Water Heater Maintenance, Repair, Installation and Replacement in San Rafael.

How long will your water heater last? 10 years? 15 years? Longer? Believe it or not, the average water heater has a lifespan of only eight years. That means there’s a good chance you’ll have to replace your system entirely roughly once every decade. If you’re dealing with a serious problem that cannot be easily fixed, then that means it’s time to replace your heater with a new, energy-efficient unit. Modern water heaters refill faster, use less energy, and are even less prone to problems like leaking.

Our local utility company (PG&E) says up to sixty percent of water heaters are replaced proactively before they leak or fail. Many water heaters are upgraded to a more efficient type of water heater. Currently, heat pump water heaters are popular, with up to $6200 in government incentives available.

If a tank water heater is between eight and eleven years old, it could be time to replace it. The warranty on the tank usually runs out after six years.

If your tank water heater is popping and gurgling (the sound of internal boiling due to excess mineral buildup), this could also be a sign that the tank may “pop”.

If the performance of your tankless water heater keeps deteriorating (temperature may vary greatly when showering), tankless water heaters will eventually wear out.

Extreme rust only in the hot water. A sure sign your tank is rusting away.

Leaking from the tank or the water connections is a very serious situation, possibly leading to very costly repairs.

Is a broken heating element preventing your water heater from providing you with the warm water you need? Are you tired of dealing with a heater that has an inconsistent thermostat that’s almost impossible to adjust? Has your anode rod completely corroded to the point where it simply isn’t usable anymore? These are all issues our team at John Owens Services can fix. Our San Rafael water heater repair technicians make sure every repair we conduct is complete and high-quality for your complete peace of mind and the full preservation of your hot water supply.

Water heating accounts for up to 20% of home energy usage. With utility prices rising, homes need efficient water heaters to keep utility bills affordable.

• Gas Tank Water Heaters Natural Gas and Liquid Propane (8 -11 years lifespan)– Dependable, established-technology water heaters. These are the most common water heating units in American households. They are only 50% to 60% efficient to operate. These units waste 40 to 50 cents of every dollar spent, however, tank water heaters continue to work during power outages and earthquakes. Natural gas is predicted to double in price, while liquid propane gas is already outrageously expensive.
• Electric Tank Water Heaters (10-15 years lifespan)– These heat water using electric resistance elements, which is an efficient heat transfer. However, they are expensive to operate with our Bay Area electric rates.
• High Efficiency Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters (13-15 years lifespan)– This is the latest and greatest water heating technology. These units are up to 400% efficient. This translates to 1 kilowatt of electricity producing 3 to 4 kilowatts of water heating. Electrification is the future, and many energy rebates and tax incentives are available.
• Gas and Electric Tankless Water Heaters (up to 20 years with annual maintenance)– The most space-saving water heaters available, also known as on-demand water heaters. Gas models are up to 96% efficient. Electric models are space-saving and unfortunately, not very popular as they require high-amperage electric circuits. These circuits are not readily available in most existing homes.
• Indirect Tank Water Heater (long lasting due to an indirect heat source)-This type of tank water heater is usually heated by a hydronic gas boiler. This storage tank-type water heater has an internal water coil through which very hot water circulates to heat the water in the tank. This type of water heating was most popular twenty years ago. They are less popular since tankless and heat pump water heaters have been readily available.
• Solar Thermal Water Heaters (long lasting with higher repair costs)– Free hot water from the sun. These systems usually have one or more thermal solar panels on the roof that heat a solar storage tank within the building. The systems can be water-filled, glycol-filled, or drain-back systems. The technology is great. These systems are currently not very popular because they require more annual maintenance and repairs than other types of water heating.

• Discolored water or rust
• Water is leaking from the unit- This is typically caused by faulty components, corroded connections, or failing water tanks.
• Water is not at the correct temperature- A sign of a failing water heater thermostat or extreme mineral build up.
• There is no hot water- Possibly due to lack of maintenance
• Noises or sounds emitting from your water heater- Typically a sign that your water heater needs to be flushed due to sediment buildup in the tank.
• Dislodged flue- If knocked or bumped out of place, a dislodged flue poses a serious carbon monoxide risk.
• Low water pressure when calling for hot water- Could be an issue with either your water heater or the pipes from the water heater to your plumbing fixture.

Based on a family of four. Typical water heating prices per day range as follows:

• Propane Tank Water Heater – $2.00-$2.70 per day
• Natural Gas Tank Water Heater – $1.00-$1.70 per day
• Electric Heat Pump Water Heater- $0.50 – $0.95 per day
• Electric Tank Water Heater $2.00- $2.70 per day