Most people don't think about their water heater until they're greeted by an unexpected cold shower. While an ice-cold shower might feel great on a sweltering day, it is less welcome on a colder day.

Morning showers are not the only thing impacted by an improperly functioning water heater. We use hot water for many tasks throughout the day, including food preparation and cleaning. So when it fails, it's time to call in a water heater specialist.

Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

There are often warning signs your water heater is about to fail before that dreaded cold shower hits you.

• Murky water coming out of the faucets? If your water heater is older, it could be a sign that rust is breaking loose inside the tank’s liner and making it into your water supply.
• Leaks around the water heater are another sign it may be time for repair or replacement. Call a water heater specialist immediately if you notice leaks.
• Weird noises coming from the water heater rarely signal anything good. The sounds may be consistent or irregular, but if they are happening, call a professional.

Factors to Consider Before Replacement

If your water heater is exhibiting any of the signs above, it is time to call in a water heater specialist to assess the situation. If it is determined the tank needs replacing, there are several things to consider before purchasing and installing a new one.

1. What are your hot water needs?

This may seem like a strange question because most people enjoy being able to turn on the hot water faucet and having hot water come out. Whether it's for a daily shower or the multitude of other uses of hot water in our daily lives, it is always nice when expectation meets demand. But there is more to selecting a water heater than the expectation of hot water when you turn on the faucet. Before selecting a new tank, take a look at the number of plumbing fixtures in your home and the number of occupants who will depend on the tank for meeting their hot water demands. Use that information when consulting with a professional about your next water heater purchase to ensure the right fit.

2. What size water heater is needed? 

Once you determine your hot water needs, the next logical step is to use that information to choose the correct-sized water heater to meet them. Basic guidelines suggest a 30- to 40-gallon water heater is ideal for households of no more than two people. For two to three people, consider a 40- to 50-gallon tank and a 50- to 60-gallon tank for homes with three or four occupants. Tanks capable of accommodating 60 to 80 gallons of hot water are needed in households with more than five residents.

3. What type of water heater do you need?

Water heaters have come a long way in recent years. Consumers now can choose from tankless, solar, and indirect options, along with more traditional gas and electric heaters. Each has its pros and cons, so be sure to research them thoroughly before making a decision on which model is right for your needs. Water heaters with higher efficiency ratings such as tankless models usually come with a higher price tag for purchase and installation.

Let Us Be Your Water Heater Specialists

Choosing a water heater to meet your needs does not need to be a difficult or confusing process. Get in touch with Economy Plumbing Services for fast, reliable water heater service. Contact us online or call us today at (512) 649-2811 for all of your plumbing needs in Austin, TX.