Category: Tankless Water Heater

Why Trying to Fix Your Own Water Heater Can Create More Problems

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A water heater is a device used to heat and store hot water for a variety of uses, such as washing dishes, doing laundry, bathing, and more. There are several types of water heaters available on the market today, each with its own set of components that must be maintained and serviced properly in order for them to function correctly.

The most common signs that indicate you need to repair your water heater are unusual noises, low hot water supply, and/or an unusually high energy bill. Other indicators of a possible problem include an unexpected increase in the amount of time it takes for hot water to be produced, as well as any visible rust or corrosion on any parts of the heater.

DIY Repairs vs Hiring a Professional Plumber

While there are YouTube videos and “quick-fix” articles that can provide you with guidance on how to repair your own water heater, the truth is that attempting to do so can actually lead to more problems down the line.

Here are a few things to think about when considering hiring a professional plumber or DIY-ing the repairs yourself:

The Complexity of the Job

Water heaters are complicated pieces of machinery, containing a variety of components that must be serviced correctly in order for them to function. Thus, attempting DIY repairs on a water heater can be difficult and time-consuming, and often requires special tools and knowledge that the average person does not possess.

Safety concerns and potential for further damage

Failing to take safety precautions when working on a water heater can be dangerous, as they often contain combustible elements that could cause serious injury. Furthermore, attempting repairs without the proper experience or training may lead to further damage and costly repairs down the line.

Costly mistakes that could result from doing it yourself

Attempting DIY repairs could lead to costly mistakes, due to the complexity of a water heater and the lack of experience or training required to properly diagnose and repair any issues it may have. Therefore, it is usually best advised to leave this type of job to a professional plumber who has the necessary experience and knowledge in order to safely repair your water heater.

Guaranteeing the quality of the work done

When you hire a professional plumber, you are guaranteed that the repairs will be done properly and safely. This is because professionals have experience and training in the correct procedure for repairing water heaters, as well as access to special tools which may be necessary in order to complete the job correctly. Professionals usually offer warranties on their services, meaning that if any issues arise, they can be quickly addressed without additional costs.

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Benefits of hiring a professional plumber

When it comes to repairing water heaters, hiring a professional plumber is usually the best option. Professionals are experienced and well-trained in servicing water heaters, meaning that they know exactly what needs to be done in order to get your water heater working properly again. 

Here are several benefits to hiring a professional: 

Assurance that all safety measures will be taken during the process   

When you hire a professional plumber, you can be sure that all safety measures will be taken during the process. This is because professionals are trained in proper safety procedures when working with combustible elements, so you don’t have to worry about any potential dangers while they work on your water heater. 

Ability to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of the problem   

A professional plumber will be able to accurately diagnose the problem with your water heater and provide you with the best possible solution for repairing it. This is because they have access to special tools and equipment that may be necessary in order to properly diagnose any issues, as well as experience and training in how to correctly repair a water heater. 

Our professional plumbers are highly experienced in a wide range of specific plumbing-related tasks, including specialty projects!

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Knowledgeable and experienced technicians familiar with water heaters   

When you hire a professional plumber, you can rest assured that the technician is knowledgeable and experienced in working with water heaters. This means that they will be able to correctly diagnose any issues as well as quickly and efficiently repair your water heater without causing further damage or creating costly mistakes. 

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Guaranteed quality workmanship   

Professional plumbers provide guaranteed quality workmanship, meaning that any issues with your water heater will be quickly addressed without additional costs. This is because they have the experience and training necessary to properly repair a water heater, as well as access to special tools and equipment which may be necessary for certain repairs. Many professional plumbers also offer warranties on their services, so you can rest assured that your water heater will be repaired properly and safely. 

DIY hot water heater repair in Santa Cruz

Attempting to repair your own water heater can create more problems than it solves. Not only are you likely to make costly mistakes, but you could also be putting yourself in danger if you don’t take the proper safety measures when working with combustible elements. Attempting DIY repairs may lead to further damage being done to your water heater and result in even more costly repairs down the line. It is usually best to leave water heater repairs up to a professional who has the experience and training necessary for properly servicing a water heater. 

When you hire a professional plumber to repair your water heater, you can be sure that all safety measures will be taken during the process. Professionals have access to special tools and equipment which may be necessary for certain repairs as well as experience and training in how to correctly repair a water heater. Lastly, when you choose to hire a professional plumbing service you are guaranteed quality workmanship with any issues addressed quickly and efficiently without further costs. 

Contact Us – We’re in Santa Cruz County

Looking for help with your water heater? We’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get your water heater up and running quickly and safely.

