If you need Houston water heater installation, you might wonder if it’s better to work with a plumber or a big box store. While many home improvement retailers sell water heaters, plumbers often have much more to offer in terms of quality, expertise, and installation solutions.
Signs You Need Houston Water Heater Installation
There are many reasons why you may need Houston water heater installation. For example, if you’re building a new home, you may need your very first water heater for the house. However, in most cases installing a new water heater means you need a replacement.
In some cases, it may be that your current water heater simply can’t keep up with your family’s hot water needs. If it seems like you’re always doing backflips to coordinate showers or laundry so there’s guaranteed hot water, it might be time to replace your water heater. Frequently this means that your water heater is too small for your current needs. In these cases, you may need to install a water heater with a larger tank, or maybe even choose tankless water heater installation in Houston, which provides on-demand hot water as it flows through the pipes.
Many other people wait until their water heater is close to the end of its life before replacement. For instance, if the only thing coming from your pipes is cold water, that’s a pretty good indicator that you need a new water heater. Also, if you need frequent repairs for your water heater or if your water heater is nearly ten years old, a replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Shopping for Water Heaters: Plumbers or Big Box Stores?
When shopping for a new water heater, there are many things to think about. You might be wondering which brand to choose, whether to go with tank-style or tankless water heaters. You might be wondering about the size and fuel type. However, it’s also important to consider where to purchase water heaters.
The two most common places to purchase a water heater are your plumber and big box home improvement stores. In many cases you might even notice the same brands available from both. However, beware that there are significant differences when buying a water heater from a plumber versus a home improvement retailer.
Water Heater Quality
It’s a common misconception that water heaters are the same no matter where you buy them. However, in most cases the water heaters you find in your local big box store are actually lower quality than the ones you can purchase from your plumber. Even if the label is the same brand, quality often varies between plumber-supplied and retailer-supplied water heaters.
Retailers typically only have access to consumer grade water heaters. This often means they are lower quality compared to professional grade water heaters. Usually parts are made of components that may break or degrade easier. One example is that drain valves on consumer grade water heaters from home improvement stores are made of plastic, whereas professional grade may be made of brass. This offers higher durability.
By contrast, plumbers can obtain professional grade water heaters. Because they specialize in Houston water heater installation, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers often supply higher grade water heaters to plumbers. This generally means that the materials and parts are better quality and more durable. For instance, consumer grade water heaters may use a glass tank liner, while professional grade units may use ceramic to protect the tank from rust and corrosion.
Plumbing and Houston Water Heater Installation Expertise
Also, never underestimate the value of expertise. If you’re trying to buy a water heater from a big box home improvement store, you’re probably on your own. The sales associates may be there to answer some basic questions, but they don’t have any specific experience to help them recommend the right unit. If you have questions, you will likely need to figure them out on your own. In most cases, you can’t simply explain your normal water heater use and have them recommend two or three models and their pros and cons.
When you buy a water heater from your plumber, you get the benefit of years of expertise and education. Plumbers perform Houston water heater installation every day. They can help you find the right option for your home. Our plumbers will discuss many specifics of how you use your water heater to find the right unit. We can also walk you through the pros and cons of each unit to help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget.
Houston Water Heater Installation Options
In addition, when you buy from a big box store, oftentimes you’re on your own for Houston water heater installation. Big box stores are retailers, not plumbers. So, in many cases you will have to find someone to install the water heater for you after you purchase it. In some cases, national chains may offer installation services, but they are basically a middle man. They hire an outside contractor to install the water heater for you, but there are drawbacks to this. First, you have no idea whether the contractor offers quality service. You don’t get to do your own research into the professional. Also, the prices for these services are often higher than if you just went to the professional yourself.
Instead, working with a plumber directly for buying and installing a water heater makes the process simple. You have full control over which plumber you choose and have the option to fully vet each company and get different quotes to find the right plumber for you. You also get all services in-house to cut out the middleman and have a clear path of accountability.
Choosing a Plumber for Houston Water Heater Installation
Now you know why you should choose a plumber for Houston water heater installation, let’s talk about how to choose the right plumber. After all, not all plumbers are made the same. You want the best plumber for all your plumbing needs. You and your family rely on quality plumbing every single day for essential things like handwashing, food prep, and showering. For every plumbing service, you need a company you can trust to get the job done right the first time. Always choose a qualified plumber that holds a license with the state of Texas, and also look for proven experience. This shows the plumbers have the skills needed to provide safe, long-lasting, and code compliant plumbing services. In addition, look for reviews and testimonials to determine the quality and level of service you can expect.
Expert Plumbers at Santhoff Plumbing Company
When you work with Santhoff Plumbing Company, you can trust us to provide the best quality plumbing services in the Greater Houston area. We are proud to provide thorough, friendly service and use plumbing materials and equipment from top manufacturers. Whether you need a new water heater, Houston plumbing repairs, or regular maintenance, we are here to help. Since 1974, we have been Houston’s go-to plumbing company for residential and commercial plumbing. Schedule an appointment online now or call our 24/7 line for plumbing emergencies at (281) 759-5000.