Understanding Different Types of Water Heaters

From showers and baths to dishes and laundry, hot water is a huge part of our daily lives. Do you know what kind of water heater is in your home? Maybe you didn’t even know there are multiple styles. If not, don’t worry – Robillard has you covered. We put together this guide to understanding different types of water heaters commonly used in our region. Read on to learn more.

Conventional Storage Water Heaters

This is the most common type of water heater. As the name implies, it heats and stores hot water inside an insulated tank, ready to be used throughout the home whenever you need it. Many homes use natural gas to fuel this style, though they can also be powered by electricity (which we look at next).

Pros and Cons

Conventional water heaters tend to be the most affordable, both in outright price and installation time/cost. They work around the clock to always have hot water available when you need it, though the actual amount at any given time will depend upon the size of the tank itself (typically anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons).

However, this means you are paying to heat water all the time, whether you’re using it or not. Conventional water heaters also require regular maintenance, such as routine valve testing and flushing the unit twice annually to prevent mineral/sediment build-up.

Electric Storage Water Heaters

This style operates in virtually the same way as standard or conventional storage water heaters, with the key distinction that they use electricity rather than gas.

Pros and Cons

Electric water heaters have low upfront costs and offer more energy efficiency compared to gas models, which experience energy loss during the venting process. Electricity is also more widely available, as not every house is connected to a natural gas line, which is a costly upgrade to make should you choose to do it.

There are a few things to consider when it comes to electric water heaters. For one, they have a relatively slow heating time compared to the rapid gas combustion heating process. Relying on electric power, your water heater will also be susceptible to power outages. Additionally, electricity tends to cost more than natural gas, which is one of the cheapest energy sources.

Tankless Water Heaters (AKA “On-Demand”)

As you probably guessed, tankless water heaters have no tank for storing hot water. Instead, they feature coils that rapidly heat water on demand.

Pros and Cons

Only heating water as it’s needed, tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient than conventional ones.  However, upfront costs tend to be higher. They come in a wide range of sizes, and you’ll want to consult a plumbing professional to ensure you get the right size for your household demands – you don’t want to be left with lukewarm or cold water because your system can’t keep up!

As there’s no “one size (and style) fits all” answer, understanding different types of water heaters is important for every homeowner. Be mindful of your budget and remember to consider the size of your household and hot water demands, primary energy source, and regional climate. Consult a professional to ensure you make the best choice possible. Robillard provides water heater installation and maintenance. We’re your local experts for all things plumbing. Contact us today to learn more.

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Preventing Common Winter Plumbing Issues

The season of snow, short days, and brutally cold temps is upon us. Winter tends to be extra stressful on your home’s plumbing, especially when they’re as extreme as what we experience in Minnesota. Want to stay ahead this year? Here are some tips to help prevent common winter plumbing issues in your household.

Problem: Clogged Drains from Grease and Food

Food and other blockages accumulate in pipes more easily during colder weather. With all the extra food and clean-up of the holidays, it’s important to take some precautions to keep your pipes running smoothly.

What You Can Do

While you should be careful year-round, be especially cautious when discarding food scraps in the sink. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, be sure you throw away as many food particles as possible and use a drain screen to catch any that may have been missed.

Grease and oil should never get into your pipes. These substances stick to pipes instead of draining properly, where they solidify and can cause big blockages. Instead, let grease or oil cool in a container and then throw it away in the trash. If you experience drain issues, beware that store-bought chemical treatments can damage your pipes. Contact a drain cleaning expert.

Problem: Frozen Pipes

This is probably the most common winter plumbing issue, due to below freezing temperatures and high water pressure from the main line. A change in water flow can indicate a frozen pipe, which can burst as it thaws and cause expensive damage.

What You Can Do

If you’re trying to save money by lowering the thermostat, remember that the lower it’s set, the higher the risk of frozen pipes in your exterior walls. It’s recommended to set it no lower than 55 degrees, or even closer to 60 if outside temps are at severe lows, especially if you’re leaving home for multiple days.

During extreme cold, open cabinets and closets to let the warm air reach hidden pipes. You can also leave your faucet open just enough for a light trickle through the coldest nights. In the case of a burst pipe, locate and shut off the main water valve and contact a plumbing professional immediately.

Problem: Water Heater Failure

Colder weather means colder water is delivered to your water heater, forcing it to work extra hard to keep up. Nobody wants to be left with cold water in the winter, so help prevent an issue with these tips.

What You Can Do

Insulate the room your water heater is in. You can also insulate the unit itself, but it’s recommended to work with an experienced plumber to avoid causing a fire hazard. It may be tough, but try to use less hot water whenever possible – the system will appreciate the break!

Frigid temps and piles of snow come with the territory here in Minnesota. Use these tips to prevent common winter plumbing issues and the stress they cause and help keep your home comfortable and running smoothly all season long.

For all of your plumbing needs, rely on the master plumbers at Robillard. Contact us to learn more.

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