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What are the Differences Between a Traditional Water Heater and a Tankless Water Heater?

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When you’re from Santa Cruz, the beach is just minutes away. But even then, there’s no better feeling than stepping into a hot shower after a long day and washing away all your cares – but what’s not fun is when your water goes from hot to not. And that can indicate an issue with your water heater and potentially needing a new one. So what are your options? What types of water heaters are available? And what’s best for you? But first, let’s discuss what goes into a water heater.

The Anatomy of a Water Heater

What goes into a water heater? There are several different parts to a water heater, but the most important ones are the tank, the heating element, the thermostat, and the anode rod.

The Tank

The tank is the most important part of a water heater. It’s where the hot water is stored, and it’s usually made of steel. The size of the tank depends on the size of the water heater. Smaller water heaters have smaller tanks, and larger water heaters have larger tanks.

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The Heating Element

The heating element is what actually heats the water in the tank. It’s usually made of copper or stainless steel, and it’s located in the bottom of the tank. The heating element is controlled by the thermostat.

The Thermostat

The thermostat is what controls the temperature of the water in the tank. It’s located near the top of the tank, and it has a dial that you can use to set the desired temperature.

Our professional plumbers are highly experienced in a wide range of specific plumbing-related tasks, including specialty projects!

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The Anode Rod

The anode rod is a metal rod that’s located in the tank. Its job is to protect the tank from corrosion. The anode rod needs to be replaced periodically to keep the tank in good condition.

Now that we’ve discussed the different parts of a water heater let’s dive into the two different types of water heaters.

NOTE: The anatomy of a tankless water heater has the above elements except an anode rod.

Traditional Water Heater Versus Tankless Water Heater 

There are two different types of water heaters: tankless and traditional water heaters. Both have their pros and cons, but tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular because of their energy efficiency and space-saving design.

Traditional Water Heater

A traditional storage tank water heater has a tank that holds a specific amount of hot water and they use either gas or electricity to heat the water. The size of the tank varies, but it typically ranges from 20 to 80 gallons. As water is used, more cold water flows into the tank and is heated. This means that there is always a supply of hot water, but it may not be enough if you have a high demand. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time, you may run out of hot water.

The advantage of this type of water heater is that it’s less expensive up front. They’re also available in a wider range of sizes to accommodate different needs. However, tank water heaters are less efficient than tankless water heaters because they have to continuously heat the water in the tank, even when you’re not using it. This means that they’re more expensive to operate over time.

Tankless Water Heater 

A tankless water heater, also called a demand-type or on-demand water heater, doesn’t have a storage tank. Instead, it heats water as needed. When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water flows into the unit and is heated by either a gas burner or an electric element. 

The advantage of this type of heater is that it doesn’t run out of hot water. It’s more efficient because it only heats water when you need it. You’ll always have a supply as long as there’s a flow of cold water. This makes them much more efficient than traditional water heaters. In fact, here in Santa Cruz County, tankless heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters. This can save you money on your energy bill over time. 

The disadvantage is that tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront. They also require more maintenance than traditional water heaters because the heating elements need to be descaled periodically to prevent mineral buildup.

Are Tankless Water Heaters Electric?

A question we receive from our customers in Santa Cruz a lot is “Are tankless water heaters electric?” Most tankless heaters use gas, but there are also electric tankless water heaters. Electric tankless heaters are less expensive to install than gas tankless water heaters, but they’re also less efficient. That’s because electric tankless water heaters have to heat the water more slowly than gas tankless heaters. As a result, electric tankless heaters have higher operating costs.

Ready for a New Water Heater? 

The average lifespan of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. So, if your heater is reaching the end of its life, you might be wondering whether to replace it with a traditional storage tank water heater or upgrade to a tankless model. 

If you are considering a new water heater for your home, and you’re looking at a tankless heater, tankless water heaters are efficient, and can save you money on your energy bills. They also take up less space than traditional water heaters and have a longer lifespan. Plus, they provide an endless supply of hot water. While there are pros and cons to each type of water heater, tankless water heaters are generally more efficient than traditional water heaters.

Ready to update your water tank? Or if you need tankless heater repair or tankless heater service, we’d love to help. Here at Expert Plumbing, we specialize in water heater installation and repair. We’ll help you choose the right type of water heater for your home, and we’ll make sure it’s installed properly. Give us a call today to get started.

