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Repair Hot Water Tank VS Tankless Water Heater

Jack Japuncic • Jun 02, 2019

Time To Replace Water Heater?

Whether you find yourself replacing an old hot water heater or repairing a broken one, you will want to investigate your options and decide what works best not only for your wallet but your lifestyle. There are numerous options to look at for new water heaters, but first, you need to decide whether your old water heater needs replacing or whether you only need it repaired.

Regularly maintaining your water heater can extend its life and give you extra years of comfort. Some water heater repair jobs are simple and relatively inexpensive. However, if your hot water tank is leaking it’s a sign you need a hot water tank replacement. Also, old water heaters that have been in service 10 to 12 years or more are outdated and have lasted their suggested service life, which means it’s time to replace it.

How Do Traditional Hot Water Heaters Work?

Traditional hot water heaters have a storage tank that holds an average of 200 liters of hot water. These type of water heaters have a tank of water connected to your plumbing system with a heating element that can use different types of fuel. Traditional heaters with a tank are made of metal with a protective liner and a layer of insulation to limit heat loss. Oil and gas heaters use an exhaust vent to release fumes.
Water heaters allow cold water into the top of the tank then push the water through an intake tube to the bottom where a burner heats it until it reaches the temperature determined by a thermostat. The freshly heated water exits from the top of the tank when you turn on the tap.

What Are the Different Types of Hot Water Heaters?

Before you rush out and replace the old hot water tank, you'll want to look at your options. For example, you want to know the different types of hot water heaters available now and which one best suits your needs.
  • Instant water heaters. Instant or tankless water heaters are the most expensive up front, but if you're okay with that, they are your best option. Instant water systems heat the water just before or under the sink without the need of a storage tank. 
  • Traditional water heaters. Traditional heaters include a storage tank for the hot water. They are a more conventional and less expensive option. Traditional heaters can last 604-873-3753 years if you maintain them well.
  • Heat pump water heaters. Heat pumps don’t generate heat directly for your hot water, but instead, transfer heat from one area to another.
  • Solar water heaters. As the name implies, solar water heaters use the sun to heat your water.
  • Indirect water heaters. Indirect heaters and tankless coil water heaters utilize your house’s heating system to generate hot water.

How To Choose a Hot Water Heater Replacement

Look at the various selections including the fuel type and cost, size of the hot water tank, whether the heater is energy efficient, and overall total cost including installation.
  • Fuel type and price: The fuel type affects the size of the heater, the heaters efficiency, and the operating costs.
    • Electrical: Often used to fuel a variety of tank types and sizes.
    • Oil: Usually powers traditional and indirect water heaters.
    • Geothermal: Requires a geothermal heat pump in the home.
    • Natural gas: Typically fuels traditional, tankless, and indirect water heaters.
    • Propane: Commonly used to fuel traditional, tankless, and indirect heaters.
    • Solar: Used specifically with solar hot water heaters.
  • Size of the hot water heater. The size you choose is determined by the size of your family and how much hot water you expect to use in a typical setting.
  • Energy efficiency. Energy efficiency helps determine the operating costs of the heater.
  • Costs. You should estimate the annual running costs of the heater you’re looking at before you make a purchase. Fuel type, size, and efficiency all play a role in overall costs.

What is Your Best Option for Hot Water Tank Replacement?

Tankless, on-demand water heaters are typically the best choice when you’re replacing a traditional hot water tank. While tankless water heaters have a higher up-front cost, the savings are on the backend because tankless heaters deliver hot water instantly to your home while using less energy. They also reduce the volume of water wasted before hot water hits the tap.

Electric tankless water heater installation is easier and generally less expensive than their gas counterparts, and they are also less challenging to maintain. Gas-powered tankless water heaters typically have more heating power, which means you’ll have hot water faster and in multiple outlets at once.

For both electric or gas fired on-demand water heaters, overall energy efficiency is higher than other types of water heaters, including conventional. That said, traditional heaters with a tank are great options If your budget is a concern. You can also expect a traditional tank heater to last 10-15 years with regular maintenance and flushing.

When is Replacement The Right Choice?

There are three basic situations in which replacing your water heater is more necessity than choice. Ignoring these signs of tank failure can lead to costly damage to your home.

First, ask yourself how old your water heater is. Age is important in your decision to replace because older heaters fail more often than newer heaters. If you’ve reached the 10-year mark or more, you should seriously consider having the water heater replaced before disaster strikes. While some hot water heaters can last up to 15 years with regular maintenance, the longer you wait, the more risk there is.

Rusty water: If rusty water is emerging from the hot outlet, your water heater is at the end of its life and could start to leak soon. However, galvanized piping can also lead to rusting. 

Pro Tip: Before you run out to replace the water heater, drain several five-gallon buckets of hot water from your tank. If by the third bucket, the water is still rusty, then your water heater is likely done. Rusty water signals the end of the tank’s life, so it’s time to replace it.

Finally, if you can hear a rumbling sound coming from your water heater, the tank is likely finished. Sediment builds up at the bottom of your tank over the years, and as the deposit is heated and reheated, it starts to harden creating a rumbling sound. This means your heater is less efficient. If your tank is rumbling it will likely start leaking soon.

What if The Hot Water Tank Only Needs Repair?

If you don’t need a new water heater installation and are going the repair route instead, you need to stay on top of your regular maintenance and keep an eye out for any warning signs of trouble.

Below are common problems you might encounter with your water heater and what you should do if you notice a problem.
  • No Hot Water. If you suddenly can’t get any hot water from the taps, check the pilot light. The pilot light is that small flame that continually burns and is an ignition source for your tank’s main burner. When the pilot light goes out, the burner can’t heat the water in the tank. Relighting the pilot light is relatively simple, but if you have a closed burner system or you can’t find the pilot light, call a professional.
  • Not Enough hot water. If your hot water ends before everyone is done with the shower, your tank is likely too small for your home. A professional can assess the situation and recommend the right size for your needs and family.
  • Water around the tank. A leaking tank is a red flag. A serious issue that requires immediate attention. If you find any water around the tank, shut off the pilot light and the water supply, then call a plumber.
  • A Hissing Noise. Even if you don’t see water on the floor around the tank, a hissing noise can indicate a leak. The liner inside the tank has likely corroded or separated and cracked, and the leaking water is turning into steam (the hissing sound). Call a professional right away to avoid a bigger problem.
  • A Boiling Sound. A bubbly, boiling sound often means your tank is overheating or that pressure is building up. This is probably the most serious of the problem signals. Call us right away so we can instruct you how to shut it down before we arrive.
If you notice any of these issues, your water heater needs repair or replacing. At KC’s Plumbing and Heating we are proficient with all water heater types and will be able to assess what needs to be done once we’ve looked at it on site. If repairs are all that’s needed, we’ll take care of that then and there. If replacement is the only option, we will take the time with you and calculate the best type of water heater for your needs. We can install a new water heater in your home the next day in most cases depending on availability and what we have in stock. 

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