Water Heaters

You don't know what you've got until it's gone - Joni Mitchell probably wasn't singing about hot showers, but she could have been! Is your invigorating hot shower feeling more like a tepid bath?


Has your water heater started to leak?


 Perhaps you're just curious about other ways to warm up your water. Well, welcome to the water heating utopia that is Associated Plumbers, Inc.


Water Heaters

 Looking to install or repair a water heater?

 Look no further! Associated Plumbers in Little Rock specializes in both the installation and repair of a wide range of water heaters.

Trust in us for a seamless, efficient, and hassle-free service!

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Tankless Water Heaters - A Smart Choice for Your Home


Imagine having an unlimited supply of hot water that doesn't occupy a massive amount of space in your home. Well, tankless water heaters are making this a reality!
  Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless systems don't need to store water for heating. These clever devices connect directly to your home's plumbing. When you need hot water, the water cycles through the unit, heats up immediately, and voila! You have hot water precisely when you need it. This feature makes tankless water heaters an ideal solution, especially for homes with a high demand for hot water.


Why Choose a Tankless Water Heater? 🤔

Here's why a tankless water heater is worth considering for your home:

Instant, endless hot water: Say goodbye to waiting for hot water. And with the tankless system, the hot water supply never runs out.

Compact size: These heaters can be installed even in tight spaces. Say hello to more room in your home!

Energy efficiency: Some of these systems might qualify for a tax credit too! 😄

Lifespan: With regular maintenance, a tankless water heater can sometimes outlive a conventional one.


Something to Consider 💡

Before you go ahead and purchase a tankless water heater, here are some factors you should bear in mind:

Upfront costs: These devices do come with a higher initial cost, and it's recommended to use a softener.

Temperatures and pressure may fluctuate: Depending on the number of fixtures you have running at the same time, this might occur.

Annual maintenance: It is necessary to descale the heat exchanger yearly.
 Nonetheless, the advantages of a tankless water heater often outweigh the drawbacks. So, why not make the switch today? 😊


Traditional Water Heaters: Key Points to Consider


Traditional, or tank-type, water heaters are the most popular variety. Their method of operation revolves around sustaining heated water within an insulated tank until it's required. They come in several sizes, the typical ones being 40, 50, and 80 gallons.
 

Comparing Natural Gas and Electric Heaters
 

Natural gas water heaters are renowned for their energy efficiency. They may have a slightly higher installation cost when compared to electric heaters, but they prove much cost-efficient to operate in the long run.


  Life Expectancy of Tank Water Heaters ☚ī¸
 

The average tank water heater lifespan is roughly 8-12 years. However, with the right care and maintenance, it is possible for these heaters to last up to 20 years.
 

Pros and Cons of Standard Water Heaters
 

While considering a tank-type water heater, it's impactful to ponder upon the following aspects:
Pros:

  • More cost-effective upfront
  • Easier to install and maintain
  • Cheaper long-term maintenance costs
    Cons:
  • Results in higher utility bills
  • Takes up more space within the home
  • Limited hot water supply, may run out if heavily used
     

Understanding these key factors can help you to make a well-informed choice about your water heating needs.


  • Do I need to Upgrade my Gas Line

    Can a Tankless Water Heater Function on a ½-Inch Gas Line?

    Well, the answer is both yes and no.

    Firstly, let's understand the system we have at hand. Our typical home gas system is a low-pressure system, providing gas pressure approximately around 7 inches of water column - loosely translated, this refers to the pressure exerted by a column of water that's about 7 inches high.

    For a seamless operation of all gas appliances in the house, the pipe size should be adequate to keep the pressure drop to a minimum, preferably not more than 0.5 inches of water column.

    Now here's the part relevant to the question.


    To switch from an ordinary tank-type water heater to a tankless one, using the existing pipe might not be effective. Why? Simple, a tankless water heater needs a larger volume of fuel, which means your gas piping may need an upgrade to support this larger requirement.

    In a nutshell, whether a ½-inch gas line will work with a tankless water heater or not depends primarily on the gas pressure and volume of your gas system and the specific requirements of the heater. Keep in mind, you might need some adjustments to the piping to guarantee a smooth transition!


  • What happens if my gas line is undersized

    If your gas system isn't quite up to size, it might give your appliances a hard time. In fact, it may even cause things like soot on your burners, make your pilot lights and burners switch off, or lead to the formation of something called condensate in your furnace or water heater's heat exchanger.


    What's so bad about condensate you ask? Well, it's pretty corrosive and can cause damage or failure in appliances that aren't made to deal with it. 


    Soot, on the other hand, can cause a bit of a mess by clogging your burners or flues. This could potentially lead to your appliances failing and even emitting harmful exhaust gases like carbon monoxide. So, keep an eye on your gas system size to keep your appliances running smoothly! 😊

  • Will I need to replace my vent?

    Avoid using the existing vent pipe from an old gas tank water heater.

    Compatibility issues often arise as most tankless water heaters utilize galvanized vent piping that tends to rust quickly. Think of it in this manner - it's akin to placing old tires on a new car, an idea most would find illogical, isn't it? 

    For venting purposes, specialized stainless steel pipes are preferable. 

    However, plastic materials like PVC may suffice if they align with the vent manufacturer's specifications.

    Note:


    Reuse of vent pipe from old gas tank water heaters is not advised.

    Compatibility with tankless heaters might be an issue as they often use rust-prone galvanized piping.

    Stainless steel pipes are the suggested alternatives for venting.

    PVC or similar materials can be used if they meet vent manufacturer's guidelines.

    Ensure to choose venting materials wisely to maintain the durability and effectiveness of your water heater.


  • What happens during a power outage

    If there's a power outage, your gas water heater may not function properly if it relies on electricity. This is especially true for tankless water heaters and some storage-type models, which may result in a limited or no supply of hot water. To tackle this issue, we suggest considering a Pure Sine Wave Battery Backup. It can be a smart solution for power outage concerns.

     

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