Water Heater Resources
Got Questions? We Got Answers!
Our team of plumbing professionals is here to answer your water heater related questions. You can give us a call or review our answers to your frequently asked questions. Whether you are curious about when to replace your water heater or whether a tankless water heater is right for you, we have you covered!
The same can be said for all brands of tankless water heaters: we see far too many bad or improper installations. All licensed plumbers are certified with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), so you would think that a certain standard would be maintained.
For some reason, it is incredibly inconsistent—probably because a proper tankless water heater install is considerably harder than just installing, especially when it comes to venting.
Also, just because a product (or part) is sold at one of the big home improvement retail stores does not make it acceptable to be used in all applications. In fact, many of the products sold at the local big box retail stores do not meet Texas plumbing codes. Or, they are just bad plumbing products that produce temporary results but are destined to fail and/or cause problems down the road.
We see this not just with tankless water installations but with other plumbing repairs as well. We have a “Plumbing Wall of Shame” at our office that gets bigger every week for a reason. And although it is mostly filled with bad DIYs and Handyman jobs, there are plenty of jobs from licensed plumbers as well.
The Rheem tank and tankless water heaters that the big orange home improvement store sells are NOT the same products that the manufacturers supply to the plumbing wholesalers. The quality isn’t even close! Don’t waste your time, effort, or money. These stores sell billions of dollars’ worth of merchandise. Because they are so big, they can erode certain quality standards (such as using plastic parts instead of metal, inferior metals, and/or DIY connections). They do this to compete for the lowest prices with the other big box stores while maintaining their margin commitments.
Tankless water heater maintenance suggestions and/or requirements vary by manufacturer. It is a good idea to get the unit cleaned and maintenanced for every 500 hours of use.
For a family of four, that is typically every 12 months. In commercial applications such as restaurants, tankless units should be serviced every 6 months, if not more often, due to the increased demand and higher temperature requirements.
Why is maintenance needed? Extreme high heat causes changes in the natural calcium and lime minerals in the water supply. This change causes those minerals to become—for a lack of a better term—sticky. Then they adhere to the sides of the pipe, forming a scale build-up over time. To avoid this issue, it’s best to periodically flush the system.
Maintaining a tankless water heater is pretty straightforward. It typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes per heater to complete and requires us to adjust various valves to turn off the water to the unit (isolation valves must be present). Then, we use a sump pump and a series of hoses connected to these valves to send a specialized non-toxic descaling solution inside the heater. If done properly, the cleaning is performed both forwards and backwards through this looped line system.
The final steps in the maintenance process greatly depend on the heater’s brand and model. Different versions have both water and air filters (sometimes multiple) that must be removed and cleaned. We recommend calling a licensed plumber to clean the air filter and water filter rather than attempting to DIY!
Many parts for repairs are available under warranty at no cost to you. We have to get them shipped in, so there could be a delay in getting your heater back up and running by a day or two.
Different manufacturers have different warranties that vary by brand, model, and whether the heater is being used for residential or commercial applications.
Whereas not all traditional tank-type heaters can be used for commercial applications, most brands and models of tankless water heaters can be. Residential warranties are typically longer than commercial warranties because of the amount of additional use that they experience over an expected lifetime.
Navien tankless water heaters have the longest residential warranty in the industry. For residential purposes, the heat exchangers are covered for 15 years, and the other parts are covered for 5 years. Just like other brands, the commercial warranty is reduced, but in Navien’s case it’s just 8 years (heat exchanger) and 3 years (parts). Earl’s Plumbing’s limited labor warranty is currently 2 years from installation for any Navien tankless water heater model.
All warranties have stipulations, and part of that usually requires that the unit be properly installed (see above). Some manufacturers also require that you show proof of regular maintenance. None are going to cover weather-related damage such as freeze ruptures, so make sure that you take freeze-protection steps to safeguard your investment during severe cold weather events.
In our North Texas, it varies based off of brand and model, but a good rule of thumb based on our experience is that a water heater that came from a big box home improvement retailer typically only lasts 7 to 10 years. Whereas most professional or wholesale grade brands & models last between 9 to 12 years.
There is not a day that goes by that we do not get multiple phone calls of leaking water heater(s)s and about half of those have some sort of home damage caused by this. In almost every case, age is the most significant contributing factors. Having a salt tablet water softener will also reduce the longevity of a tank water heater.
Our point is this, do NOT wait for your water heater to stop working or worse start leaking before it is replaced. In the end, most tank water heaters are made of regular welded steel and store water inside them. Water causes regular steel to rust and therefore has a limited lifespan. Be proactive and save yourself the effort, hassle and potential home damage.
Costs vary depending on the number of water heaters you’re replacing, their size, and the brand. But we welcome you to call us for a free estimate. Many plumbing companies won’t provide a price over the phone because their goal is to get a salesman or plumbing technician into your home. That is where our team tries to differentiate ourselves.
At Earl’s Plumbing, we have no problem providing you with a price over the phone. We just ask if you are calling others to compare, that you make sure that you are comparing apples to apples and that you ask all of the right questions.
Our basic water heater installation includes us replacing virtually everything—not just the water heater. In many cases, when you get a lower price on a quote, you’re getting an inferior water heater and nothing besides the installation—that means extra fees for haul away and disposal, additional sales tax, and no new parts, which are crucial for efficiency and often required by code. In other words, unlike these commission companies, we’re not “tank yankers.”
Our price includes all of these services—including tax. On the rare occasion that we run into something out of the ordinary, we give you our commitment that we will never try to sell you something at an inflated price. None of our employees are on commission. Our plumbers and technicians do not have sales quotas and they are not incentivized to add to your final invoice.
