Mr. Drain ® Water Heater Tips :

Mr. Drain ® Plumbing of Los Altos offers the basic tips that will save you a lot of money just a little handy maintenance will do the job:

Life Expectancy : A conventional water heater should last about 11 years. Hard water will shorten the life, regular maintenance by your local Mr. Drain ® Plumber will prolong it.

Efficiency :  Tankless heaters are considered more energy efficient than conventional heaters because they don't have to continually heat a tank of water.

Is your water heater too hot? :  To reduce the risk of scalding and to avoid the risk of running out of hot water, Mr. Drain ® Plumbing recommend a temperature setting of 120°-125°F.

Be safe:  Always keep safety in mind when it comes to water heaters. Never store paints, solvents or combustibles near the unit due to the obvious risk of fire

Right Size of the Water Heater:  You'll want the right size of the hot water heater with the best recovery rate for your family's needs. It should deliver hot water when and where you need it in the most energy efficient and cost effective way.

Should you repair or replace the water heater? : It's said "never spend on repair more than half the cost of replacing your hot water heater". In most cases, water heaters that are out of warranty should be replaced

Electric-powered storage water heater:  While electric water heaters have storage tanks and provide hot water in much the same way as do gas ones, they heat water using two electric elements, each with its own thermostat. These water heaters are not very efficient

Cost considerations:  Water heater prices vary for a wide range of reasons, including the water line connections, valves, venting, gas line, strapping, access, and type of water heater. A "blind" quote over the phone is often inaccurate as it may need to bring your water heater up to the required city code which needs in-person psychical inspection

Water Heater Warranties:  Mostly the water heater lasts 11 years and the regular factory warranty is 6 years. But warranty goes on the make, model and size to 6 - 10 - 12 years.

Life Factor of a typical water heater:  The life of a storage tank water heater is dependent on the tank, the quality of the water, number of people in the home and the temperature setting of the tank.

Cost Factor in selecting the right and more cost effective water heater:  For both tankless and solar water heating systems, the larger initial financial outlay may discourage many people from these options, even though long-term savings are substantial.