Choosing the right water heater for your Seattle home is more than finding something that works. You want a system that fits your lifestyle, saves money, and keeps your household running smoothly. Whether upgrading an old unit or outfitting a new home, here is a look at a few options to help you make the right decision.
What Are Your Options?
There are several types of water heaters on the market. These include the following.
Tank Water Heaters
When you think of a water heater, these are the first ones that come to mind. They store water in a tank and keep it warm until you need it. They’re budget-friendly upfront. However, they become less efficient over time. These models will continually heat the water, even when you do not need it.
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater is a good bet if you want a more efficient model. These heat water only when needed, so you will not waste energy keeping a tank full of hot water. Along with their efficiency, they take up less space. Unfortunately, they do cost more to install.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
If you are looking for a more energy-efficient model, this might be the one for you. These units pull heat from the air to warm your water. They work great in Seattle’s mild climate. Keep in mind that they need a bit more space for installation.
Condensing Water Heaters
A condensing water heater is an efficient option if your home uses natural gas. How do they work? They take the extra heat from exhaust gases and warm the water for your home.
Consider Your Family’s Water Needs
You should also consider your household’s size and habits. These can play a huge role in choosing a water heater that will work best for you.
A tankless water heater might be all you need if it is just you or a small family. This heats water on demand. Plus, it can handle one or two tasks at a time, like a shower and running the dishwasher.
Bigger households with multiple showers, laundry, and dishes might want a larger tank model or a tankless system with a higher flow rate.
You also want to think about when everyone uses the water. If your family is scrambling for hot water during the same time of day, you may need a bigger system. Make sure to think about your hot water needs so you are not stuck with lukewarm showers.
Seattle’s Climate Is a Factor
Seattle’s weather is mild. However, dampness can affect your water heater choice and where to install it. Heat pump water heaters love moderate climates like those found in Seattle. If you have space in a basement or utility room, this is a fantastic choice.
However, if you want to stick with a traditional model, you may need to take a few precautions. Many people install a tank model in an unheated space like a garage. If this is the case with you, consider adding insulation to prevent heat loss and save energy costs.
What Is Your Budget?
While upfront costs are important, you need to think about long-term expenses like maintenance and energy bills. Traditional tank water heaters are the most affordable upfront option. On the other hand, tankless heaters and heat pumps cost more to install. However, they do shine for long-term savings.
Think About Maintenance and Longevity
No one wants to replace a water heater every few years. You want to choose a durable, low-maintenance option that can save you time and money down the road.
Tank water heaters last eight to 12 years. If you want to extend their lifespan, you will need to flush the tank to avoid sediment buildup.
Tankless systems can last 20 years or more with regular maintenance. If you have hard water, occasional descaling will be required.
Heat pump systems need their air filters cleaned. You should also check for any issues that could prevent these systems from running for 10 to 15 years or longer.
Whether you go with a tried-and-true tank model, a space-saving tankless system, or a cutting-edge heat pump, there’s a perfect option out there.
Contact Us Today
For over 30 years, Rush Plumbing Inc has been a trusted provider of professional plumbing services for homes and businesses in the Seattle area. Along with water tank installation, we can assist with sewer and drain cleaning, sump pump repair, leak detection, and emergency repairs. If you have issues with your plumbing, schedule an in-home appointment today.
Living in Seattle, WA means you experience some pretty warm temperatures during the spring and summer. Preparing your plumbing for this hotter weather is crucial to your home’s overall functionality and comfort. Here are some key maintenance tips you can use to keep your gutters, pipes, faucets and drains ready for the heat.
Clean the Gutters
Your gutters play a large role in your home’s overall plumbing. They direct rainwater away from the foundation. You never want water to pool at the base of a home because it can enter the basement and cause flooding. Poorly maintained gutters can also result in water runoff that damages the soil around the sewer lines. The most common causes of gutter problems are clogs from the buildup of dirt, leaves and twigs. Cleaning the gutters in the spring will ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage to your plumbing and foundation.
Check the Home for Water Leaks
Water leaks are a major problem for any home, especially leaks that go unnoticed for extended periods of time. Most water leaks happen because of corrosion, broken pipes or faulty seals. Fortunately, you can check for leaks during the spring to keep your home’s plumbing in tip-top shape.
To check for leaks, start by turning off all water-using appliances. This includes the washing machine, dishwasher and every faucet. Next, go to the water meter and take a reading. After a few hours, check the meter again. It should have the same exact reading. If it doesn’t, this means the home has a leak.
Another way to check for leaks is to monitor your water bills closely. If you don’t change your water-using habits, the bills should stay roughly the same each month. When you see a spike, this could indicate a leak.
You can also check for leaks by looking for clues under sinks, around toilets and near appliances. If you see any stains, mold growth or peeling paint, go ahead and give us a call. We have special tools and expert skills, so we can find and fix leaks fast.
Test Outdoor Faucets
A lot of people use their outdoor faucets much more during spring and summer to do things like gardening, filling swimming pools, washing cars and more. If you plan to use your outdoor faucets, you’ll need to get them ready now.
To test the faucets, turn them on one at a time and check for a steady stream of water. If it comes out weakly or drips, the faucet might have a clog or broken valve. When a hose bib has a crack in it, you’ll need to replace it. We can inspect faulty outdoor faucets to determine which ones require simple fixes or complete replacements.
Examine Hoses and Sprinklers
The hoses you hook to outdoor faucets can cause plumbing problems if they leak. You should check them for cracks and loose connections during the spring. If you have a sprinkler system, you’ll need to check it, too. Sprinklers can waste a lot of water if not properly installed and maintained. We can look at all hoses and sprinklers to make sure they work efficiently.
Test Water Pressure
Testing water pressure is a fairly easy and straightforward task. Just attach a water pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet or hose bib. Next, turn on the water and check the gauge’s reading. It should say a pressure of anywhere between 40-60 psi. If it’s over 80 psi, this is not good and increases the risk of leaks. If it’s below 40 psi, you might experience low water flow while washing your hands, taking showers or doing dishes. Having a plumber take a look is the best thing to do if you get an abnormal reading.
Schedule Professional Plumbing Maintenance
DIY plumbing maintenance can be helpful, but certain tasks need professional skills. A plumber can check for hidden leaks and also do a water heater inspection. If the water heater has any sediment buildup, we can flush it. Evaluating pipes for signs of deterioration will help pinpoint potential weak spots. Ultimately, regular plumbing inspections and maintenance help detect issues early, which protects your system from premature failure.
We specialize in helping homeowners create comfortable living spaces with fully functional plumbing. In addition to maintenance, we offer sewer cleaning and trenchless sewer repair. Call Rush Plumbing Inc now to schedule a spring plumbing tune-up for your home in Seattle.