There are our over 20+ brands of tank water heaters sold in America. On top of that, there are over 100+ various models. However, there are only 3 manufactures in the United States that make all of those brands. Those companies are Bradford & White, A.O. Smith and Rheem.
Why is this important?… because it can be easy to get lost surfing through the internet minutia in an attempt to do their due diligence. Some of the brands (& models) are only available regionally, while others are private label or exclusively licensed. In other words, only a small fraction of the 20+ brands and 100+ models are available to purchase within our geographical area.
The other important part is this… The primary component of the tank water heater is the steel tank itself and the construction and quality control standards that are employed when that part is fabricated. So regardless of the “brand” all of the “tanks” that are manufactured by any of the 3 manufactures are virtually the same. There are steps, processes and parts in the manufacturing process that distinguish the various models, and this is important.
There is an exception to this and that is on the Rheem’s models that are sold by the largest home improvement big box retailer… Those tanks are NOT constructed in a Rheem plant! The only thing “Rheem” about those water heater models is the printed name on the box which is a paid licensing agreement. We believe that this is the reason we see less comparable life expectancy and an unusually high leak and/or failure rates on retail store water heaters.
Ultimately, Earl’s Plumbing (Frisco / McKinney) wants to provide you with options, so we have aligned ourselves with two manufactures… Bradford & White and A.O Smith’s premium brand series of tank water heaters called “State Proline Master.”
Now on tankless water heaters… that is a whole different level of engineering and in our opinion, Navien stands heads & shoulders above all other tankless manufactures, and it is not even close.
Although we have opinions, it is not for us to decide because both water heating options have their pros and cons. There are also instances where tankless is not an option due to existing construction or maybe just less ideal and/or more costly. Our Navien 240A tankless water heater does save in utilities, has tax incentives and if maintained will last considerably longer than traditional tank water heaters.
The Navien 240A tankless water heater also comes with an internal recirculation pump that allows us to greatly reduce the extended wait times for hot water should they be extreme. BUT we can also do that with tank water heaters but as an upgrade at an additional cost. Tank water heaters require minimal to no maintenance whereas ALL tankless water heaters require maintenance every 500 hours of use (usually annually).
And for those of you with salt tablet water softener systems… Salt tablet softener systems have a positive impact on tankless water heaters lifespan versus a negative impact on the traditional storage tank water heaters. Ultimately and based on our experience within the area; for the homeowner that has a home built after 2000 with two tank water heaters in the attic over 3500 sq ft… that customer decides to switch to a Navien 240A tankless system about 85% of the time because of the numerous pros. In comparison, using the same home demographics but the water heaters being located in the garage instead of the attic, they only convert to tankless about 40% of the time.
The Flood Stop Leak Detector device is an automatic shut-off valve that is auto-actuated by the slightest sign of moisture that comes in contact with the sensor pad. One droplet of moisture will automatically shut off the water flow if there is an active leak present.
This limits the flow of the leak to a manageable rate, allowing the tank heaters to “gulp out” any remaining water inside until help arrives. It also allows the drain pan to collect the remaining water and drain it outside as designed.
A Flood Stop can save you thousands in repairs bills and insurance headaches and is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all attic water heater installations. Some homeowners insurance providers even apply discounts for leak detection devices.
If you are waiting several minutes or more to get hot water to your kitchen or a particular bathroom faucet, that’s not normal. But with a recirculation crossover system, you can get instant warm water to that distressing faucet and shower-ready hot water in 15 to 20 seconds.
Think about the amount of wasted water and personal time that you could get back over the course of a week, month, or year!
A recirculation crossover system will reduce hot water wait times for most fixtures in your home, and it’s very affordable. It is a service that we have perfected with our Navien tankless water heater installations, and we can get the same results with tank water heaters too. Let us give you a free estimate today.
Though technically not a water heater accessory, a whole house leak detection is an option to consider if you’re replacing a system. That’s because water heaters are the most common reason for catastrophic water damage.
Installing a whole house Wi-Fi-enabled leak monitoring device not only alerts you to a potential issue, but it will also shut your water off if something seems irregular.
Some homeowners insurance policies require these types of devices in order to renew your policy. They also provide significantly discounted rates if your home possesses a leak detection or damage mitigation device.
A natural gas water heater has a large metal exhaust pipe attached directly to the top center of the water heater. This exhaust protrudes straight up through the ceiling above.
A gas water heater also has a yellow or gray flexible hose leading from a black pipe to the bottom center of the water heater. Electric water heaters have neither of these characteristics and will instead have a piece of flexible conduit leading into the top of the heater.
In the Collin and Denton County areas of North Texas, we are a natural gas market. About 99% of water heaters here are gas-powered. That includes Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.
That means there are very few electric water heaters and even fewer propane water heaters here. Electric water heaters are a little more common in commercial or business environments or homes that:
-Were built in the 1980s or earlier
-Are under 2,300 sq ft
-Have just a single water heater in place
If you are one of the rare few homeowners that don’t have a natural gas water heater, please communicate this to your point of contact early in the process.
In the North Texas area, about 98% of the residential water heaters are 50 gallons. They are so common that it is fairly unusual for us to run into another size.
50-gallon water heaters dominate the area market so much that a 40-gallon water heater is actually 15 to 20 percent more expensive than a similarly featured 50-gallon heater, despite the additional materials.
Many factors determine the life of a storage tank-type water heater. The most important is the brand and model: its engineering, design standards, and quality control standards.
Next is the geographical area of your home: the overall water quality, water hardness, water pressure, and atmospheric and environmental conditions.
