A functioning water heater is one of the most essential elements of every home. If your heater breaks at any time, the outlook for you and your family will include the following — cold showers, no laundry and no warm water to wash your dishes. In case you ever find yourself with a broken heater, we compiled this page with everything you need to know about our water heater repair and installation services.
Water Heater Basics: Water Heating Systems 101
Water heaters are familiar fixtures in most homes. Tank type water heaters come in different varieties – gas, oil and electric — depending on the type of burner used to heat the water. Energy efficiencies between the different types of burners on the tank water heaters can differ significantly.
Tank water heaters can heat the water in your home or business. Depending on the unit, water heaters tend to store gallons of hot water at a temperature of 120°F. However, over time, when the water inside the tank cools down, the heater warms it up again. If you use a lot of hot water at once, it may take the water heater some time to heat the water. In that case, you should consider a larger tank that can heat your water without much temperature fluctuation or a tankless heater that heats water on demand.
Types of Water Heaters
There are two main kinds of water heaters: tank and tankless.
1. Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters can use several kinds of fuel. Electric water heaters are beginning to replace oil- and gas-fueled heaters due to their many advantages, such as:
- Increased Safety: Electricity is more stable than combustible fuel.
- High Efficiency: Electric heaters are 100% efficient, saving you time and money.
- Heightened Control and Precision: Each heater comes with a specific control box and an automatic shut off mode to prevent overheating.
- Eco-Friendliness: Since electricity produces no waste, the earth benefits from installing this kind of heater.
- Temperature Compatibility: This water heater can operate at high temperatures and perform certain tasks other heaters cannot.
Natural gas and oil heaters cost less to run and use less energy than electric water heaters. While they do cost more upfront, they are an efficient choice that will keep their quality over time.
2. Tankless Water Heaters
Instantaneous water heaters, also called tankless water heaters, are just that. They do not have a tank and therefore tend to be more energy-efficient. They only heat the water as it passes through, so they don’t waste energy by heating extra water all day that is not in use.
Tankless water heaters became popular when the government was giving big money in rebates to install them. Most tankless water heaters were installed improperly because they were undersized for the water needed, and many had to have larger gas lines run and bigger gas meters installed. Most have trouble because they get hot then cold instead of a steady stream of hot water.
Tankless water heaters are not as popular as other options due to higher installation and maintenance costs. However, they are incredibly efficient and do not take up much space in the home.
Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Water Heater
Instead of storing water in a tank, tankless water heaters have coils that heat water as you use it. Thus, they are more energy-efficient. However, these kinds of heaters typically produce around 3.5 gallons of hot water per minute. They’re the ideal heating match for people who typically only use one hot water source at a time. For example, if you’re the type to shower while your laundry and dishwasher are going, then a tankless heater may not make enough hot water for you.
These models are suitable for homes with natural-gas-powered heaters. On the other hand, electric models rely on the home’s electricity capacity and may require an expensive upgrade.
If your electric, gas, oil or tankless water heater stops working suddenly, Leggett Inc. has you covered with our emergency repair and installation services.
How Often to Replace a Water Heater
A water heater tends to last about a decade. Consider these factors to determine how long your water heater will last:
- Age: Water heaters usually last about 10 years, so you should plan to replace them about once every 10 years.
- Efficiency: A worn-out water heater uses more energy to heat your water supply, increasing your monthly energy bills.
- Size: If the water heater isn’t the right size for your house, it could put extra wear and tear on the unit.
- Maintenance: Cleaning your water heater and getting it inspected at least once a year helps it last longer.
- Repairs: If you need to repair your water heater often, it might be more worth getting a new unit.
How to Know If Your Water Heater Is Going Bad
You might be able to repair your water heater before you need to replace it. Look for these signs if you’re wondering when to get a new water heater:
- Your water heater is older than 10 years: If you’re unsure of your water heater’s age, you can check the serial number and call the manufacturer to determine whether it needs a replacement. A water heater only lasts about a decade, so if you’ve had it longer than that, it’s time to replace your water heater with a new, energy-efficient model.
- There’s rust in the unit: Corrosion can spread through your steel water heater and its components. If you notice a yellowish tint to the water coming out of your sinks and tubs, your water heater has most likely rusted. You may also find rust around the water inlet or pressure relief valve if the inside of your tank has rusted.
- Your water heater makes a noise: If your water heater is making a rumbling noise as it heats up, sediment may have built up within the tank. Replace your water heater before the residue wears down the unit.
- There’s a leak around the unit: Water leaking out of the water heater can affect any surrounding appliances or sensitive flooring. Replace your water heater to prevent property damage.
- Your water heater isn’t working: If the thermostat is set to the right temperature but your water comes out cold, you may have a broken water heater. The unit may also be too small for the house. Replace your water heater if you can’t take showers or wash your hands without running into cold water.
Our Hot Water Heater Repair and Water Heater Installation Services
If you need a water heater repair service fast, Leggett Inc. is here to help! All members of our team are NATE-certified heating and cooling technicians. They deliver more than just correctly installed water heaters or smooth repairs — they provide exceptional, timely services and unmatched customer experiences. Since our professionals are highly skilled in their specializations, we like to say we’re the peace of mind guys for your water heater services.
When it comes time for you to upgrade your home water heater, it’s crucial to ensure the installer does the job right the first time. Unfortunately, most heating systems wear out or break due to improper hot water system installation. By working with Leggett, Inc. experts, you’ll avoid other teams who may overlook details and cut corners. At Leggett, we commit to doing the perfect job that will last. Our two-year guarantee proves it.
