MASTER PLUMBER’S GUIDE TO TANK STYLE WATER HEATERS

Explore essential tips, maintenance advice, and smart tech integration for tank-style water heaters.

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Explore Conventional 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

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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, San Antonio, Waco, and Dallas so you know if it’s a quick fix or if you need to call in the professionals.

Tank Style Water Heater FAQ's

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Additional Resources

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!

Preventative Maintenance for Your Tank Style Heater

Tank style water heaters have the shortest lifespan of all water heater types, but you can extend the life of your water heater with proper maintenance.

Tank Style Water Heater Sizing Guide

Before you start shopping for a new tank style water heater, you’ll need to determine what size tank you need. Learn how to identify what size will work best for your property.

Austin Texas Water Heater Repairs and Maintenance

Rely on our expert plumbers in Austin to have the info you need to choose the right water heater for your household.

Cost to Install or Replace Tank Style Water Heaters

Our master plumbers put together this page to help you understand the costs involved if you hire a licensed plumber for your project.

Common Tank Style Water Heater Problems

Learn about common tank style water heater problems and how to fix them. From leaking, to bad smells, to no hot water at all, some issues with your tank style water heater can be fixed easily.

San Antonio Water Heater Repairs and Maintenance

We're your local San Antonio water heater repairs expert and are available to make replacements and repairs whenever you need them.

Best Brand of Tank Style Water Heaters

There are so many tank style water heaters to choose from, so we sat down with our Master Plumbers to get their opinions.

Is it Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater?

Your hot water heater is one of your hardest working appliances and it’s best to replace it before it stops functioning.

Dallas Water Heater Repairs and Maintenance

Experience top-notch Dallas Water Heater Repair and Maintenance with Reliant Plumbing. Swift, expert service across Dallas and surrounding areas.

Avoid Disaster

Take Action Today to Protect Your Home

Act quickly to address minor plumbing issues before they turn into expensive disasters. Our expert services can help protect your home from damage, giving you peace of mind and saving you money in the long run.

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