Other factors that could affect the overall lifespan of a water heater for both tank and tankless systems are whether you have a water conditioning & filter system or a water softener system. A water conditioning system that uses template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media can help extend the life of the water heater. However, the more common salt tablet water softener systems can damage some storage tank heaters over time.
Softening the water can be great for your hair, skin, water lines, plumbing fixtures, and shower glass. It also helps tankless water heaters from producing scale buildup. But salt tablet softener systems add trace amounts of sodium chloride to the water supply, which can have long-term negative effects on the inside of steel storage tanks. Copper and stainless steel storage tanks are not affected.
The average life expectancy for a standard 6-year storage tank water heater in North Texas is around 9 to 12 years. That could be more or less based on the manufacturer, brand, and model.
But if your tank water heater makes it to 9 years—especially if it is the unit from the initial construction process—then you have done well.
Tank water heaters purchased at or installed by the big box home improvement stores tend to last far less time before a major repair or a leak materializes. Even major brand name, 6-year tank heater models sold at the big box home center retailers only tend to last between 7 to 10 years.
The expected life of a tank water heater is shorter if you have a salt tablet water softener system. These systems have many benefits but they have a long-term negative impact on the longevity of a storage tank water heater.
Just because your heater is still producing hot water and it is not yet leaking does NOT mean it is functioning properly or efficiently. The manufacturer designed and assigned a warranty expectation of 6, 8, or 12 years for a reason.
At Earl’s Plumbing, we strongly recommend being very proactive when it comes to replacing tank water heaters. This is especially true if they are in that 9- to 12-year range or if they are located above a living area. We have seen many homes with catastrophic damage due to water heaters that have leaked or ruptured.
Every brand has a standard 6-year warranty model. Higher-priced model options can give another 2, 3, 4, or 6 years of warranty. The max warranty is 12 years. All tank-type heaters will leak eventually, and 12 years is the upper limit of any metal storage tank.
There are two primary reasons a manufacturer can extend its standard warranty coverage on a storage-tank water heater:
-Interior Tank Lining: Modern hot water tanks are made of steel but are coated with lining. This lining is typically made of glass, enameled porcelain, or another hardened proprietary material. This lining serves as a layer of protection from rust, corrosion, scale buildup, and other contaminants in the water. However, it will eventually start to erode, becoming part of the sediment buildup in the bottom of every tank water heater.
-Sacrificial Anode Rod: An anode rod is a long metal rod that is coated with a proprietary blend of base metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or another alloy combination. Every tank water heater has an anode rod inside, and sometimes more than one. Magnesium rods tend to be more expensive, but they are also more effective. The purpose of the anode rod is simple: self-sacrifice. This part is more reactive to the various corrosive elements and minerals in our North Texas water.
Essentially, the anode rod attracts and reacts with these benign but corrosive materials, which means it gets eaten away first—before the lining and steel tank.
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t waste your money on repairing a water heater that is 12 years old or older, regardless of what that repair may be. Repairing a water heater that is 9 years old (or older) should be very carefully considered.
Another consideration is cost. The most common repair (80%) for any brand or model of a storage-tank water heater is the gas control valve (GCV). The gas control valve (GCV) is the most expensive replacement part on a tank water heater. It is also the most difficult repair, and therefore from a labor standpoint, the most expensive.
Despite what you might have been told, there is no required or suggested annual maintenance required on a storage-tank water heater. Annual or regular flushing of a tank water heater has minimal to no benefit.
The “snap, crackle, pop” or “popcorn sound” that you hear coming from a tank water heater is sediment build-up bouncing off the metal bottom as the water is heated. Water heater sediment is very similar to pea-sized gravel, and for the most part, it is too heavy and large to be flushed out of the small drain opening. If you hear this popping sound, it is more of an annoyance than anything, but it is also a sign that replacement is in your near future.
Water heater expansion tanks are required by certain city plumbing codes and typically last on average 5 to 7 years. They should be replaced every 5 years or no longer than 7 years maximum to avoid unnecessary exposure to leaks and/or significant water damage.
Expansion tank ruptures and failures generally cause more home damage than leaks due to the absence of a drain pan safety measure. This can be prevented with simple maintenance.
Recirculation pumps and systems have a limited lifespan of about 5 to 7 years. The life expectancy of the recirculation pump is greatly influenced by the amount of use.
If it is running 24/7, it won’t last as long as one controlled by a timer, which is only operational during needed or waking hours.
The most common repair for a gas water heater is the gas control valve. Not only is it the most common repair, but it is also the most expensive repair outside of full replacement.
About 90% of gas water heater repairs are due to faulty gas valves. And of that, probably 98% of those calls are from the Honeywell gas control valve. Because we know what brands and models fail most often, we carry the 4 most common gas control valves on every truck to expedite your repair.
By far the most common gas valve issues we see happen to water heaters purchased at big box home improvement stores. The issue is that plumbers cannot get those gas control valves because they are not sold, stocked, or carried by any plumbing supply house. They can only be mailed under warranty or purchased outside of warranty through the manufacturer’s distributor. In these cases, you can normally expect about a 3-day turnaround time.
The answer truly depends on the issue, the age of the heater, and your budget. There are only a handful of things that can go wrong with a tank water heater. Leaks at the tank cannot be repaired—a water heater replacement is the only option in this situation. A leak at a part may also be tank-related and would need to be inspected.
