It’s one thing for your water heater to stop working one day (unless you like washing your dishes with cold water). But it’s another thing entirely for your water heater to leak or even burst.
Unfortunately, with water heaters, a leak isn’t something you can just patch up—it means the end of your water heater. Likewise, a water heater burst is just as dangerous as it sounds. Before that can happen, we’ll tell you what to look out for.
Water heaters, particularly traditional tank water heaters, are a staple of most homes in the area, and are absolutely vital to keeping your home running. Hot water is essential to cooking and cleaning, especially in the winter when the weather is cold and you need the water heater to do its job. Tank water heaters are usually very quiet, and they typically are placed in quiet out-of-the-way spots in your home, such as the basement. That’s one of the reasons why the tank model of water heating is so popular.
Unfortunately, that can be a double-edged sword in many cases. Because the system is so quiet and occupies spots that rarely see much activity in your home, problems with our water heater have a way of sneaking up on you. By the time you notice that something’s wrong, the damage could be extensive, and in many cases, it might mean replacing the whole water tank instead of just repairing it. If you want to prevent that and keep your water heater safe, you need to know if it’s in need of repairs as soon as humanly possible.
Hot water is an absolute necessity of life, and for that, you need a good quality hot water heater. That’s especially true in the winter when the weather gets cold and hot water is needed more than ever.
Most of us are accustomed to traditional tank water heaters, which use the tall cylinders filled with water for the plumbing of our homes. But they’re not the only kind of water heater out there, and depending on your needs, an alternative may be a better idea. Tankless water heaters cost more to install, but can make a big difference in a number of ways for homes that are suited to it.
Water heaters rank among the most important components to your home: providing safe, reliable hot water for cooking, cleaning and bathing. Most of us are accustomed to the traditional tank model of water heater, with its tall cylindrical tank tucked away in the basement or garage. But it’s not the only type of water heater out there, and depending on your present circumstances, you might want to look into alternative models if you’re in the market for a new one.
More specifically, look for hybrid water heaters, also known as heat pump water heaters. They could provide benefits uniquely suited to your home.
Summer officially ends in just a few days, and with the cool weather of fall comes the need to prepare your home for winter. This should include a close look at your water heater, including performing some easy maintenance to help it perform at its best.
Sediment can build up on the bottom of the water heater if you aren’t careful, which in turn can make it more difficult (and expensive) to heat your water. Not only can that raise your monthly bills, but it can lead to bigger problems like frozen pipes in the winter. Flushing the water heater is a simple and easy way to help prevent that from occurring.
Your water heater probably sits in the basement, garage, laundry room or other corner of your Concord, MA home: quietly doing its job without much fuss or trouble. It’s easy to ignore in light of more pressing household problems, or the daily juggling act of jobs, commutes and family time. But when trouble arises with your water heater, it tends to leave signs, which you can spot if you know what to look for. This is important because the sooner you address a growing issue with your water heater, the less arduous and expensive the repairs are likely to be. In fact, most water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and age can be a critical factor in determining if replacement is necessary. Ignoring warning signs like leaks, rust, or sediment buildup can lead to major problems, costly repairs, or unexpected breakdowns. These signs may indicate it’s time to replace your water heater to ensure reliable hot water and avoid further issues. Here are 3 signs of trouble with your water heater that you should watch for.
When it comes to ensuring a consistent supply of hot water in your home, having the right water heater is essential. Water heater installation plays a key role in maintaining home energy efficiency and comfort, especially as modern water heaters are designed to deliver reliable hot water while using less energy. Homeowners today can choose from a range of options, including traditional tank models, tankless water heaters that save space and provide hot water on demand, solar water heaters that can significantly reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, and electric water heaters, which are known for their ease of installation, safety, and compatibility with many home electrical systems.
Selecting the best water heater for your household depends on several factors, such as the size of your family, your hot water needs, and your goals for energy efficiency. Energy efficient water heaters and energy efficient models are engineered to heat water quickly and effectively, leading to significant savings on energy costs over time. By upgrading to a newer, more efficient unit, you can benefit from advanced technology, improved safety features, and reduced long-term costs.
The cost of water heater installation can vary based on several cost factors, including the type and size of the unit, installation complexity, and any necessary upgrades. In 2024, the cost of installing or upgrading a water heater in Boston typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, with the average cost of water heater installation in Boston around $2,850. Many homeowners start by comparing the initial cost of water heaters, but long-term energy expenses can add up. Traditional water heaters often have a lower purchase and installation price, making them attractive for tighter budgets, but the cumulative energy costs over time can result in higher expenditures compared to modern, energy-efficient options.
When considering a Boston water heater replacement or installation, local expertise is essential. Boston residents may qualify for various rebates and incentives when installing energy-efficient water heaters. The Mass Save program offers valuable rebates and incentives that can help reduce the costs of upgrading water heaters in Boston. When replacing a water heater in Boston, key factors include type/size, energy source, efficiency ratings, local codes, upfront/operating costs, warranty, maintenance, and hiring a qualified installer. Boston’s building codes have specific requirements for the installation of water heaters, including ventilation, plumbing, and electrical configurations. Hiring a licensed plumber or technician specialized in water heater installations in Boston ensures that the installation is done correctly and up to code. Massachusetts law requires a licensed plumber to pull a permit for any water heater replacement, and Massachusetts offers aggressive incentives for high-efficiency upgrades, including rebates for heat pump water heaters that can reach $750 or more. In Boston, local codes often require permits for water heater installation, which qualified installers should handle. Professional installation ensures compliance with local codes and safety standards, helps avoid potential hazards and costly mistakes, and is crucial for ensuring safety and passing inspections during water heater installation.
Proper water heater installation is also crucial to ensure compliance with local codes and to maximize the performance and lifespan of your system. While some HVAC or air conditioning professionals may offer general services, water heater installation requires specialized expertise. Whether you’re considering a new water heater installation or looking to replace your current unit, understanding the different types of water heaters and their benefits will help you make an informed decision. With the right choice, you can enjoy reliable hot water flowing throughout your home, improved home energy efficiency, and peace of mind knowing your heating system is both effective and efficient.
Water heaters tend to do their jobs without much fuss, and when they’re tucked away in the basement or garage of your Concord, MA home, you can easily forget about them. That can actually cause big problems, because many of the breakdowns suffered by water heaters could have been prevented with timely servicing and care. We recommend scheduling a maintenance session for your water heater at least once a year. In addition, you can help your own cause out by flushing your water heater every 2-3 months. This prevents sediment from building up on the bottom of the tank: a major cause of stress and trouble if it gets out of hand. Flushing your water heater is very easy and takes just a short amount of time. Simply follow these steps:
Your water heater is intended to do its job without a fuss, which can lead many homeowners to take it for granted. This can be a big mistake. When troubles arise with your water heater, they tend to do so suddenly and without warning. Your best defense against it is to schedule regular maintenance once or twice a year from a qualified plumber in the Boston, MA area. Even if you do, however, signs of trouble from your water heater can still crop up. When they do, you need to summon a repair service immediately. Here are three of the most common ones to look out for.
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