water heater Myrtle Beach - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

When your hot water heater suddenly decides to throw in the towel, it’s decision time: repair or replace? Let’s dive into this common homeowner conundrum.

To Repair or Replace Your Hot Water Heater

First off, it’s important to understand the lifespan of a water tank. Typically, these units last between 10 to 15 years, but several factors such as

maintenance
installation quality
water quality can influence this.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Here’s a simple litmus test: the 50% rule. If the cost of repairs hits the 50% mark of what you’d shell out for a brand-new unit, opting for replacement is likely the smarter move. However, don’t disregard the age of your water heater and how long it’s been on the fritz.

The Replacement Route: Going Green and Efficient

Over time, water minerals can wreak havoc on steel, leading to corrosion in water heater tanks. Once leaks spring up, repairs become a moot point. Enter modern water heaters: more energy-efficient, thanks to innovative designs and materials like glass liners that resist corrosion.

But that’s not all. Upgrading opens doors to larger tank options and other modern features. Plus, energy-efficient models can be real money-savers in the long run.

Ever heard of tankless, heat pump, or solar water heaters in Myrtle Beach? Not only do these alternatives offer significant savings, but they might also qualify you for a sweet federal tax credit. However, keep in mind that they may require a hefty upfront investment, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.

The Repair Route: Prolonging the Lifespan

If you’re leaning towards repair, there are steps you can take to squeeze more life out of your current water heater. Start by scheduling an annual flush by a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach to rid the tank of sediment buildup, a common culprit for corrosion.

Test the pressure relief valve regularly and replace it if needed. And don’t forget to adjust the thermostat to a moderate temperature to prevent overheating, which can damage the tank.

However, if the tank itself is the source of the leak, it’s usually a sign that replacement is the way to go. But if the leak is coming from elsewhere, repair might still be on the table.

The Bottom Line: Regular Maintenance is Key

Whether you choose repair or replacement, the key to a long-lasting water heater lies in regular maintenance. By staying on top of upkeep, you’ll not only extend the lifespan of your unit but also save yourself time, money, and headaches down the road.

So, when it comes to your hot water heater, don’t leave its fate to chance. Make an informed decision, keep up with maintenance, and enjoy uninterrupted hot showers for years to come.

Ready to Make a Decision?

If you’re ready to tackle your hot water heater dilemma, take the next step. Whether it’s scheduling a plumbing maintenance check or exploring replacement options, don’t wait until it’s too late. Your future self will thank you for it!

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC. now. Let us take care of your hot water heater needs. Our team is ready to assist you.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor

Is your water heater giving you trouble? It might be time for a new one, but which type should you go for? Tank or tankless? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Tank vs. Tankless: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the basic scoop:

Tank Water Heater: This one’s like a big water storage unit. It heats water and keeps it ready for you when you need it. Imagine a big, insulated tank sitting in your basement or utility closet, filled with heated water, just waiting for you to turn on the tap. That’s a tank water heater for you.

Tankless Water Heater: No big storage tank here. Instead, it heats water instantly as you use it. Pretty neat, huh? Think of it like a magical machine that zaps cold water into hot water the moment you ask for it. No waiting around, just instant hot water bliss.

Both types can run on different energy sources like gas or electricity.

How Does A Water Heater Work

Tank Water Heater: Cold water comes in, gets heated up, and sits in the tank until you need it. When you turn on the hot water tap, it flows out from the tank. It’s like having a reserve of hot water ready and waiting for you.

Tankless Water Heater: No waiting around here. As soon as you want hot water, it starts heating it up. No storage, just instant heat. It’s like having a personal hot water genie that grants your wishes the moment you ask for them.

Pros and Cons: Let’s Weigh Them Up

Tank Water Heater:

Pros: Cheaper upfront, good for multiple users at once, easy to manage. Tank water heaters have been around for a long time, and they’re reliable workhorses. Plus, they’re usually cheaper to buy and install compared to tankless models.

Cons: Takes time to refill, can be pricey to run, might leak over time, needs space. One downside is that once the hot water in the tank runs out, you’ll have to wait for it to refill and heat up again. Also, because they’re constantly keeping water hot, they can be more expensive to run and maintain.

Tankless Water Heater:

Pros: Efficient, lasts longer, less risk of leaks, smaller size. Tankless water heaters in Myrtle Beach are like the new kids on the block, but they’ve quickly gained popularity for good reason. They’re super efficient because they only heat water when you need it, which means lower energy bills. Plus, they take up way less space and can last for decades.

Cons: Costs more upfront, might need changes to your plumbing, not as common. The main downside is that they can be more expensive to buy and install compared to tank water heaters. Depending on your home’s setup, you might also need to make some changes to your plumbing or gas lines. And while they’re becoming more popular, they’re still not as common as tank water heaters.

Which Size is Right for You?

For tank heaters, figure out how much hot water your household needs at its busiest time. Look for a tank that can handle that demand. If you have a big family that loves long showers, you’ll need a larger tank to keep up with the demand.

For tankless, calculate how much hot water you’ll use at once. This helps you pick the right size unit. If you’re the only one using hot water at a time, you can get away with a smaller unit. But if you have a lot of people using hot water simultaneously, you’ll need a larger unit to keep up.

Tank or Tankless: What’s Your Pick?

If you want something easy and don’t mind waiting a bit for hot water, go for a tank.

But if you’re all about saving money and having hot water on demand, tankless might be the way to go.

Ready to Upgrade Your Water Heater?

Whether you’re Team Tank or Team Tankless, getting the right water heater in Myrtle Beach is key. Make sure to consider your household’s needs and preferences.

Ready to make the switch? Reach out to your local plumbers in Myrtle Beach for guidance on choosing and installing the perfect water heater for your home. Say goodbye to cold showers and hello to hot water bliss!