Water Heater FAQs

When shopping for a new hot water heater, you have many options. Standard water heaters rely on natural gas, oil, propane, electricity, or solar power to preheat and store hot water in a tank. Tankless water heaters deliver instant hot water on demand. Installation costs tend to be higher for tankless water heaters. However, they generally save homeowners money on their monthly utility bills when compared to gas water heaters or electric water heaters. Your household size, budget, and available space often dictate which type of water heater is best for your needs.

Whether you opt for a standard or tankless water heater, they come in various sizes. Determining which size to buy depends on how much hot water you think you’ll need. The average two-resident household may only need a 23- to 36-gallon tank water heater, while a family of five may need a tank that holds at least 56 gallons. Tankless water heaters are typically based on their flow rate capacity, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). If your home features many appliances reliant on hot water, you should buy a tankless water heater with a higher flow rate capacity. Generally, standard tank water heaters are recommended for larger homes. Hoover’s technicians would be happy to help you decide which type and size of water heater would work best for your family’s needs.

If you’re looking for a high-efficiency water heater, a tankless water heater may be your best bet. Because they provide hot water on demand, tankless water heaters use up to 30-50% less energy. Energy efficiency is an excellent benefit offered by tankless water heaters, but they also require less maintenance and storage space in your home. Keep your utility bills low with a tankless water heater!

Most standard water heaters have a life expectancy of 10-15 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. If you’re unsure how old your water heater is, look at its serial number. If you’ve noticed water leaks, rust-colored water, higher energy bills, or strange noises or smells coming from your water heater, it’s likely time for a replacement. When it’s time for a water heater repair or replacement, give Hoover a call.

If your household keeps running out of hot water or at a faster rate than it used to, you may need a water heater repair. It could be a simple fix, such as flushing out sediment build-up inside your tank or replacing a broken dip tube. We also recommend resetting your water heater’s thermostat to see if adjusting the temperature makes a difference. If troubleshooting and repairs don’t seem to work, it might be time to replace your water heater.

The amount of time it takes for your home’s water to heat largely depends upon your plumbing. The longer your pipelines, the further the distance water has to travel before reaching your faucets. Other factors affecting your wait time include your pipes’ diameter and your water’s flow rate. Larger homes, especially ranch-style homes, tend to have longer wait times for hot water. If you feel your hot water has become excessively sluggish, call Hoover to address any plumbing concerns you may have.

If you’re interested in reducing your hot water usage to save money, you could purchase low-flow shower heads and fixtures or more energy-efficient appliances. You could also invest in water heater maintenance services to prevent sediment build-up, water leaks, and more.

Water heater leaks are a common issue, often resulting in wasted water and the need for costly repairs. If you suspect you have a water heater leak, determining the source of the leak is essential to fixing it. Your water heater tank could have a crack, or perhaps you have loose pipe fittings. Depending on its severity, the leak may be repaired or patched without replacing the entire unit.

Water heater maintenance ensures your unit lasts as long as possible. If you have a tank water heater, you must flush out the sediment build-up inside the tank at least once a year. You might consider installing a water treatment system inside your home to reduce rust and sediment build-up inside your plumbing fixtures. You can also take advantage of Hoover’s year-round preventative maintenance services to keep your water heater running efficiently.