Another reason that you might call us for a water heater repair is during the home sales process. Because of the relationships we’ve built with some of the larger realtors in the area, we see all kinds of inspection reports and buyers’ addendums related to water heater repairs. Home inspectors may see a problem they think needs fixing and alert a potential buyer of their opinion. They’re only right about 50% of the time, but we have solutions for all of those repairs on every truck.
It should be noted that Earl’s Plumbing will NOT perform work on or repair any water heater that is 12 years old or older. We do not want to take your money for what will likely be a short-lived or temporary solution. We do not do Band-Aid repairs!
If you don’t have to wait for hot water at any of your fixtures, then your house probably has a dedicated recirculation line or some other type of system design. What makes this system work is a small pump that pushes hot water through the lines under constant or timer-induced intermittent recirculation.
This pump will wear out over time, especially if it’s running without a timer and pushing water 24/7. Please note that there’s no water wasted in this type of system—actually quite the opposite, as you save thousands of gallons of water a year. Most of the better brand pumps (Grundfos and Taco) have a life expectancy of about 3 to 5 years, but we have seen them last far longer. In the end, the pump will go out or begin to be less effective and will need to be replaced.
When adding or replacing a recirculation pump, special consideration must be given to the size of the home. Houses over 5000 sqft. will likely need a slightly larger and stronger pump than the standard. Homes over 5500 sqft. will definitely need a larger pump and homes over 7000 sqft. have an even larger pump. Ultimately, a properly sized pump will prolong the life of the system and the water lines while working more effectively and efficiently.
The installation time can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, the size of the unit, and the availability of necessary utilities. However, a typical installation can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours.
Tankless water heaters are ideally placed in attics, which means you may need roofing work for proper venting and a complete installation. Earl’s Plumbing & Air is the only plumbing company in Lubbock that will include the cost of any necessary roofing work in our estimates and help coordinate a reputable roofer to complete the job in a timely manner.
A tankless water heater can provide a constant supply of hot water, save energy and money on utility bills, and take up less space than traditional water heaters. In some situations, tankless water heaters pay for themselves with their energy savings over time.
You may also qualify for tax incentives and rebates from the Federal Government and/or your gas utility company (Atmos or West Texas Gas) for switching to a tankless water heater.
Yes, regular maintenance is recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your tankless water heater.
This can include flushing the unit annually to remove mineral buildup and checking the unit’s components for wear and tear.
Not all plumbers have experience with tankless water heater installation, so it’s important to choose a professional who has the necessary knowledge and skills.
Look for a licensed and experienced plumber who specializes in tankless water heater installation.
Neglecting tankless water heater maintenance will shorten the lifespan of your investment. The extreme high heat in these units causes the naturally occurring minerals in your water supply to stick to the sides of water pipes, forming scale buildup.
This could lead to weakening and corrosion and ultimately having to replace the unit sooner than necessary. Earl’s Plumbing & Air is happy to send you automatic reminders when it’s time for maintenance. Some models may also alert you when service is due.
Yes, many tankless water heater parts are available under manufacturer’s warranty at no cost to you. Our team is happy to work with you to ensure that the parts we use are covered by your warranty.
Navien tankless water heaters have the longest warranty period for residential use, with 15 years for the heat exchanger and 5 years for other parts. Other brands vary and may be shorter for commercial uses.
There may be limitations to parts covered by this warranty, such as lapses in regular maintenance and freeze-related ruptures. We’ll always be upfront with you about these matters so that you’re never surprised by your costs.
Not all plumbers have experience with tankless water heater installation, so it’s important to choose a professional who has the necessary knowledge and skills.
Look for a licensed and experienced plumber who specializes in tankless water heater installation.
Professional water heater installation ensures that your unit is properly configured and adheres to all relevant safety standards.
Plus, if anything goes wrong during the installation, a professional can quickly identify and fix the problem.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, showing signs of rust or leaks, or not providing enough hot water, it may be time for a replacement.
We always recommend being proactive with replacing water heaters around this age, as they can cause major problems if pushed beyond their limits. This is especially true if the unit is placed in a second-story location.
The most common types of water heaters are traditional tank, tankless, and point-of-use, with options for natural gas and electricity as fuel sources.
The type of water heater that is right for you will depend on your hot water needs, budget, and other factors. A professional plumber can help you decide.
The installation process typically takes between 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity of the job.
At Earl’s, our team won’t cut any corners as we install your new water heater.
The cost of professional water heater installation can vary depending on the type of water heater, the complexity of the installation, and other factors.
It’s best to get a quote from a professional plumber before making a decision.
If you have any issues with your water heater after installation, contact our team right away.
We will be able to identify and fix the problem quickly with a satisfaction guarantee.
You should consider getting your water heater repaired if you notice any of the following signs:
lack of hot water, strange noises, leaks, rust-colored water, or a foul smell.
It’s not recommended to repair your water heater yourself, as it can be dangerous and could potentially cause further damage.
It’s best to leave the repairs to a professional technician.
Yes, regular maintenance can help prevent future water heater problems.
It’s recommended to have your water heater inspected and serviced at least once a year to ensure it’s running efficiently and to catch any potential problems early on.
Our team frequently helps Abilene homeowners choose the most energy-efficient water heater for their needs and budgets. We can explore high-efficiency tank models as well as tankless water heaters.
If you’re interested in improving efficiency, simply let us know during your in-home consultation and we’ll provide our top recommendations.
You can also maintain your new unit’s efficiency with regular annual maintenance and by having it properly installed by a professional team like the one at Earl’s!
Signs that your water heater may need repair include:
-Strange noises coming from the heater
-Inconsistent water temperatures
-Rusty or cloudy water coming from taps
-Not enough hot water supply
-Leaks or signs of water damage underneath the system
A professional plumber has the tools and techniques to diagnose the problem and recommend the best repair solution.
