Heating

☑ Energy Efficiency
☑ Reduced Energy Consumption
☑ Cost Savings
☑ Lower Monthly Utility Bills
☑ Low Maintenance
☑ Longer Lifespan
☑ Small/Space-Saving

Do You Need a Tankless Water Heater?

Not sure if a tankless water heater is the right option for you? Ask yourself these questions to determine if tankless water heater is a compatible addition to your home or office:

Do you only use a little bit of hot water?
Are you mostly gone?
Do you have several occupants or overnight guests?
Do you run the risk of running out of hot water?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, a tankless water heater could be a beneficial investment. Talk to a trusted and experienced Indianapolis IN water heater company for personalized advice on the best water heating solutions for your house or business.

Are you interested in learning more about winter plumbing and water heating solutions for your Indiana home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services for water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Related Posts:

A Quick Comparison of Tankless and Tank Style Water Heaters
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Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Advice on How to Replace a Water Heater

Whether old, broken, or outdated, at some point in time your water heater will need to be replaced. However, buying a new water heater for the first time can be an overwhelming experience if you don’t have any direction. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about replacing the water heater, including a quick guide on how to get started.

Indianapolis Water Heater Replacement 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Water Heater Replacement 317-784-1870

Water Heater Replacement Guide For Homeowners

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you purchase and replace a water heater:

What Type of Water Heater Do I Have?

There is more than one type of water heater on the market, especially now with all the innovative technologies and advancements in the plumbing and home construction industry. You can choose from conventional tank-style gas or electric water heaters, tankless or instantaneous water heaters, solar powered water heaters, energy-efficient water heaters, or central boilers. Typically, it is recommended to replace your water heater with the same type of water here you arty have.

For instance, if you already have a gas water heater, that means your home is already equipped with gas connections and hookups, so the most convenient approach would be to stick with a gas water heater model. If you are interested in switching your power source for your water heater and other water related appliances in your home, talk to a license Indianapolis Indiana water heater plumber for personalized advice you can trust.

How Old is My Water Heater?

Another important factor to consider before replacing your old water heater with the new one is your water heater’s age. Most water heaters, particularly conventional tank-style models, are designed to last anywhere between 8 to 10 years. If your water heater is close to that time range, it is probably time to replace your water heater regardless of its performance.

Most often, you can tell that your water heater is starting to lose performance value with clues like higher energy bills, higher water bills, and lack of hot water. Sediment and corrosion are the top two culprits behind water heater deterioration, which is why age can become a major factor when deciding to replace water heater.

What is the Size of My Water Heater?

When replacing a water heater with the new one, it is vital that you match the proper size tank or capacity water heater with your water heating needs. First, you need to think about how many people in the home will be using the hot water. Along with the number of occupants in your home, you want to configure the proper size water heater by calculating how much water you intend to be using. In a standard multifamily home, it is typically recommended to have a 40 gallon tank. For homes with several occupants, or multi-unit buildings like apartments and duplexes, A 50 to 75 gallon tank is recommended.

Who Do I Hire to Replace My Water Heater?

Never attempt to replace your water heater on your own. Contact a local and license Indianapolis master plumber for water heater service and replacement you can trust. There are specialty tools and equipment required to properly replace a water heater. Plus, water heater replacement services require proper permits, licensing, and building code certifications since there are fuel power sources involved with work.

Are you ready to get started with buying and installing a new water heater in Indiana? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters at an affordable price. We carry a full line of 2021 Rheem water heaters at market cost!

You Should Also Read:

4 Signs Your Home is Ready for Water Heater Replacement
Should I Drain My Water Heater?
Are Tankless Water Heaters Eco-Efficient?

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

A Quick Comparison of Tankless and Tank Style Water Heaters

Is it time for hot water heater replacement? If so, you may want to make reconsider the type of water heater you buy. After all, traditional tank-style water heaters are not the only reasonable option available in today’s plumbing and water heating industry. Although highly efficient and exponentially innovative, tank-style water heaters are being passed up by consumers for alternative water heating technologies, such as electric water heaters, solar-powered water heaters, and boilers.

But a new emerging water heating technology is becoming more and more popular as the innovation of their design continues to improve. We are talking about tankless water heaters, also known as On-Demand water heaters. So, how do you know if a tankless or tank-style water heater is best for you?

Continue below to review a quick comparison of tank-style and tankless water heaters, and who to call for professional water heater sales and replacement services in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Hot Water Heater Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Hot Water Heater Services 317-784-1870

Water Heater Replacement Advice

How do you know when it is time to replace a hot water heater? Well, there are a few factors to consider. The first aspect to focus on is age. The average tank-style water heater lasts between 8 and 10 years. If your water heater is that old, it may be time to replace it with an updated model. Other factors to consider are performance, efficiency, and premises occupancy.

