Plumbing Fixtures and Tankless Water Heaters Buying Guide
Hot water has daily applications in our homes such as bathing, cooking and washing. During the cold season, cold water can become downright unbearable. You don't have to heat water every time you need some warm water. A reliable water heater can supply your home with a steady flow of hot water around the clock.
Do you need a new water heater but you aren't sure which one to purchase? Do you need to replace your existing water heating system? We have prepared this guide for you.
We will start with a brief on how water heaters work.
A water heater is a system that utilizes an energy source to heat water for domestic or industrial use. The most popular sources of energy used for heating water are electricity, solar, and natural gas.
Tank Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater
Tank Water Heater
Typically, a water heater comprises a heat source, a storage tank and a series of pipes and valves. A dip tube supplies cold water at the bottom of the reservoir where it gets heated.
For a gas water heater, a chimney may run through the center of the tank so that the escaping exhaust fumes heat the surrounding water. Warm water becomes less dense, rises to the top of the tank, and exits through the heat-out pipe. The piping system in the building supplies the water throughout the household.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater delivers hot water on-demand. Such systems exhibit high efficiency since there is no energy wasted in keeping the water hot in a reservoir.
When you open a hot water tap, cold water runs into the heating unit and get heated as it passes. It exits the system when hot or warm for immediate use.
Where to Buy a Water Heater
We at Sam's Club sell reliable water heaters at fair prices. By joining our PlusMembership, you can enjoy cash rewards, free shipping and other benefits at members-only prices.
Types of Water Heaters
We can classify water heaters by the kind of energy they consume. You can either have a natural gas water heater, electric water heater or a solar water heater.
Let's be more specific by focusing on how these systems function. Your water heater can be one of the following:
- Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater
- Tankless Water Heater
- Condensing Water Heater
- Solar Powered Water Heater
- Heat Pump Water Heater
What Sizes of Water Heaters Can I Choose?
Sizing of hot water heaters depends on the desired temperature ranges at specified flow rates. You must consider the number of house occupants to determine the water tank size that suits your needs.
For tankless water heaters, there is no reservoir consider. The primary factor is the flow rate, which refers to the amount of hot water the system can deliver in a minute.
On-demand gas water heaters usually achieve higher flow rates than tankless electric water heaters. If you want to install a tankless heater, ensure that its flow rate is at least 2.5 gallons of hot water per minute (2.5 GPM). Adjust the variable upwards as per your needs.
When sizing a conventional tank water heater, think about the capacity of the tank. Here are some tank sizes you can consider for your home.
- 30-Gallon capacity
- 40-Gallon capacity
- 50-Gallon capacity
- 80-Gallon capacity
Your household hot water requirements will also come into play. Getting your tank capacity right can offer substantial energy savings. A smaller tank than required means multiple cycles of heating per day while an overly large reservoir means heating more water than needed.
What Features Should I Look for in a Water Heater?
Product features impact the usefulness of an item, though some are aesthetic. Here is what to look out for when choosing a water heater.
Digital Display
Water heaters with digital displays are more straightforward to monitor. Depending on the model, you can read and regulate the water temperature on a panel. An advanced system may also report errors in case the heater develops a problem.
Some water heaters will also let you customize their operation. For instance, you can set the heat pump mode if you will be away to make the system more energy efficient.
Glass-Lined Tanks
Glass resists corrosion. Therefore, rust won't be part of your concerns when you have a glass-lined tank.
Drain Valve
Mounted at the base of the tank, drain valves, are outlets for excess water. They are usually brass or plastic in most systems. Our advice is you go for brass because its quality is superior to most other materials.
Anti-Scale Devices
Water heaters may offer anti-scale devices to prevent deposits from settling on the heating appliances. They may also soften the water and convert some mineral elements to a filterable state.
Warranty
One way of predicting the lifespan of a product is its warranty. You can expect a product to serve you well if the manufacturer offers a considerable warranty period. Find out if the coverage extends to the whole unit or some specified water heater parts.
Things to Consider When Buying a Water Heater
Vital considerations when purchasing a hot water heater include:
- Tank Size: Tank capacity should match your demand for hot water.
- Power Source: A water heater can only be useful if you can access and afford the relevant energy source.
- Efficiency: Get yourself a water heater marked Energy Star for high efficiency.
- Budget: We can help you to select a unit that balances your needs with your budget.
What Brands of Water Heaters Does Sam's Club Sell?
Sam's Club has a selection of water heaters from Eccotemp.
FAQ - Water Heaters
What brand of water heater is best?
At Sam's Club, we have identified Eccotemp as the best tankless water heaters based on their performance and price.
How many gallons of water does a shower use in 30 minutes?
A low-flow showerhead has a flow rate of two gallons per minute (GPM) while a standard one can reach 2.5 GPM. That means you can use about 60 to 75 gallons in a 30-minute shower.
How often should you replace a water heater?
According to most manufacturers, a water heater should serve you for eight to 12 years without issues. The period may depend on the quality of water in your home and your maintenance efforts.
How do you know if you need a new water heater?
You can replace your water heater if it's too old or you want to upgrade to a modern, more energy efficient unit. For instance, some people switch from propane water heaters to solar-powered units systems to save on energy.
Other reasons for replacing water heaters are problems like:
- Rust
- Tank leaks
- Drain valve failure
- Inability to heat water
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
Tankless water heaters are vital installations. They consume less energy, fit in constricted spaces, and offer more longevity than water tank water heaters.
How much does it cost to replace and install a water heater?
Replacement of an average tank water heater can cost you from $500 to $1,000, and $1,500 to $2,500 for a tankless model. Most plumbers today will charge up to $500 to remove the old unit. Collects estimates from a few plumbing companies in your area before making a decision.
Plumbing and Fixtures
Whether you're replacing dated installations or creating your own dream bathroom, Sam's Club has the plumbing and fixtures necessities to help you do it. From tankless water heaters to bathroom faucets and bidets, you'll find it all at a reasonable price.
Bidets
When considering the plumbing fixtures you want for your home improvement needs, the bidet provides additional personal hygiene where you want it most. A standalone unit fits beside the toilet and includes its own tank for supplying water.
Bidet seat attachments attach directly to the toilet and provide directional sprays for optimal cleaning. Some models include temperature controls, while others use the toilet as the water source. For bidets with heated water, additional bathroom plumbing fixtures may be required.
Plumbing Considerations
When updating and installing plumbing fixtures, water purification supplies can improve efficiency and appliance life spans. From whole house filters to reverse osmosis, water softeners and supplies, you'll find the systems you need for your comfort and plumbing fixtures at Sam's Club.