In certain cases, water heaters are absolutely worth fixing. In others, it would be more cost-effective and a better long-term solution to replace your water heater. For instance, if your water heater is leaking, the issue is likely tank-related, which can’t be solved with a repair.
But if your gas control valve is malfunctioning, we can quickly and easily replace it with a higher-quality version and life can go on as normal.
If your water heater is 9 to 12 years old, we highly recommend replacement instead of repair. Being proactive is key, as waiting until it fails completely can cause major household headaches. We don’t do quick-fix, temporary repairs because they’re never in your best interest—we’ll be completely upfront and honest about your options and their cost!
About 90% of the repairs we see for tank-style water heaters are faulty gas control valves.
We also stock various water heater parts to complete repairs, such as:
-Temperature & pressure relief valves (T&P)
-Pilot assemblies/thermal coupling
-Drain spouts
-Electric water heater elements and tune-up kits
-Gas and water flex lines
-Water heater pans
-Venting
Tankless water heaters use a component called a heat exchange to heat water instantly whenever you turn on your sink, shower, or tub. As cold water passes through the heat exchanger, either a gas burner or electric element heats it.
That means you’ll never run out of hot water, and you’ll save money because water isn’t being constantly held at a high temperature, like it is with traditional tank heaters.
More homeowners are switching to tankless water heaters because of their many benefits, including improved energy efficiency, utility savings, compact design, longevity, and the ability to provide a continuous supply of hot water.
They also generally require less maintenance than their traditional, tank-based counterparts.
In recent years, state, federal, and local tax credits and rebates have been available to homeowners who make energy-efficient updates to their homes, including switching to tankless water heaters.
To research your eligibility, you can browse the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your utility providers. We can point you in the right direction of incentives we know of, but it’s best to check these resources for confirmation.
Tankless water heaters are known to require fewer repairs than traditional tank-based systems, but they do still need annual maintenance to operate at their best.
We will flush the system to remove mineral buildup, check for any leaks, and inspect the system for any further signs of wear, tear, and damage. A regular maintenance schedule will help you extend the life of your system.
Most water heaters come with manufacturer warranties, which typically range from 6 to 12 years.
Our professional installation also includes a labor warranty to ensure your peace of mind. We will provide you with all warranty information during the installation process.
While some homeowners may attempt to install a water heater themselves, professional installation is recommended to ensure safety, proper function, and adherence to local building codes.
Hiring a professional plumber also helps protect your investment by ensuring the manufacturer’s warranty remains valid. There are more pitfalls in the process than even some handymen and other local plumbers realize, so it’s best to trust the team who can get every detail right!
Our team can help you choose an energy-efficient water heater, such as a high-efficiency tank model or a tankless water heater.
Additionally, regular maintenance and proper installation will contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your new water heater.
Yes, our skilled technicians at Earl’s Plumbing are experienced in repairing various types of water heaters, including tank water heaters, tankless water heaters, and heat pump water heaters.
We can address issues related to different fuel sources as well, such as electric, natural gas, propane, and oil.
Signs that your water heater may need repair include inconsistent water temperatures, strange noises, leaks, rusty or cloudy water, and decreased hot water output.
A professional plumber can help diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate repair solution.
If your water heater is still under warranty, we recommend contacting the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the unit to discuss your repair options.
In some cases, the warranty may cover the cost of parts, labor, or both.
The decision to repair or replace a water heater depends on factors such as the age of the unit, the extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs compared to the cost of a new unit.
A professional plumber can help you weigh the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing your water heater. At Earl’s Plumbing, we’ll never pressure you into a replacement if a repair makes the most economical sense.
Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod, and checking the pressure relief valve, can help prolong the life of your water heater and prevent issues from arising.
Our team can provide you with maintenance tips and offer routine maintenance services to keep your water heater in optimal condition.
Yes, our technicians at Earl’s Plumbing are licensed and insured to perform water heater repair services in Texas.
We are committed to providing the highest level of professionalism and adhering to all relevant safety standards and regulations.
Tankless water heaters offer several benefits, including energy efficiency, lower utility bills, space savings, longer lifespan, and a continuous supply of hot water.
They also tend to require less maintenance compared to traditional tank-based systems.
There may be federal, state, or local rebates and incentives available for installing energy-efficient tankless water heaters in Texas.
We recommend researching available programs, such as through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) or contacting your utility provider for information on potential savings.
To ensure optimal performance and a longer lifespan, it is recommended to schedule professional maintenance for your tankless water heater at least once a year.
This typically includes flushing the system to remove any mineral buildup, checking for leaks, and inspecting the unit for any signs of wear or damage.
A well-maintained tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more, which is generally longer than traditional tank-based systems.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly contribute to the longevity of your unit.
Yes, all brands and models of tankless water heaters require “regular” maintenance or service. This “service” should always include a “proper” cleaning of the interior water lines and mechanical parts to remove the mineral build up that forms during the heating process. This buildup is known as scale and forms on the interior of the parts that allow the transfer of water through the heat exchanger. This scale must be dissolved and removed regularly. Lack of maintenance will make the tankless water heater lose efficiency, and not performing the maintenance for long periods of time will permanently damage the heater causing it to leak. In addition, lack of verifiable maintenance where neglect of maintenance is identified as one of the causes of the failure, will void your warranty.
Most manufacturers use 500 hours as the standard time interval for required service / maintenance. This typically means “annually” for a family of four. However, in hard water areas OR in larger families of 6+, the frequency of service should be increased to every 6 or 9 months. In commercial applications where there is heavy use (i.e., washing dishes), then tankless service / maintenance should be a minimum of every 6 months.