If your water heater begins to show signs of performance and efficiency issues, such as less hot water, no hot water, or frequent breakdowns, it is likely time to replace it with a better unit. Other signs to look for that suggest you need water heater replacement include higher energy bills, higher water bills, and if your home has suddenly reduced from several occupants to only one or two.

Choosing a New Hot Water Heater

When choosing a new hot water heater, there are pertinent factors that you must consider as well. To select the proper water heater for your home or business, you must calculate the size of your property, the number of occupants within, the amount of hot water you expect to use, and other relevant specifics of your property. An Indianapolis hot water heater technician can help you determine the proper size and capacity water heater you need for your home or business. This includes assistance with choosing between a tankless water heater and a traditional tank-style hot water heater.

Traditional Water Heaters With a Tank

Traditional tank style water heaters are large, as they come with a reservoir of hot water that is stored in a tank, typically cylindrical in shape. Because tank style hot water heaters have heated water stored away, they are able to offer a more consistent level of hot water on-demand. Commonly, tanks water heaters are installed in the garage or basement of the home, or in a utility room of some sort.

Compared to tankless water heaters, they are typically more economical in price when it comes to installation. That is simply because most homes are still inherently equipped for tank style water heaters, and technicians are already equipped with the proper resources and materials to implement an efficient and accurate installation job.

COMMON TANK STYLE WATER HEATER BRANDS ON THE MARKET:

▷ Rheem
▷ Bradford White
▷ State
▷ GE
▷ AO Smith
▷ Richmond
▷ Bosch

Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless hot water heaters are just that, hot water heaters that do not come with a large cylindrical tank for storing hot water. Instead, tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand or point-of-use water heaters because they only heat the water when demanded by point of use, whether that be a faucet in the bathroom, the dishwasher in the kitchen, or the shower in the master bedroom.

As a result of their mechanics and design, tankless water heaters are highly efficient, and more than capable of reducing monthly energy and water bills. For this reason, they are also considered one of the most environmentally friendly water heaters you can buy. Because they are smaller in size, they are well-equipped for smaller residences such as apartments and condominiums, or larger homes with additional bathrooms.

COMMON TANKLESS WATER HEATER BRANDS:

▷ Rinnai
▷ Navien
▷ Noritz
▷ Takagi
▷ Bosch

Are you ready to replace your hot water heater with a more efficient and innovative model? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable Indianapolis Indiana water heater services you can trust. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout central Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
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Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

What You Need to Know About Selecting a New Water Heater

Usually, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase items on impulse, or without any preparation whatsoever. But when it comes to high-priced commodities, like water heaters, your purchase is more of an investment, which requires some considerable forethought. If you need a new water heater, be sure you are fully-informed so that you have the tools to choose the right water heater for your home or business.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about buying water heaters, and how to get professional and prompt water heater installation right here in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Water Heater Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Water Heater Services 317-784-1870

Water Heater Factors to Consider

Your water heater is one of the predominant sources of water and energy in your home. By choosing the right water heater, you can better support energy efficiency and reduce water waste in your home, which also lowers your monthly utility bills. There are many types of water heaters on the market, so the one you get will depend first on the type of power you prefer and your property’s outlet capabilities.

If your home is equipped for gas, you could opt for a gas water heater. You can also opt for an electric water heater, tankless water heater (instantaneous water heaters), solar water heater, hybrid water heater, or an indirect-fired water heater that connects to a whole-house boiler. There are even oil-powered water heaters.

The type of water heater you ultimately decide on will primarily depend on your fuel preference or setup, the number of occupants in the residence or building, and your budget. For those who have a boiler or a hydronic heating system, an indirect-fired water heater would be a possible option. These use the boiler as their primary source of heating.

Water Heater Size and Capacity

The size of your water heater is the next factor to consider before making your purchase. Water heaters are sized by the number of gallons they store in their tank, unless of course they are a tankless or alternative model. Tankless water heaters have a coil that heats water instantly, negating the need for a storage tank.

Conventional water heaters hold between 20 and 80 gallons of water. The size you need depends on how much water your property will heat on a daily basis. This includes bathing, dish washing, laundry, and all other hot-water uses. The larger your home, or the more people within, the bigger the water heater you will need.

Another factor to consider when buying a new water heater is warranty coverage. Some water heaters come with better warranties than others, so be sure you are including that element into your decision-making process. Try to compare warranties, and check with your homeowners’ insurance to learn what might be covered as well.

