Thinking of buying a new water heater? Things you need to know

Purchasing a new water heater is about as much fun as buying new tires for your vehicle. Suffice it to say, it's not. Like tires, they are an expensive purchase that really isn't exciting but is absolutely necessary. There are many options, such as brands, warranties and special features that can make the buying process stressful, especially if you're having to make the decision quickly and under duress.

The crew over at John the Plumber understands all of this and wants to help you make the best decision for your home and budget with as little stress as possible. Owner John Nelson says, "When we get the call that there's no hot water, we always hope for the best, meaning that there's a simple fix. It's never a fun thing to have to tell a homeowner that they need a new water heater, especially during the holidays, but sometimes it's just the way it is. When it's an emergency type situation, most homeowners just want the quickest and cheapest option which is a traditional storage tank water heater. If they have some time to think about it they'll often want to discuss the pros and cons of a tankless water heater."

Regardless of the type of water heater installed, the first step is obtaining a permit from the proper governing authority. "Customers often freak out when we mention permits or they are just plain surprised that one is needed. A permit not only protects them from improper installation as the job is going to be inspected by the building inspector but it is also essential for any potential homeowner's insurance claims," John explains. "If a permit is required by law, for any project, and it is not obtained, and later an insurance claim needs to be made due to damage, the insurance company can deny payment." But no worries, the staff at John the Plumber will obtain all the necessary permits and they don't add a huge expense to the project.

Is there a brand and type of water heater John the Plumber prefers? "We purchase and install Bradford White storage type water heaters. I like their quality and I have a good working relationship with my supplier so taking care of issues is usually quick and easy. I also prefer the traditional storage tank type of water heater over the tankless even though they use more energy for a number of reasons. The main reason is that tankless water heaters require yearly maintenance that most homeowners ignore."

For more information on water heaters, give John a call at (661) 823-8031 and he'll be happy to share his experience and thoughts on the different types of water heaters and help you make an informed buying decision.