The exception to this rule is if you have a whole house water softener OR water conditioning / filter system. In this case the intervals for service can be increased by 6 months.
Most manufactures use the standard of every 500 hours. Basic math for a family of four extrapolated out over 365 days is somewhere around 600 hours give or take. Therefore at least “annually” or even more frequently in larger families or heavy use. The exception would be that if your home has a house water softener OR water conditioning / filter system. Intervals for service could then be increased by 6 additional months.
What happens during the service / maintenance process differs by manufacturer and models. All tankless heaters must be “properly” descaled, but some may have a variety of other requirements to include the service of air filters, water or sediment filters, flame or ignitor rods, condensate neutralizers, etc.
Lack of regular service / maintenance – or worse, never done before – is far and away the leading cause of error codes, leaks, and heat exchanger failures. Failure to perform regular and verifiable service / maintenance will cause irreversible damage that will NOT be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty (usually 12 year or 15 years depending on manufacturer) .
Yes, vinegar can be used, but it is not recommended or preferred because of the amount that would be required to properly descale the heater. Vinegar once exposed to the various minerals dilutes and loses its strength to function rapidly. Therefore, vinegar must be discarded, then reintroduced full strength and the process restarted multiple times over a 60+ minute period of time.
Navien (the #1 bestselling manufacturer in North America), has instructed all their certified specialists NOT to use vinegar due to its ineffectiveness. At Earl’s Plumbing we use a product that does not dilute, and this allows us to complete a basic and proper descale (flushing) in only 20-25 minutes. Although this product is more expensive than vinegar, it is far more convenient and thorough, and with less time it allows us to reduce our price to the customer.
This is very brand and model dependent. For the most part, if there are any problems or error codes within the first 1 to 1.5 years, it is usually (90%) installation related. Meaning it was likely not installed properly. The next most common issue is from a lack of the required annual maintenance. Any tankless water heater must be descaled and serviced every 500 hours of use. This usually equates to annually in a family of four. After that it is just normal wear and tear on some of the small moving parts like flow indicators, check valves, flame rods, etc. Frequency of maintenance (or lack thereof) also has a bearing on “wear and tear” of parts.
There are a couple of exceptions to the above observations. Because of new home growth, the most abundant tankless water heater in North Texas is the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN. It is the most abundant because it is the least expensive, and new home builders love cheap stuff. It is the least expensive model out there because…well, let us just say that in comparison to just about any other brand or model available in the area, it is pretty much “the bottom of the barrel.” Cheapest parts, minimal quality controls, poor engineering, etc. This tankless brand and model have almost single handily given the entire tankless industry far too much unfair and unwarranted criticism.
It should be noted that freezing is NOT a common issue for the vast majority of tankless heaters that are installed correctly. That is IF you have the ability to follow basic directions, you can prevent all of your water lines from freezing in the handful of North Texas nights each year that the temps get into the teens.
Navien is a tankless water heater manufacture based in Korea, and they sell more tankless water heaters than anyone else in North America. So, it is Earl’s Plumbing’s opinion that Navien makes the best tankless water heaters on the market, and there is not a close second. This is based on multiple factors of consideration…
First, despite our relatively small size for DFW area we install A LOT of tankless water heaters. We are told by the various suppliers that Earl’s Plumbing is one of the top purchasers of Navien tankless water heaters in the DFW market. So that means that we have a lot of experience in this segment of plumbing. Secondly, our opinion is based on the frequency of repairs, failures, and problems that we see from other brands of tankless heaters in the DFW and North Texas area. Thirdly, when you factor in the superior engineering and ease of installation, programming, and the rare diagnostic work…there simply is not a stronger contender for our #1 choice.
So in summary, despite other manufacturers with overall bigger brand names such as Rheem, Rinnai, or Noritz, and/or the recent newcomers like Vesta or new options from State / AO Smith or Bradford & White, Navien is still far and away superior across all metrics that we consider and they back that with the longest warranty in the industry (15 years). To do more research on your own, check out their website: https://www.navieninc.com/series/npe-a2
The biggest difference that we see from the plumber’s perspective is the engineering and overall simplifications. These tankless heaters are practically jet engines, and when installed properly and regularly maintained, will last 20+ years. Navien backs their products with the longest warranty within the industry… 15 years on the heat exchanger and 5 years on all other parts. This is as long as the installation is done correctly, and that the tankless unit’s regularly scheduled maintenance is completed and can be verified.
As of this writing (2024), Navien is the only tankless water heater that uses stainless steel for its main components and heat exchanger versus copper. Copper is suitable, but stainless steel is far superior in strength and corrosion resistance. Especially when considering the combustion temperatures and the molecular changes that take place in that process.
There are two types of natural gas tankless water heaters. Units that produce condensation (moisture that forms during the heating & combustion process) and the more common units that do not.
Condensating heaters are typically slightly larger in size allowing for a few more conveniences and performance features to be added. They heat more efficiently which allows them to produce a higher volume of hot water volume (gallons per minute or GPM’s) while using the same or less utilities (gas) versus its counterpart. The condensation that is produced must be properly discharged and disposed of. This adds an obstacle that must be considered in the initial planning and installation stages. Condensating heaters such as the Navien NPE 240 are typically preferred when converting from two tanks to tankless.