Is your current water heater not working correctly? We also offer last-minute water heater installation services and repairs because we understand how essential hot showers are!
Hot Water Heater Replacement Systems
We believe quality system installation is a combination of careful craft, efficient time to replace or uninstall previous systems and excellent product support. That’s why we’ve partnered with other top companies in the industry for when it comes time to replace your water heater. Carrier backs Leggett, Inc. as a Factory Authorized Dealer with a one year, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Generac also backs Leggett, Inc. as a Power Pro Dealer with a Five Year Parts and Labor Warranty on Quality System installations. Both Carrier and Generac know we’ll do the job right every time.
Whether you need water heater repair, leak detection, a new installation or an entire system replacement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We have been in business since 1966 and are proudly family-owned and operated.
Making Honest Recommendations for Your Home or Business
Leggett technicians understand that a hot water heater replacement is a big investment for most. That’s why we only make recommendations for our industry-leading replacement products when they’re 100% needed. Some home service providers try to nickel and dime you for frequent repair visits, but the local community trusts Leggett for a reason. We’re always trying to save you money and want your home or business to stay appealing for years at a time.
Our team has been operating in the industry for decades. Allow us to explain your options for hot water heaters that exceed your performance and energy efficiency expectations. If you do need a hot water heater replacement, know that our technicians pay close attention to detail during the installation for fewer troubles down the road. We’ll leave your home looking as clean as it was when we first stepped through the door, and you’ll know the total cost of your water heater upgrade before we start the assignment.
Hot Water Heater Repair Services Near Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Even if you have a trained professional maintaining your investment, emergencies can still happen. When necessary, Leggett technicians will complete reliable repairs on your hot water heater systems.
You can count on the experts at Leggett to get water heater issues under control quickly. We strive to minimize interruptions to your routine with flexible appointment scheduling options for repairs. Tell us what time works best for a visit, and we’ll be there for you. It’s dangerous to tamper with a hot water heater on your own, so we encourage you to call our technicians as soon as something seems out of order.
Whether we installed your water heater or not, we’ll complete repairs on most brand-name systems. The most common types of hot water heater repairs we handle include:
- Replacing heating elements.
- Changing thermostat settings.
- Correcting water heater leaks.
- Silencing high-pitch water heater sounds.
Commercial and Residential Services
Both businesses and homes rely on hot water, no matter the time of year. You need a functioning tankless water heater or tank water heater for laundry and comfortable showers at home. You also need hot water at work for several reasons, including for use by your customers and employees.
Each of our team members at Leggett Inc. has the qualifications to provide helpful hot water heater maintenance, repairs and replacements. Our technicians inspect and evaluate your water heater for our commercial or residential clients during each service visit. Once we find the issue, our technicians provide a full explanation plus recommendations for service. Then, after you approve the hot water system repairs, our technicians work quickly to provide the necessary solution.
You’ll find that Leggett Inc. is much more than just a service provider. If you have questions about water heaters and other systems, we’re here to provide answers and expert guidance. For example, you may wonder why hot water leaks or where to replace a water heater. We’re always just a phone call away, ready and waiting and help you in any way we can.
Your home and business deserve high-functioning water heaters and other units. If you invest in the services we have to offer, we ensure all your home and business systems work at their peak potential.
Schedule Hot Water Heater Maintenance Services With Leggett
In some ways, a hot water heater is similar to your car. You want to have a trained expert assess concerns over time to ensure everything runs smoothly. Leggett technicians do just that with preventive maintenance services for hot water heaters.
Preventive maintenance services are a proactive way to look after your investment. We’ll routinely stop by your home or business address to see if adjustments are necessary and prevent unexpected issues. Minimize your need for emergency repairs year-round. Our preventive maintenance plans are just one way we look out for the customers we call family.
Examples of water heater maintenance tasks we perform include flushing your system, tightening hardware and changing out parts.
Water Heater Services and More
Through our many years of service, we have evolved to meet our many customers’ needs, both residential and commercial. When Leggett Inc. first started in 1966, we focused on small heating system and plumbing jobs. Today, we’ve expanded to offer a comprehensive suite of home and business services that stretches far beyond just heating, plumbing, water heater maintenance and replacement. We offer the following for both residential and commercial customers:
- AC unit installation and repair
- Heating system repair, maintenance and installation
- Plumbing services
- Water heater maintenance/repair and water heater replacement
- Electrical services
- Installation of water filters, water softeners and RO systems
- Gas water heater repair
Don’t overlook our water heater maintenance services or our maintenance services for other home and business systems. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to care for your home or business so it operates at a peak level while avoiding emergency repairs. During maintenance visits, our technicians can find emerging issues before they become urgent repairs.
Why Choose Leggett Inc.?
Family-owned and family-operated for more than 50 years, Leggett Inc. is your go-to source for services for your home or business. We provide comprehensive services and a team of NATE-certified water heater service technicians who have the training and authorization to repair equipment made by leading brands such as Kohler, Trane, Moen, Amana, ISE, Goodman, Honeywell, Rheem and others. We even offer a 100% money-back guarantee as a way to stand behind our work. When you choose Leggett Inc. as your service provider, you’re getting the best services in the business.
Have Questions About Your Hot Water Heater Maintenance?
Leggett’s experts have installed and serviced many systems for customers in the greater Harrisburg region. We also provide ongoing service for tankless water heaters, which involves an inspection of the system and a clean flush of vinegar to ensure proper use for years to come. If you have any questions, we’re here to answer them.
Reach out to us today for more information and deals on installation costs.