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All About Water: undersink Water Heaters, Water Pressure & Water Conditioning

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Did You Know?: Under Sink Water Heaters

Undersink water heaters are compact and efficient water heaters that go under your sink. They are so small that they take up little space under the area of your sink. These types of water heaters are not considered replacements of the traditional water heaters – but, actually, they work in conjunction with central heaters. Under-sink water heaters are designed to provide you with fast, instant hot water in your kitchen or bathroom sink when washing dishes or your hands.

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Save money on your energy bill and lower your energy usage by installing an under sink hot water heater. They are small electric units that are mounted under a sink to supply hot water directly to that faucet. These undersink heaters require less energy because they only heat up a small amount of water at a time!

Stay tuned because we’ll be going in depth about under sink water heaters in a later article …

How’s Your Water Pressure?

Having low water pressure can really get in the way of every day life. When you’re in a hurry and late for work or school, you just don’t have time to wait for your water pressure! It can be a huge inconvenience.

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Low water pressure is a very common issue in many homes today. It’s not something anyone wants to experience. Low water pressure can make it difficult to bathe, wash dishes, or do anything else around your house. If you feel like your water pressure isn’t where it should be, there are a variety of things that can be causing it.

Check If You Have Low Water Pressure

Here’s how to test it:

Step 1: Place a 1 liter measuring jug under your shower

Step 2: Turn the problem tap or shower on full

Step 3: Time how long it takes to fill the jug

Step 4: If it takes more than 6 seconds to fill the jug, then you have low water pressure.

If you need help with your water pressure, be sure to let us know and we can help!

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What’s Whole House Water Conditioning Do?

A whole house water conditioner is a versatile water treatment system that gives you a broad range of benefits. A quality water conditioner may reduce water hardness and also provides a host of other benefits that you’d enjoy from a quality water filter. Think of a whole-house water conditioner as a more comprehensive water treatment product for your entire house!

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Here at Expert Plumbing, we’ve had years of experience in installing whole house water sediment filters. It helps to have an entire house water conditioning system – or at the very least a sediment filter. TRUST US.

A few benefits of having a whole house water conditioning system:

  • Protects your plumbing and fixtures
  • Provides you and your family with clean and healthy drinking water
  • Provides you clean and refreshing water to bathe in
  • Increases the effectiveness of your dishwasher and laundry machines
  • Improves the effectiveness of your soap, shampoos and laundry detergent – and makes you use less of them!
  • Reduces the risk of water supply related plumbing problems with your appliances and pipes

Our professional plumbers are highly experienced in a wide range of specific plumbing-related tasks, including specialty projects!

questions? give us a call (831) 316-7338

Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth The Extra Cost?

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The tankless water heater has been around for decades, but most homes still have the old standard — 40 to 80 gallons of hot water that people don’t need for most of the day. It takes a lot of energy (read money!) to keep several hundred pounds of water hot for hours on end, so more and more people are choosing tankless water heaters.

Are they getting their money’s worth? Would you, if you upgrade? Expert Plumbing has the answers, for all your water heater and general plumbing questions.

Issues with Tankless Water Heaters

The initial cost (purchase and installation) is higher, sometimes significantly higher. You may need additional equipment, like water softeners, to make your tankless heater work at its best. The water isn’t limitless — if you have to shower while doing laundry and dishes, you may demand more than your heater is designed to give. Some tankless heaters require more maintenance than old tanks.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

They cost less to run month-to-month — and that’s generally the higher cost over a lifetime. Tax breaks and other incentives may significantly reduce the initial cost. Schedule your usage properly and you’ll never run cold. Ever have five or six people take showers in a row, and run out of hot water? Not with a tankless. Tankless heaters usually last longer — 5 to 10 years longer — and carry longer warranties. If a tankless heater leaks, it’ll be a leak; if a tank leaks, it could be a flood. Smaller, tankless heaters can be installed more places, so you could have one for kitchen and laundry use and a second upstairs for bathrooms and showers.

Tankless Water Heater Repair Near Santa Cruz, California

Founded in 2012, Expert Plumbing is a family-owned business serving Santa Cruz County. Brothers Talal and Moe Dakkak grew up in a family of small-business owners. They know their reputation is the only value their company has, and it’s only as good as their last job.

Expert’s last service calls include home and commercial installations and repairs — successfully dealing with clogged drains, garbage disposals, piping, sewer line inspection and clearing, toilets and water heaters.

Ultimately, the choice between a tanked and tankless water heater installation is very personal, entirely dependent on your family’s size, habits, and preferences. If you need tankless water heater repair near Santa Cruz, California, or simply want to see what your family’s options are, Expert Plumbing is the family to call!