Electric


Shamrocks Plumbing and Heating

Electric Water Heater Service

We provide 24-hour emergency service for electric heaters to see that your hot water is back to normal as quickly as possible in the event of a problem. Call us any time for same day service with a licensed plumber to solve the problem.

Water Heater Maintenance

Electric water heaters need regular maintenance for prolonged service life and reduced energy costs, the same as gas fired models. One of the best ways to ensure the longest life for an appliance like this is to maintain it regularly. We look at the heating elements, pressure relief valve, drain valve, upper thermostat, test water temperature and inspect all water lines. 


Scheduled Maintenance


Kind of like set and forget, our plumbing company maintenance program will make sure your water heater is looked at by a professional on schedule. Electric water heaters need to be flushed to remove sediment buildup, the same as hot water tanks do. Regular water heater maintenance is your best insurance against water damage from a failed water heater tank. 

Signs of Trouble

In many cases a water heater problem doesn't warn you, it just happens. Common service indicators are.


  • Lukewarm water
  • Increased energy consumption
  • Visible corrosive effects
  • Faulty shutoff valve

Professional Installation Makes and Models

Replacement and New Installation

Choosing an electric water heater over a gas fired model usually comes down to a financial choice because of the cost of installation. We are experienced with all makes and models, and will be happy to go over your options with the different brands, models and features.


Under recent laws, you're required to install an energy-efficient water heater tank now to replace the old one. If you're looking for a new electric model to replace your old water heater, call us to go over the choices. 


Most people substitute a similar size when replacing an old water heater, but as we grow older, family tends to shrink, so if that's your situation you may want to choose a smaller capacity model that only holds 40 gallons of water. On the other hand, if you need a larger capacity storage water heater, we can add a thermal expansion tank. 



Call us for a quick quote on getting a new water heater installed. We'll be happy to take a look at the old unit and let you know what models would be a great fit for your home.

How an Electric Water Heater Works

Most electric water heaters use electric resistance elements to heat the water in the storage tank. A two-element electric water heater has one element at the top of the storage tank, and one element at the bottom. Each element is controlled by an independent thermostat. The lower element provides recovery from standby losses, and the upper element provides extra heating when a lot of hot water is being used. Some heaters contain only a lower element. The circuit breaker is an important component for electric water heaters. Always check your circuit breaker first if there is heat loss, before calling a professional for help.


Electrical water heaters that store hot water can be a good match for a smart grid, so that it heats when the electrical grid load is low and turns off when the load is high. This could be implemented by allowing the power supplier to send load-shedding requests, or by the use of real-time energy pricing. 


Heat pump water heaters use an air source heat pump to transfer thermal energy from the air around the unit into the water tank. Electric resistance element(s) are typically included to provide backup heating if the heat pump cannot provide sufficient heating capacity.

Comparisons

Like their gas counterparts, traditional electric water heaters have a large tank and a heating mechanism that converts cold water into hot water. The water is ready for use anytime you turn on the hot water faucet. Electric water heating relies on a constant power source, so if you are having trouble, check your circuit breaker or electrical panel before you call us for service.

 

According to the Energy Rates website, natural gas is usually less expensive than electricity. Deciding between an electric vs. gas water heater is more a question of economics than preference. Bob Vila says that while electric water heaters may cost more to run than gas-powered water heaters, they're less expensive to purchase and install because they do not require the complicated gas hookup, installation fees, and open flame heating mechanism of a gas water heater.

Call For Service

If you need a licensed technician to fix your hot water heater, we'll be happy to take care of any water heater repairs you need. With our labor warranty, you are assured of quality service by professional plumbers. 


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