Tag: Hot water heater

Why Is My Water Taking So Long to Heat?

Posted on | by ChristainSon_Admin

No one wants to wait around for a hot shower, especially when it feels like it’s taking forever to get to the temperature you want. If you’re feeling frustrated by waiting for your morning shower, waiting for your water to heat up to do the dishes, or if you’re ever worried about the water in your laundry not doing what it’s supposed to, it could be time to repair or replace your hot water heater.

shower head in bathroom

Hot water heater problems aren’t uncommon. Some of them can be easily fixed. However, if you’ve had your water heater for a long time, standard plumbing services might not always be the “quick” solution. In some cases, you may need to consider a new water heater installation.

So, what are the signs it might be time for water heater maintenance? When can you tell if it needs to be replaced?

What’s the Hold-Up?

First, it’s important to understand the different possible reasons as to why your hot water heater might be taking so long to heat up your water. There are several possibilities to consider, including:

  • Sediment buildup
  • Distance from the faucet
  • Age of water heater

Obviously, these are very different problems with very different solutions. In the case of sediment buildup, you may be able to get away with a water heater repair/cleaning that allows your heater to last many more years.

However, if you have an old heater than just seems to be failing no matter what, it could be time to replace it.

brown hot water faucet

Replacing a Hot Water Heater

Is replacing your hot water heater an investment? Yes—but it could end up saving you money in different ways. First, if your water heater always seems to be on the fritz, it’s not fair to you to have to call a plumber to your home all the time to fix it. That adds up quickly and may not be a permanent fix.

Older hot water heaters also don’t run as efficiently as newer models. Energy efficiency is extremely important when it comes to appliances nowadays. Thankfully, most hot water heaters manufactured today are far more energy-efficient than the ones built in the past. This will save you money on your utility bills right away.

You can also choose from different options when you’re considering a new hot water heater. For example, if you want your water to get hot as quickly as possible, a tankless water heater might be the best solution for your home.

At Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we pride ourselves on our years of experience and knowledge in the plumbing industry. Not only can we repair and maintain water heaters, but we can replace them for you. If you aren’t getting the hot water you need throughout your home, feel free to give us a call. One of our experts will be happy to come out and diagnose the problem. You and your family deserve the comfort of hot water, and we can make sure you’ll enjoy it for years to come!

How Fast Should Tap Water Be Heating?

Posted on | by ChristainSon_Admin

If you’ve ever stepped into the shower expecting it to be hot and comforting, only to be met with lukewarm or even cold water, you understand how annoying it can be! You might find that you must turn your dial hotter and hotter all the time just to get the temperature warm enough to take a relaxing shower.

If someone else beat you to your morning shower, you might also have to deal with all the hot water being “gone.” As you might expect, water heater problems are anything but fun.

To figure out how much water you have left after someone else in your house takes a shower, there’s a simple math equation you can follow—but you shouldn’t have to stand in your bathroom solving equations every morning.

What’s more important is the capacity of your tank, the available gallons of hot water, and the type of heater you have.

stylish chrome modern bathroom tap

Type of Heater and Tank Capacity

There are several different types of heaters that can affect how long it takes for your water to be heating up. It’s important to know the size of your water heater when it comes to figuring out how much water will be available to you. During your water heater installation, make sure your water heater service provider gives you this information. They vary in size, but the most common is 40 gallons. If you have a larger heater, it will take longer for the water to warm up.

Assuming you have a 40-gallon tank, let’s look at some of the different types:

  • Gas heater: 30-40 minutes
  • Electric heater: 60-90 minutes
  • Solar heater: 60-90 minutes if connected to an electric heater

How to Fix Slow-Heating Water

If it seems to be taking an unusually long time for your water to heat up, the best thing you can do is to contact a 24-hour plumber. Water heater problems aren’t uncommon, and some of them can be fixed quickly.

There are a few things you can do on your own to try reducing the time it takes for your water to get warm. One of the easiest things is to make sure your showerhead flow rate isn’t too low. The lower the flow rate, the longer it will take for the water to heat up.

Other common problems include things like your water heater being far away from the shower itself, the pipes being too small, or you could simply have a water heater in need of repair or replacement.

When Is It Time to Repair/Replace My Water Heater?

As stated above, there are many instances in which water heater problems can be fixed with the help of a licensed plumber, but if you’re continuously putting money into a faulty heater and not getting better results, it could be time to replace the water heater. Take these telltale signs into account if you’re wondering whether you need a new water heater:

  • Age: Most hot water heaters have a lifespan of 8-10 years
  • Rust on the tank
  • Strange noises
  • Leaking

If you simply have an insufficient tank size for your needs, you might also want to consider replacing your hot water heater. It should be able to provide daily hot water for you and your family without having to bargain for shorter showers.

Choosing the Best Replacement

One of the best options for replacing your hot water heater is to try a tankless water heater. These heaters are still relatively new, but, because water isn’t being stored in a large tank, it takes virtually no time to heat up. Essentially, you and your family can enjoy unlimited hot water.

Still, traditional hot water heater models shouldn’t be forgotten. It all depends on your individual needs, your budget, and what you should expect from a hot water heater.

If you have questions about your hot water heater, or you’re wondering about installation or repairs, please contact us at Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers will work with you, providing all the information you need about the best options for your existing water heater, including whether it’s time to replace it.