Most people don't give their hot water supply much thought. That is until it stops working. You might just think that your storage tank water heater just needs a break to recharge. But that's not the case. You're likely in desperate need of water heater repair services; you just don't know it.
When it comes to the types of water heaters available on the market, you've got two major choices to make. Do you want to go with a gas-powered system, which can last up to 10 years; or would you rather go with an electric-powered unit, which lasts up to 15 years? When it comes to making decisions about a water heater repair, Charleston, SC residents have a lot to consider.
Sometimes, it's much more economical to repair your existing water heater rather than getting a replacement. After all, your existing unit might be fine with a little bit of water heater maintenance. And, at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston, we offer regular maintenance services for water heaters.
Often, you only need to tighten a couple of components, like your temperature and pressure relief valve, heat pump, or pilot light, to get your unit working beautifully once more. Plus, if any of those above-mentioned components are broken, then your unit won't function efficiently—along with the risk that it could flood your home, resulting in costly water damage repairs.
You're not doing yourself any favors by skipping out on Charleston water heater repair services. Regardless of which service you opt for, be it a Charleston water heater repair or replacement, you'll reap the benefits on your utility bills. You'll also receive hot water on-demand, remedying any minor problems with your water heater.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we're a big proponent of preventative maintenance. It's vital to stay up-to-date on the proper upkeep of your water heater, and we can provide you with advice on doing so during your annual plumbing inspection. This can help you avoid having to pay for an expensive Charleston water heater replacement service. Depending on which type of unit you have—be it gas or electric—we can proceed accordingly with any needed Charleston water heater repairs.
Types of Water Heaters We Handle
If your home already has a functioning water heater, at times it’s best to swap it out for a different version to better fulfill your daily routine's needs—especially if you're a larger household. Charleston homeowners have the option of a traditional tank-based system or a modern tankless system. Both work well, but fulfill purposes through different methods.
- Tank-Based: These are the more traditional models. Water heater tanks heat water beforehand, putting it into a storage tank for later use once it's ready to be distributed. These units require a short rest period while the hot water tank refills itself with water, which then needs to be heated to the appropriate temperature.
- Tankless Heaters: These are becoming a more popular option today, as they offer a continuous supply of hot water, providing it instantaneously. There's no pause between uses, and they're easier to maintain as they don't require regular cleaning. Additionally, they're more energy efficient. However, they do have a higher upfront installation cost; weigh that against the saving costs on your utility bills.
Gas Water Heaters versus Electric Water Heaters
Much like there are two different types of water heaters commercially available, there are options when it comes to how your water heater is powered. The two main options are gas-powered and electric water heaters.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas-powered water heaters work by heating water with a gas-fired burner that's located at the bottom of the unit's tank. The water is heated from the bottom, radiating upwards. Then, it's drawn off from the top by a discharge tube. The heat is transferred throughout your home's water supply, flowing into your faucets when you turn them on. As you use the hot water, more water is shuffled into the system to be heated.
For those living on a tight budget, gas-powered units are best as they're less expensive for an upfront water heater installation or replacement. Plus, you don't need to worry about a power outage cutting off your supply of hot water. The major downside to gas-powered units is that they require regular maintenance, including Charleston water heater repair services. Gas-powered units need to be cleaned of sediment buildup, which includes carbon debris. If you don't keep up with that, then you'll begin to notice discoloration due to corrosion.
Electric Water Heaters
Now, electric-powered units heat water with high-voltage electrical heating rods that run vertically through the unit's tank. The water is heated at the center of the tank, which then radiates outwards.
With electric units, you gain the benefits of efficiency, a lower upfront purchase price, and an easier hook-up service when dealing with a water heater replacement in Charleston, SC as all homes have electric services. However, electric units also come with a higher operating cost and don't operate if there's a power outage or failure.
