Cypress Water Heater Installation

You May Need A New Water Heater If:

• Your water heater is more than 8 years old
• Your water heater is leaking
• Your water heater is going to cost a lot to repair
• Your water heater consumes far more energy than it should
• Your water heater is having problems with pressure buildup

Can I Install A Water Heater Myself?

Many Houston-area homeowners are comfortable tackling small projects around the house, such as replacing a light fixture or unclogging a drain. But when it comes to more complex work, such as installing a water heater, it is best to leave the job to a licensed professional. Water heaters must be properly installed and anchored to avoid damage to the unit or surrounding property. In addition, gas-powered water heaters require a permit and must be connected to an existing gas line. As a result, it is generally not advisable for homeowners to attempt to install a water heater on their own. By hiring a licensed professional, you can be confident that the job will be done safely and correctly.

Common Causes of Water Heater Failure

It's easy to take your water heater for granted when it's working properly and providing you with the hot water you need to carry out daily tasks. However, when it starts to provide you with rusty water, or, worse, no hot water at all, you may wonder what's causing your water heater to break down completely.

Some of the common causes of water heater failure include:

• It's reached the end of its lifespan: Like any other appliance, your water heater will not last forever. Standard tank water heaters last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last around 20 years. However, as your unit approaches the end of its lifespan, it is more prone to corrosion, bad heating elements, or faulty pilot lights.
• Corrosion: If you have a standard tank water heater, it has anode rods meant to draw corrosion away from the tank itself. However, these rods must be replaced every five years. If you've failed to replace your anode rods, it could lead to leaks and internal corrosion of the tank, which is what causes the rusty water.
• Sediment buildup: When you heat up water, the mineral deposits separate and settle on the bottom of your tank. Over the years, the sediment begins to build up which will negatively effect the efficiency of your unit. You can help prevent this by getting your tank flushed at least once per year.
• Improperly sized unit: It's vitally important that you get a properly sized water heater for your home's size and usage needs. A water heater that is too small will have to work overtime to provide you with enough hot water. As it works harder, it will become more prone to breakdowns.
• High water pressure: It's recommended that your water pressure is not higher than 80 psi. Excessive water pressure can cause leaks in your tank's overflow pipe as well as damage to your unit's pressure and temperature relief valves.
• Poorly installed unit: Water heater installation is not a DIY project. Units that aren't installed correctly can lead to frequent breakdowns and the need for premature replacement. This is why it's best to leave installation to the professionals, like ours at Belknap Plumbing Systems Inc.