Non-condensating tankless water heaters are typically smaller in size, overall, less efficient with utilities (gas), and will produce significantly less hot water volume (20-25% less GPM’s) while using the same amount of gas utilities. This tankless heater version is far more common in new home construction builds due to its lower cost but can often be way undersized for a normal family’s needs unless there is more than one unit. For comparison’s sake, in ideal conditions (rare) with BOTH heater types operating at peak capacity (199,000 BTU’s); a non-condensating heater can produce a maximum of approximately 9 GPM’s where as a condensating heater will produce up to 11 GPM’s.
For this answer, we can only provide a high-level overview because there are just far too many “scope of job” variables from one install to the next. From the Earl’s Plumbing and North Texas perspective, a tankless water heater installation from us may range from as little as $2800 to more than $6500 (for one) and in excess of $10,000 for two tankless installs. We have even installed THREE tankless water heaters in really large homes. There are multiple considerations that play into the various pricing variables. Some of those include:
· Retrofit job that is going from TWO tanks to ONE tankless
· Replacement SWAP of existing tankless to a new tankless
· Specific model number that is best for space and/or location requirements – not all models are seamlessly interchangeable
· Relocation and/or replacement of a tankless unit that is located outside (in the brick cabinet) to the inside of the garage
· Home specifics such as number of bathrooms, age of build, and total square footage
· Location of the install…whether it will it be in the attic, garage, second floor closet, or other area
· Type of roofing on the home (shingles vs other types of roofing (slate, tile, etc.) – venting must be “properly” installed
· Customer specified options such as Flood Stop device, Peak Flow conditioning system, external recirculation, etc.
At Earl’s Plumbing we install more tankless water heaters than any other residential service plumber in the North Texas area. Because of this experience, we are the experts in the area and are often referred to by other plumbers. Because of our volume, we receive special pricing and materials that are passed along in the way of savings to you. Plus, none of our plumbers are subcontractors or on sales commission, so there is no unnecessary cost built into the estimate. Lastly, unlike some of the competitors in the area, Earl’s Plumbing does not fabricate unnecessary requirements such as the need to “increase your gas line size” in an attempt to falsely add thousands in cost to your project.
There is a cost associated with converting your two tank water heaters to tankless. However, when you try to get as close to an apples-to-apples comparison as possible, converting to tankless is actually less. Especially if your existing water heaters are in the attic! Here is how that breaks down:
First, the Navien tankless heaters have an industry best 15 year manufacturer’s warranty. The closest that we can get to that with two new traditional tank water heaters is 12 years. Then factor in that the Navien 240A has a built-in recirculation pump. When properly installed and programmed by our experienced plumbers, this allows extended wait times for hot water to be reduced from minutes to seconds. This same feature can be added to tank water heaters; however, it adds an additional $600+ in cost. Then factor in the additional cost that is required to install tank water heaters in the attic (attic labor), then you are getting really close!
Next is the $600 in Federal Income Tax Energy credits. Then there is the possibility of another $250 rebate from your utility provider (currently only Atmos). Now consider the gas utilities savings with the tankless conversion which is typically $450+ per year, every year, but for this exercise we are just using first year savings only. Then there is the unknown dollar amount of water waste savings by reducing hot water wait times. ALL totaled this is somewhere between $1150 and $1500 first year out of pocket savings. Comparing all of this to the installation of TWO 12 year tank water heaters in the attic with recirculation option, and the first year savings is somewhere between $900 to $1300 LESS. First year savings on a garage installation is not as much, but it still makes financial sense when you consider the full life expectancy savings of the tankless water heater.
Yes and no. This can only be achieved with certain models that have a built-in recirculation pump along with the ability to program the system to properly cycle off and on. More specifically, the Navien NPE 240Av2 and the Navien NHW-A both have this feature installed. There is a device that we install on the furthest faucet, and that typically helps all of the other fixtures in the house.
So, if you have an extended hot water wait times of 2, 3 and even 4 minutes, this option can be employed to produce instant warm water across all fixtures and significantly reduced wait times of just 3 to 30 seconds based on proximity of fixture, distance of water travel, and time of year. Each homes results differ slightly, and we can provide better expectations upon reviewing your individual situation. Ultimately though we get a lot of compliments on this cool feature.
When converting FROM tank heaters TO tankless, installing a tankless water heater in the attic is actually the preferred location and the least expensive install location when comparing to most other locations such as the garage.
Ultimately, attic installations are easier because everything is in plain sight. No guesses, no drywall removal, or heavy demolition to be able to access the various existing and reusable components (gas lines, drain lines, etc.). An electrical outlet is easier to locate and extend in the attic, and there is minimal guess work on how we will install the exhaust venting.
Another often unrealized benefit of tankless in the attic is that your exposure to catastrophic failure of ruptured tank heaters is significantly reduced. Especially when you add an emergency shutoff device (i.e., Flood Stop) to the new install. In the case of an unexpected failure, a tankless water heater holds less than 3 gallons of “cold” water versus tanks holding 100 gallons of “hot” water above your living areas.
The short answer is NO… at least not by plumbing code in Texas. However, in certain situations an expansion tank may be needed, but not necessarily to help control the thermal expansion process that is created in a closed loop system with traditional tank water heaters. If installed it is typically at the manufacturer’s request or discretion.
An example of this would be in Frisco or McKinney, Texas, where in some areas the water pressure at the street might exceed 120 PSI. This high water pressure is reduced by a device called the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV). This is required by city code, and by design, when adjusted properly, it reduces the pressure to 80 PSI or LESS. This is the maximum pressure you want inside your home to avoid problems. Even 80 PSI is relatively high and sometimes a small expansion tank might be added to help protect the tankless water heater’s more sensitive parts at these elevated water pressures.
