Water Heater 101: 7 Common Water Heater Questions

 Just because your home has a hot water heater doesn’t necessarily mean that you understand all the ins and outs of how they work. At the same time, in order to be a responsible homeowner, you should have a basic understanding of when to call in the professionals if something is going wrong with your water heater. 

We’ve rounded up seven of the most common questions about water heaters and answered them all in one convenient place.

When Is A Water Heater Leak An Emergency?

It’s true that not all water heater leaks are emergencies. That said, a leak, or pooling water, is an indicator that you need to take immediate action and in most cases call in a professional. 

A leak can cause property damage rapidly because many styles of water heaters automatically refill themselves. Therefore, a small leak can swiftly escalate into a major problem. If you observe a small amount of water pooling on top of or underneath your water heater, we recommend promptly determining whether this is a serious leak. If you’re uncertain, it’s time to call a professional emergency plumbing company. Additionally, we recommend turning off your main water line and reaching out to our certified, as a loose drain valve or faulty pressure relief valve can be remedied quickly by a professional.

What constitutes a water heater emergency? If you’re facing any of the following problems, contact a professional plumber or water heater company immediately:

• Broken or defective temperature relief valve 
• Leaks from the top or bottom of a water heater
• No hot water or water at all 

Can You DIY Fix Your Water Heater?

Water heaters can be quite dangerous if improperly handled, so it’s usually best to hire a professional to handle any work that is performed on your water heater. Unless you’re a plumber, only the simplest jobs should be performed DIY-style. 

At the same time, with serious consequences for improperly handled jobs, it’s not a bad idea to leave even simple fixes to the experts. 

How Long Does It Take To Install A Water Heater?

If you’re looking to schedule an installation, Fast Water Heater has teams from Orange County to Washington state. Reach out today to schedule an installation with one of our certified technicians. 

How Much Does A Water Heater Installation Cost?

Water heater installations can vary in price, but there are a few factors that you should pay attention to as you estimate costs. For starters, the brand and model of water heater you purchase can impact the cost of a new water heater installation. A Rheem water heater can range in price from $400 to $2,000 or $3,000 depending on what model you’re after. From there, labor from a licensed and insured plumber depends on factors like geography and availability as well as retrofitting and water heater location, to name a few. 

What Should You Do During A Water Tank Emergency?

In a water heater emergency, you should contact a water heater company that provides emergency services as quickly as possible. Turning off your main water supply line and gas/electric is also an important step in preparing for an emergency plumber to arrive to troubleshoot your emergency. Are you unsure where your main water line is? Here are a few common troubleshooting tips for locating your main water line:

1. In warm weather climates, the water supply line can usually be located sticking up out of the ground just outside the home. In some cases it will enter the house from the street level. 
2. In cold climate zones, the water supply line will usually enter the house underground near a basement. Other common places include the garage or a crawl space. 

What’s The Difference Between Tankless And Standard Water Heaters?

Aside from price, the biggest difference between a tankless and a standard water heater comes down to a few major benefits. Tankless water heaters offer energy efficiency as well as endless hot water supply, in addition to increasing the overall resale value of your home. That being said, tankless water heaters also require electricity to run and retrofitting costs, which could cause you to choose a traditional water heater instead. Learn more about tankless vs. standard water heaters in our blog. 

Why Do Water Heater Companies Need Permits?

Whether you’re getting a new water heater installed or are having a leak fixed, it’s a good idea to choose a water heater company that is licensed, bonded and insured. This is because work on water heaters can be dangerous, and as a result many cities have laws requiring permits for plumbers who work on water heaters. An improperly installed water heater can not only cause serious property damage but personal injuries to humans and pets. 

Realizing after reading this post that you need to consult with a professional? From installation and maintenance to repairs and property management services, Fast Water Heater Company has decades of experience providing top-notch service along most of the West Coast. Reach out to us today for a free quote, or call (866) 425-3829 for even faster service.

Looking to increase the longevity of your current water heater? Read our blog on 5 Maintenance Tips.