Reliant Plumbing

Reliant Plumbing

Austin Plumber

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512-222-6029
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512-222-6029
  • Our Services
    • Plumbing
      • Emergency Plumbing
      • Leak Detection
      • Slab Leaks
      • Gas Plumbing
      • Pipe Repairs
      • Grinder Pumps
      • Toilets
      • Faucets
      • Sinks, Showers, Bathtubs
    • Water Heaters
      • Water Heater Repair
      • Tank Style Water Heaters
      • Tankless Water Heaters
      • Hybrid Water Heaters
    • Sewer & Drains
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      • Drain Cleaning & Removing Clogs
      • Sewer & Drain Cleaning
      • Sewer Repair
      • Sewer Replacement
  • Areas We Serve
    • San Antonio
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    • Cedar Park
    • Downtown Austin
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    • Lakeway
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    • Bee Cave
    • Steiner Ranch
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Master Plumber’s Guide to Tank Style Water Heaters

Conventional tank style water heaters are still the most popular among homeowners. They offer the lowest upfront cost and simple maintenance. Today’s newest models even offer technology like controlling your water heater through a smart phone app.

Reliant Plumbing’s master plumbers have put together this handy guide with everything you need to know about tank style water heaters. If you’re still comparing options, you also might want to check out our guides for Tankless Water Heaters and Hybrid Water Heaters.

Tank Style Water Heater Repaired Installed by Local Plumber

We Install Tank Water Heaters

We all know how it feels when you turn on your shower and wait for the water to get hot, but the water never does. How frustrating! We’re here to help you diagnose common tank water heater problems in Austin and San Antonio  so you know if it’s a quick fix or if you need to call in the professionals. 

Common Tank Style Water Heater Problems
Tankless Water Heater Install Repair

Tank Style Water Heater FAQ's

How do tank style water heaters work?

 

An insulated tank holds stored water to be warmed up by heating elements. For gas heaters, a flame at the bottom of the unit sends hot air through the middle of the heater with a chimney. In electric water heaters, heating elements get submerged directly in the tank to heat the water. 

The hot water stored in the tank flows out when you use hot water at fixtures. As hot water leaves the tank, cold water replaces it, ready to be heated. Because the tank has a storage limit, a long shower can empty out the tank’s hot water and leave you involuntarily taking a polar bear plunge. It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to heat a full tank.

What are the pros of using a tank style water heater?

They have the lowest upfront costs for two reasons. They’re cheaper to buy than other styles. Plus, installation is less expensive because most homes are built to accommodate tank style water heaters. Tank style waters can also provide hot water to many fixtures at once and are easy to install or replace — you may even be able to do it yourself. 

Are there any cons to using tank style water heaters?

They can run out of hot water because of the storage limit of the tank. If this happens, you have to wait for the next tank to be heated. If the tank leaks, this can lead to damaging floods. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and help you avoid leaking tanks. Even so, tank style water heaters only last up to 10 years, where tankless water heaters can last 15-20 years.

Where should my tank style water heater be located in my home?

You have to protect your water heater from rain, direct sunlight, freezing temps, high humidity, and excessive dust. Because of this, it has to be installed inside your home. Ideally, you should place it near the hot water fixtures you use most to minimize the time it takes to get hot water. Keep in mind that it’s against code for water heaters to be located in bedrooms since that is a safety hazard. And last but definitely not least, you should put it somewhere that’s easy to access for maintenance. 

How long will a new tank style water heater last before I have to replace it?

Gas units usually last about 8-12 years. Electric ones tend to last longer, about 10-15 years. Be sure to properly maintain your water heater by flushing it once per year to extend its lifetime. 

Learn More About Tank Style Water Heaters

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? More power to you. Check out some of our most popular tank water heater articles including step-by-step instructions and videos!

tank style water heater maintenance
Preventative Maintenance for Your Tank Style Water Heater
Cost to Install or Replace a Tank Style Water Heater
Cost to Install or Replace Tank Style Water Heaters
Rheem Tank Style Water Heater Repair Install
Best Brand of Tank Style Water Heaters
Tank Style Water Heater
Tank Style Water Heater Sizing Guide
Tank Style Water Heater Repaired Installed by Local Plumber
Common Tank Style Water Heater Problems & How to Fix Them
water heater in basement
Is it Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater?
Hot water heaters have a decent life span, however, even with the best maintenance, they are not meant to last […]
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Filed Under: Tank Style Water Heaters, Water Heaters

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Lakeway:
(512) 222-6029
San Antonio:
(210) 468-8020
Austin:
(512) 675-4220

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License # M-42389

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Office Locations:

Lakeway
2306 Ranch Road 620 North
Lakeway, Texas 78734

Austin
12111 Menchaca Rd,
Austin, Texas 78748

San Antonio
518 Austin Hwy
Alamo Heights, TX 78209

Service Areas

  • San Antonio
  • Bastrop
  • Bee Cave
  • Cedar Park
  • Central Austin
  • Downtown Austin
  • Lakeway
  • Leander
  • Pflugerville
  • Rollingwood
  • Round Rock
  • South Austin
  • Steiner Ranch

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tsbpe.texas.gov | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, P.O. Box 4200 Austin, Texas | (512) 936-5200 | RMP# 42389