Concord Water Heater Services
Contra Costa County Water Heater Repair & Replacement Specialists
Our technicians at Absolute Plumbing and Drain are the trusted experts in all things related to water heaters, offering top-notch installation, repair, and replacement services.
Whether you're experiencing a sudden hot water shortage, noticing strange noises, or simply looking to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, our team of skilled professionals in Concord is here to cater to your needs.
Absolute Plumbing and Drain strives to be your preferred conventional water heater experts in Concord, CA. Contact us online today or give us a call at (925) 369-3067 !
Why Conventional Water Heaters?
Conventional storage water heaters remain the most popular type of water heating system for the home.
Here you’ll find basic information about how storage water heaters work; what criteria to use when selecting the right model; and some installation, maintenance, and safety tips.
A single-family storage water heater offers a ready reservoir—from 20 to 80 gallons—of hot water.
It operates by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when you turn on the hot water tap. To replace that hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank, ensuring that the tank is always full.
When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
The replacement of a water heater depends on several factors, including its age, condition, and efficiency.
On average, a standard tank-type water heater has a lifespan of around 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters tend to last longer, often up to 20 years or more. However, these are just general guidelines, and individual circumstances may vary.
Here are some signs that indicate it might be time to replace your hot water heater:
- Age: If your water heater is nearing or surpassing its expected lifespan, it's wise to consider a replacement even if it appears to be functioning fine. Older units are more prone to failures and inefficiencies.
- Inadequate hot water: If you've noticed a significant decrease in the amount of hot water your water heater can provide or if the water doesn't get as hot as it used to, it could be a sign of a failing unit.
- Rusty or discolored water: If you notice rusty or discolored water coming from your hot water taps, it may indicate internal corrosion in your water heater. This is often a sign of impending failure.
- Leakage: Any visible leaks or signs of water around the base of the water heater should not be ignored. A leaking water heater is a clear indication that it needs immediate attention and likely replacement.
- Strange noises: If your water heater starts making unusual noises like popping, cracking, or rumbling sounds, it could be due to sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
- Energy efficiency: If your current water heater is not energy efficient, upgrading to a newer model can result in significant energy savings over time. Newer units often have improved insulation and higher energy efficiency ratings.
Understanding the Different Types of Water Heaters
Choosing the right water heater for your home depends on understanding the various types available. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
- Traditional Tank Water Heaters: These store a large quantity of hot water (typically between 20-80 gallons) for immediate use. They are cost-effective and reliable but may have higher energy consumption due to standby heat loss.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Also known as on-demand water heaters, these units heat water only when needed, offering a more energy-efficient option. They are ideal for smaller homes or for households with lower hot water usage.
- Hybrid Water Heaters: Combining the benefits of both traditional and tankless models, hybrid water heaters use a heat pump to extract heat from the surrounding air, making them an energy-efficient option for larger households.
- Solar Water Heaters: Powered by the sun, these systems use solar panels to collect heat and transfer it to the water, making them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective long-term option.
Understanding these options can help you choose the best water heater based on your household size, energy needs, and budget.
Providing the Highest Standard Every Time
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Top Products & TechnologyAt Absolute Plumbing and Drain we make sure our team is not only knowledgeable and up to date with new techniques but ensure we have the newest products and technology.
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Quality Work at Reasonable RatesWith over two decades of experience, we ensure quality results. We take pride in delivering quality solutions at a competitive price, always!
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Conventional Storage Water Heaters
Conventional storage water heater fuel sources include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity. Natural gas and propane water heaters basically operate the same. A gas burner under the tank heats the water. A thermostat opens the gas valve as the water temperature falls. The valve closes when the temperature rises to the thermostat’s setpoint. Oil-fired water heaters operate similarly, but they have power burners that mix oil and air in a vaporizing mist, ignited by an electric spark.
Electric water heaters have one or two electric elements, each with its own thermostat. With two electric elements, a standby element at the bottom of the tank maintains the minimum thermostat setting while the upper demand element provides hot water recovery when demand heightens. Because water is constantly heated in the tank, energy can be wasted even when a hot water tap isn’t running. This is called standby heat loss. Only tankless water heaters such as demand water heater avoid standby heat losses. However, you can find some storage water heater models with heavily insulated tanks, which significantly reduce standby heat losses, lowering annual operating costs.
Look for models with tanks that have a thermal resistance (R-Value) of R-12 to R-25.Gas and oil water heaters also have venting-related energy losses. Two types of water heaters—a fan-assisted gas water heater and an atmospheric sealed-combustion water heater—reduce these losses. The fan-assisted gas water heater uses a draft-induced fan that regulates the air that passes through the burner, which minimizes the amount of excess air during combustion, increasing efficiency. The atmospheric sealed-combustion water heater uses a combustion and venting system that is totally sealed from the house.
The lowest-priced storage water heater may be the most expensive to operate and maintain over its lifetime. Proper installation depends on many factors. These factors include fuel type, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues, especially concerning the combustion of gas-fired water heaters. Periodic water heater maintenance can significantly extend your water heater’s life and minimize loss of efficiency. Read your owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations.
Routine maintenance for storage water heaters, depending on what type/model you have, may include:
- Flushing a quart of water from the storage tank every three months
- Checking the temperature and pressure valve every six months
- Inspecting
Expert Concord Water Heater Services
If your water heater is showing signs of wear or you’re ready to upgrade to a more efficient model, contact Absolute Plumbing and Drain for expert installation, repair, and replacement services. We ensure your home’s hot water runs smoothly and efficiently. Our skilled technicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality services, backed by positive customer reviews that highlight our commitment to excellence. We offer flexible financing options and seasonal coupons to make our services more affordable.
Absolute Plumbing can inspect, repair, and replace your conventional water heater. Absolute Plumbing in Concord California services the entire East Bay area from Berkeley to Walnut Creek to Oakley, CA.
Call today at (925) 369-3067 and let us help you choose the right water heater for your property or fill out the online form to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tankless hot water heaters need to be serviced?
Yes, tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Annual servicing typically includes descaling to remove mineral buildup and checking for blockages or wear on key components.
What is the difference between water heater maintenance for tank and tankless?
Tank water heaters require regular flushing to remove sediment buildup, as well as checking the temperature and pressure relief valve. Tankless heaters, on the other hand, need descaling to prevent mineral deposits from blocking water flow and affecting performance.
What is better, a traditional water heater or a tankless one?
The choice depends on your needs. Traditional water heaters are better for larger households with high hot water demand, while tankless water heaters offer energy efficiency and endless hot water for smaller homes or households with lower water usage.
What is the service life of a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters typically last between 15 to 20 years, depending on usage, water quality, and maintenance. Regular servicing can help extend the life of the unit.
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