TOP RECOMMENDED WATER HEATER BRANDS FOR 2021:

RHEEM
BRADFORD WHITE

Do you need a new water heater? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater sales, installation, and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate or schedule same-day service, anytime.

You Might Also Like:

What a Hybrid Water Heater Can Do For You
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Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

What a Hybrid Water Heater Can Do For You

When it comes to shopping around for a new hot water heater, the most important thing you can do is your research. There are many variables that will influence which type, size, make, and model water heater is right for your home or business. That’s right; there is more than one kind of water heater to choose from. The most common are tank-style water heaters, which are the traditional versions you’ll see in most homes and small offices. There are also tankless water heaters, and even water heaters that combine the two, known as hybrid water heaters.

Continue reading to learn more about these styles of water heaters, including what a hybrid water heater can offer in terms of your water heating needs.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service and Sales
Indianapolis Water Heater Service and Sales 317-784-1870

Tank and Tankless Water Heaters

Tank-style water heaters and tankless water heaters are similar in that they both heat water from the bottom, up. However, they have many differences. Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.”

Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by heating water up at the time of demand, which is why they are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Tankless water heaters use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a heating device called a heat exchanger is activated, which uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up.

Hybrid Water Heaters

Hybrid water heaters offer the best of both a tank-style and tankless water heater. Most admirably, they save a lot of energy because they heat up water faster. They use a series of plumbing pipes to heat up water all at the same time, rather than a whole tank or single line of copper piping. This heats up water faster, plus reduces the time we wait for water to get hot. Saved energy translates to saved money in the form of lowered monthly utility bills. It is also great for the environment, and those who wish to go green with home plumbing.

What else can a hybrid water heater do for you? Well, a lot.

They hold up to 3X more water than tank-style units.
They use nearly 50% less gas than comparable models.
Most come with a long manufacturer warranty!

Professional Water Heater Advice and Service in Indianapolis

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
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

How to Size a Tankless Water Heater for Your Home or Office

Size might not matter with some of your other household items, but when it comes to plumbing appliances, it does. This size-theory is especially important for tankless water heaters. Tankless water heating systems are a great way to conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and lower monthly utility bills. But in order to reap the numerous benefits a tankless unit has to offer you must be sure that you select the proper size for your home or office.

Not to worry, sizing a tankless, on-demand water heater is easy, and we’ll tell you how to do that below!

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation and Repair
Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

In terms of operation, a tankless water heater works very similar to your conventional make and model hot water heater, except that they do not store heated water in a tank, as they lack a tank entirely. Instead of storing heated water in a tank, they heat water when hot water is “demanded” by a person or appliance in the home. This is why they are also called “on-demand”, “demand-type”, or “instantaneous” water heaters. Not sure if a tankless water heater is a good fit for your water heating needs? See our blog, “Three Signs a Tankless Water Heater is Right For You” for help making your final decision. You can always contact a local Indianapolis water heater company for personalized answers to your questions.

Finding the Right Instantaneous Water Heater Size

When it comes to choosing the proper size instantaneous water heater for your home or office, there are two primary factors to consider: flow rate and temperature rise. Tankless water heaters are sized by this exact combination of factors. Next, learn what you need to know about flow rate and temperature rise in order to select the right size tankless water heater.

Flow Rate

The flow rate is how much hot water a water heater can generate. It is represented in in gallons per minute (gpm). If your tankless water heater does not have a flow rate that is high enough to meet your hot water usages, you will be restricted to using hot water on only one or two plumbing fixtures.

Average Flow Rates for Common Plumbing Fixtures:

? Bathroom Sink – 1 GPM
? Kitchen Sink – 1.5 GPM
? Bathtub – 4 GPM
? Shower – 2.5 GPM
? Dishwasher – 1.5 GPM
? Washing Machine – 2 GPM

With these average flow rates in mind, consider an example of how you might use your hot water on a daily basis. For instance, if you plan to run a load of laundry while taking a shower, you will need to have a tankless water heater with a flow rate of at least 4.5 GPM.

Temperature Rise

Flow rate comprehension is the first step, while understanding temperature rise is the next.  Groundwater enters your water lines at one temperature, but comes out of a water heater at a higher temperature; this is known as temperature rise. Temperature rise varies among states, as does climate, so you will need to pay close attention to your own region’s groundwater temperatures per season. In Indiana, the average temperature of groundwater is 54 degrees. Your hot water usage temperatures will likely range between 102 degrees (shower/faucets) and 120 degrees (dishwasher/washing machine). With this in mind, you will need a tankless water heater that manage this degree of temperature rise.

Who to Talk to for Trusted Water Heater Advice in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding water heaters, 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. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

The True Facts About Electric and Gas Water Heaters

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
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.