This is the case with the Navien 240A units. A very small specially designed mini expansion tank is often added as an extra protective measure for the tankless unit itself. Although it is not required by code, the manufacturer strongly encourages the addition of the device during its certification training.
This question comes up a lot when we are quoting jobs that other plumbing companies have already quoted. Prospective customers are often told that their gas pipe sizing is undersized and that it will need to be increased. This of course adds “thousands” to the quoted price for a supposed “requirement.” Well, that is simply not true in the vast majority of cases. In fact, it is VERY rare that the gas pipe sizing needs any work other than what is basic and included in the normal price.
We know this for a fact, because despite our small size, we retrofit install more Navien tankless water heaters than any other residential service plumbing company in the area. We know based off purchase records from the area suppliers. So, if Navien is the #1 bestselling tankless water heater brand in North America and we purchase more than any other plumbing company, then we obviously have a lot of tankless units throughout the area. In the last few years, we have installed over 400 Navien tankless water heaters and probably quoted over 500. In all, there has been less than 10 times that the gas pipe sizing needed to be increased. In fact, it is far more common that the gas meter size needs to be increased, and the utility provider does that for free.
If you need more proof that the company that pays their employees on 100% sales commission might be trying to pull a fast one to drive your overall ticket up; go to the Navien website and read for yourself. It clearly states on the “Navien NPE-240A2 Features & Benefits” (one scroll down on the bottom right); “1/2” gas pipe capability up to 24 feet. Cuts installation time. No need to install new gas lines for retrofit installations.”
Yes or usually. All tankless water heaters regardless of brand will have some sort of special requirements for the exhaust venting and intake air. The two biggest issues that we run into on repairs or service calls is that the intake air and exhaust are too close together causing error codes; or the exhaust was just never done correctly when the tankless water heater was installed and now damage to the unit has occurred.
What we see far too often is an unknowledgeable installer will improperly tie the new tankless exhaust venting into the existing metal b-vent pipe that was used for the regular tank type water heater(s). This is NOT allowed and will void the warranty. It could also cause permanent damage to the tankless water heater. A correct install that has been permitted and inspected will have the venting completed all the way through the roof or side wall based on model and/or location.
With an Earl’s Plumbing tankless water heater installation, we employ a certified third party roofer that comes to your home within 3 weeks of completion and fully completes the exhaust work. This includes removing the old metal b-vent that is temporarily being used as a pass through to allow the unit to operate, new weatherproof pipe boot flashing, final required fittings installed, and all spray paint to match. This used to be optional, but we determined that it never got done so now it is included in our price so as to not void any warranty related issues.
All tankless water heaters require maintenance at least every 500 hours of use. That is virtually impossible for you or us to track but the manufacturer has a way of determining the hours used and maintenance in their coding and diagnostic settings. This is how they can void the warranty if the required maintenance is not being performed. So, the rule of thumb in almost all residential applications is annually.
Math can be done as well. 15 minute showers…multiplied by the number of people in the home…factor in dish and clothes washing…factor in washing hands and cooking, etc.…multiply that by 365 days a year…that is easily 600 hours. However, the typical rule of thumb is that 500 use hours typically equals annually for a family of four. Larger families would need to be at least annually or sooner. As long as you keep your maintenance invoices showing that you made a good faith effort even if you were not exactly annually, then you should be good.
Two other points…1) Ignoring or refusing to get the tankless maintenance done and done “properly” WILL 100% cause permanent damage and repair issues to your tankless unit regardless of brand. 2) Having a water softener OR conditioner / filter system in the home significantly helps and the intervals between maintenance can be increased to a certain degree. 3) Vinegar is NOT a suitable cleaning agent for descaling your tankless heater. It has been determined that the acidic properties of vinegar dilute too fast when exposed to the scale build up. To be effective the vinegar would have to continually be replaced multiple times over the course of 45+ minutes or until no white residue is present. There are specialty products made to perform this function, and although more expensive, they are far more thorough in far less time.
During the big freeze of February 2021, in almost every instance that a tankless water heater froze and ruptured was due to 1) the homeowner not being home to execute some basic protective steps; 2) home but did not know or did not follow basic freeze prevention instructions; OR 3) they took bad instructions and advice from somebody who did not know what they were talking about, including government officials and their press staff, journalists and news anchors, the neighborhood DIY guru, or worse, the area handyman.
The Rheem RTGH 95DVLN is what most of the builders use. Because of the price it is far and away the most common tankless water heater in North Texas, but because of its price, this unit has its own set of obstacles. First is sheer abundance. Next is inferior design and engineering. Then factor in the location that homebuilders install them (outside in the brick). Well, that particular model did not fare well during extreme weather. However, the people who took steps and followed common sense advice, their Rheem heaters mounted in the same locations, faired just fine.
In summary, NO. Tankless water heaters are NOT prone to freezing! Some of the locations where they are installed exposes them to more extreme conditions and this is not helpful. However, proactive steps can be taken to prevent damage even when the model is inferior and/or in a poor location. Simple rule is that the enemy of frozen pipes and freeze damage is rapidly running water. In other words, if ALL of your fixtures are frequently turned on – toilets flushed, faucets run, etc. – during the coldest hours, then your pipes and your tankless water heater will be just fine. This might require a little sleep deprivation and a higher water bill, but do you prefer a $200 water bill or a $40,000 flood repair claim? For more information on freeze prevention steps, call us today.
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Earl’s Knows Texas
Our mission is not only to be Texas’ best plumbers and HVAC techs but also to be a positive presence in our communities. From humble beginnings to 4 locations, we are proud to call Texas our home.