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4 Questions About Replacing A Hot Water Heater

Is your home's hot water heater on its last legs? If so, you likely have the following questions about replacing this old appliance with a new one.

Can The Tank Be Repaired?

There are some problems with a hot water tank that can be repaired, and some that cannot. If you have a problem where the tank is rusting through the sidewall of the tank, it is impossible to fix the rust and strengthen the tank. Replacing the anode rod can prevent more rust from forming, but there is always a risk of the tank breaking and causing water to empty out in your home.

Does The Tank Need The Same Fuel Source?

Did you move into the home and have an electric hot water heater, and have since had gas service run to your home for other appliances? Now may be the time to switch the tank from being electrical power to gas power. You do not need to replace the tank with the same kind you one had, since now is the perfect opportunity to change things up. The installation will be more expensive to run a gas line to the water heater, but it will be worth it for the cost savings. 

Can You Get A Bigger Tank?

If your family has grown and you constantly find your home running out of hot water in the mornings after everyone showers, you can definitely use this opportunity to get a bigger hot water tank. By having more gallons of water in reserve, you'll run into fewer problems with the last person to get into the shower having cold water. 

You can also use this opportunity to switch to a different kind of water heater, such as a tankless water heater that heats the water on demand. Not only are these models more energy-efficient, but they can save you a lot of money over time.

Can You Move The Tank To A New Location?

Your current hot water tank may be in an area of your basement that is a bit inconvenient, but that may be due to the direct venting of the tank that flows to the chimney. If you want to move the tank to a new location, know that it is possible to do this. However, it will likely require changing the ventilation method of the tank. You'll need a power vent model that uses an electric fan to push the fumes out of your home through a PVC pipe since it won't be close to your chimney anymore for the fumes to naturally flow into it.

To get help with a water heater, contact a plumbing contractor in your area.


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