The Annual Cost of a Water Heater Bill Explained

Lack of hot water can be due to a gas leak, leaking water heater tank, or issues with the gas valve or pilot light. Electric water heater problems, thermostat issues, a faulty heating element, a tank that's too small, or extreme weather can also cause it.

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water as it flows through a heat exchanger. They deliver hot water directly to your faucets or shower without storing it in a tank. Storage tank water heaters, on the other hand, have an insulated tank that holds 30-50 gallons of water. They heat and store the water until it's needed.

Water heater noises can come from sediment buildup, water hammer, loose parts, blocked valves, or electric heating element problems.

Check all connections for leaks and turn off the main gas valve. Look for a "rotten egg" smell and feel the pipes for wetness. If you suspect a gas leak, don't use electrical devices and call the gas company right away.

On-demand (tankless) water heaters use less than 41 gallons of hot water daily. They offer 24 to 34 percent more energy efficiency than storage tank water heaters. If you use a lot of hot water, you might save an extra 8 to 14 percent. Installing a tankless water heater at each outlet can save you 27 to 50 percent in energy costs.

Popping or crackling sounds often mean there's sediment in the water heater. This sediment forms steam bubbles that burst as the water heats up.

First, try resetting the circuit breaker. But if it keeps tripping, you might need an electrician to check and fix the electrical issue.

Tankless water heaters cost more upfront and installation can be complex and expensive. But, they last 20 to 30 years, twice as long as storage tank heaters. They can save homeowners over $100 a year on energy costs compared to gas-fired storage tank models. Electric tankless models save around $44 annually.

Banging or hammering sounds usually happen when water hits valves too fast, known as water hammer. Sediment buildup can also cause these sounds.

Set the thermostat between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's too low, raising the temperature can help. But never go above 140°F to avoid burns.

Storage tank water heaters are cheaper to buy and operate more simply. This means less costly maintenance and repairs. They are easy and affordable to fix if they're not working right, unlike tankless models which are more complex and expensive to repair.

Whistling or high-pitched sounds come from water under pressure going through a small opening. This is often due to a valve not fully opening.

Think about your family size and hot water use to pick the right tank size. Sizes range from 30 to 80 gallons. You might need a bigger tank if your family uses more hot water now.

Storage tank water heaters have higher utility bills because they constantly heat and reheat water. They take up more space and need to be replaced more often, after 10 to 15 years. This can be a challenge in small homes.

A hissing sound in an electric water heater means the lower heating element is covered in sediment. Flushing and draining the heater can fix this.

Turn off power, let the tank cool, then attach a hose to the drain valve. Drain the tank and refill it with clean water to remove sediment and improve performance.

Tankless water heaters are smaller and can fit in tight spaces or even on outside walls. They're ideal for homes with limited space. But, installing them can be complex and costly, especially when replacing an existing tank.

A humming noise usually means a loose heating element is causing the water to vibrate. Tightening the element should stop the humming.

Look for leaks and check connections. Small leaks might just need tightening. But big leaks or damage mean you might need a new water heater. Call a plumber for help.

Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water but struggle with high demand, like multiple showers at once. Storage tank water heaters can handle high demand better but may leave the last person with a cold shower.

Vibrating or rumbling noises often come from sediment at the bottom of the tank. This trapped boiling water causes the bubbling and vibration.

Cold weather makes your water heater work harder to heat water. Even in warm areas, efficiency drops in winter. Insulating your tank can help during extreme weather.

Tankless water heaters are more complex and costly to maintain and repair than storage tank models. Storage tank heaters are simpler and cheaper to fix when problems arise. Both types need regular maintenance to work well and last long.

Listen to the noise type and try to find where it's coming from. This can help you figure out the cause, like sediment buildup or loose parts.

If you've tried everything and still have no hot water, call a professional plumber. They can find and fix any problems with your water heater to get your hot water back.

Homeowners should think about the initial cost, energy efficiency, hot water needs, space, and maintenance and replacement costs. Tankless heaters are great for saving energy and space but may cost more upfront. Storage tank heaters are cheaper but use more energy and need replacing more often. A professional plumber can help you decide what's best for your home.

Call a professional plumber if the noises don't stop or you don't know the cause. Fixing it yourself could lead to water damage or injury.

Top water heater brands include Bosch, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Rinnai, Tempra, and Trutankless. These brands offer both tankless and storage tank models for different needs and preferences. It's smart to compare their features, efficiency, and customer reviews to find the right one for your home.

Regular maintenance, like draining the tank and flushing the heater annually, can prevent noises. Using a water softener also helps.