"He was able to quickly diagnose that the water leak from the water heater was a result of a ruptured tank, resulting in the need to replace the entire water heater."
"For the price that we paid, I feel that we received a good value. The work was done well and in a somewhat timely manner. There was a delay when the painter had to leave town due to illness in the family. This was unavoidable and Roger communicated with us throughout. Roger's employees are true artist. They came up with affordable solutions for some issues that we had. There are a few places that the paint work was a little sloppy, but considering that we paid about 20% less than the next lowest estimate, we can't complain. The reason that we won't use this company again? The valve that supplies water to our dishwasher broke off during a day early on in the remodel. This was no fault of the crew, just an old valve. The problem is that no one told us this had happened. We turned our dishwasher on and left and when we came back, everything inside, including the end of one of the washer "blades" had melted. I called Roger and we agreed that we would pay to fix the valve and he would pay to replace the damaged dishwasher "blade". He advised me that he had ordered the part, which I had researched and knew to cost around $90. Three weeks later, he said that the part still had not come in. I advised him that I would like to withhold the $125 balance for the completed job until the part was installed. He agreed that was fair. It is 2 months later and we never heard back from Roger about the replacement part. Not only has he not called us, but he has ignored the 2 times that I attempted to contact him to ask about the part. This is extremely unprofessional. If not for that one thing, I would definitely hire him in the future. It's a shame that he ended our contact this way. "
No, you’ll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don’t always need to drain it completely. If you’re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you’re replacing the lower element, you’ll need to drain the whole thing.
When installing a new furnace, it's a good time to consider other projects that can enhance your home's energy efficiency. A great first step is to get a home energy audit, which will identify areas for improvement. Common recommendations include sealing or replacing windows and adding insulation to the attic. These upgrades can help you save money on monthly utility costs. You might also consider installing a smart thermostat to make heating your home more convenient and efficient.
Excessive pressure (above 80 psi) puts too much stress on plumbing pipes, joints, and fixtures. This can lead to leaks and burst pipes. Plus, it shortens the lifespan of appliances, can waste water, and can raise your utility bills. High water pressure might feel like a gift, but it’s actually a silent threat to plumbing.
The lifespan of a water heater depends on its type, usage, and maintenance schedule. Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years, though the range can be as wide as 6 to 15 years. Within this category, gas models often last 8-12 years, while electric models may last 10-15 years. In contrast, tankless water heaters have a significantly longer lifespan, often lasting up to 20 years or more. Factors like heavy usage, hard water, and sediment buildup can shorten a unit's life. To extend its lifespan, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually and scheduling professional inspections. If your unit is over a decade old and shows signs of rust, leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent heating, it is likely time for a replacement.
It is very difficult and dangerous to install your own water heater, so we strongly recommend against tackling this as a DIY project. Not only will you need to wire your water heater, but you’ll also need to connect plumbing to the intake and outlet. Sweating copper pipes and connecting wiring properly are skills most DIYers don’t have, and even if you do feel confident you can do it, working with water and electricity always leaves the potential for electrocution. Hiring a local water heater installer is well worth the investment.
The Thomas, OK homeowners’ guide to water heater services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A water heater flush costs $160 on average but can vary based on the unit size, type, labor, location, and more. Keep reading to learn how much you could pay.
Worried your water heater might freeze this winter? Learn to spot the warning signs and how to safely thaw your tank or tankless system out if necessary.
Hybrid water heaters will have you weighing high initial costs versus long-term savings. Is it the right option for you? Explore the pros and cons of hybrid water heaters.
The average lifespan of water heaters is 6 to 15 years for conventional models and up to 20 for tankless ones, but it can be less if they are not properly maintained.