Water heating systems have been available in our homes for many decades. Their primary purposes have been supplying the heated water we require for cleaning our clothes, washing our dishes, enjoying a long soak in a hot tub or a nice, cleansing shower at the end of the day. There are several types of water heating systems available and which you use may depend on when your home was built. Older homes generally have a tank based water heater because storage based hot water units are the most commonly used systems around. However, new construction and retrofitted homes may use the inline or flash water heater. Finally, homeowners that wish to invest in solar systems can enjoy water heated by the sun.
These come in two varieties, a gas burning unit that offers a very efficient hot water supply and the electric version that many people consider to be a safe alternative to natural gas. Modern versions of either water heater provide the homeowner with an excellent supply of hot water for the lowest amount of energy usage possible. Plus, they keep the cost of maintaining this heated water reduced by providing well insulated tanks.
The real problem with tank based water heating units is the inevitable deterioration of the tank itself. Most water heaters use steel which will eventually rust causing the tank to leak or the seams to degrade. How long these tanks will last usually depends on the manufacturer of the product and the quality of the tank itself. This problem can actually result in a larger disaster if the tank isn’t installed with a water heater pan that can channel the leaking water away from wood or other easily damaged materials.
Another device recommended by Water Heaters Installers is the so called tank-less or flash hot water heaters. These inline appliances can be placed anywhere in the home they are needed and multiple units can be installed wherever the homeowner requires. Plus, they don’t have to produce the same amount of heated water unless that is required by the owner. One instance where this is useful would be a bathroom located at the end of the plumbing installation. Placing a small inline heater gives access to hot water quickly and can still use the water provided by other water heaters.
