Water heaters supply instant hot water to residential faucets. There are two kinds of water heaters: regular tank and tankless. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to usage. The one thing they both have in common is that they need preventative maintenance and, at some point, will fail. Alpha Plumbing Solutions is here for you when that time comes. We provide water repair, replacement, and new water heater installs. It is crucial to properly connect the plumbing, gas lines (if you use natural gas), and set the temperature. If the temperature is set too hot, the water will be scalding and dangerous to use. This is especially true for babies and small children. A reputable professional can ensure your water heater is set optimally during the installation and repair process.
Having your plumber conduct preventative inspections and maintenance on your water heater will maximize its lifespan and prevent bigger issues down the road. Our professional plumbers are experienced in both regular tank and tankless water heaters. Let's take a closer look at the difference between the two types of water heaters. Each works differently and knowing which one you have is important.
Regular Tank Water Heaters
Regular tank water heaters have many components that turn cold water into warm water comfortable enough to shower with. These include:
- Tank – holds water at the specified pressure
- Dip tube – transports the water from the top of the tank to the bottom, where it will be heated
- Thermostat – regulates the temperature of the water
- Heating element – heats the water
- Shut-off valve – allows the entire unit to be turned off
- Pressure relief valve – regulates the pressure inside the tank to ensure a safe level is maintained
- Drain valve – allows you to manually drain the water heater tank
As you can see, there are a lot of components that can fail. An expert plumber will quickly be able to troubleshoot the issue. A burned-out heating element is the most common issue with water heaters. Before working on a water heater, it is crucial to shut off the water supply to the heater using the shut-off valve, relieving the pressure, and manually draining the tank. It is a complex process best handled by a professional plumber specializing in water heater replacements, installs, and repairs. If you suspect an issue with your water heater, contact Alpha Plumbing Solutions — the most trusted plumber in Georgia.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can be thought of as on-demand water heaters. Unlike regular tank water heaters, they do not store hot water for later use. Instead, tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed.
They operate by using a heat exchanger. Cold water runs through the heat exchanger, converting it from cold to hot water. The heat exchanger is usually powered by either an electrical element or natural gas. Many people like tankless water heaters because they conserve energy by only providing what you need instead of heating water that may never get used.
Tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to convert cold water to hot water. Unlike regular tank water heaters, they do not store hot water for later use.
As with regular tank water heaters, some issues can arise with tankless water heaters. The most common include:
- Mineral buildup – results in poor water pressure
- Failure to ignite – could be a gas supply issue, blockage, or electrical problem
- Improper temperature setting – results in scalding water or water that's not heating up enough
It can be challenging to troubleshoot the exact cause of the issue. You could spend a lot of time and money playing trial and error. If you need a water heater install, replacement, or repair, it is better to seek the services of a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue at hand.
Trust Alpha Plumbing Solutions With Your Water Heater Needs
Whether you need a water heater replacement or an installation, rely on the number one plumber in Monroe, GA. Alpha Plumbing Solutions offers a full suite of water heater plumbing services for regular and tankless water heaters. Our services include new installs, repairs, replacements, and routine preventative maintenance. Our transparent pricing means you do not have to worry about surprise charges. Feel free to contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
