Water Heater Installation in Brownsburg, IN

Knowing When to Replace Your Unit

Many homeowners in Brownsburg wait for a catastrophic failure before considering a replacement. However, recognizing the early warning signs of a failing system can save you from emergency calls and cold showers.

• Age of the Equipment: Standard tank water heaters generally last 8 to 12 years. If your unit is approaching or has passed this age, efficiency drops significantly, and the risk of leaks increases.
• Rusty or Discolored Water: If hot water appears  usty but cold water runs clear, corrosion is likely occurring inside the tank. This indicates the anode rod has failed and the tank lining is compromised.
• Strange Noises: A rumbling, popping, or banging sound often indicates sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. As this sediment hardens, it forces the burner to work harder, overheating the tank metal and leading to fractures.
• Visible Leaks: Any moisture around the base of the tank is a serious red flag. Unlike loose valves, a leaking tank cannot be repaired and requires immediate replacement to prevent flooding.
• Insufficient Hot Water: If your family constantly runs out of hot water, your current unit may be undersized for your needs or suffering from a failing heating element.

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Selecting a new water heater is an opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency. We install top-rated brands and help you choose the configuration that matches your usage habits.

Traditional Tank Water Heaters

These systems store a reserve of hot water—typically 40 to 50 gallons—ready for immediate use.

• Advantages: Lower initial purchase cost and simpler integration into most homes.
• Fuel Options: We install both gas water heaters and electric models. Gas units generally heat water faster, while electric units are highly efficient at energy transfer.

Tankless Water Heater Systems

Tankless units heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where a gas burner or electric element heats it instantly.

• Advantages: They provide a continuous supply of hot water, making them ideal for large families. They also take up significantly less space, as they mount on the wall, and eliminate the standby energy losses associated with storage tanks.

Why Professional Installation Matters

While internet tutorials may suggest that replacing a water heater is a DIY project, the reality involves complex safety considerations. Improper installation can lead to gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, or water damage.

Our licensed technicians ensure that:

• Venting is Correct: Proper venting of exhaust gases is critical for keeping your indoor air quality safe.
• Connections are Secure: We ensure gas lines and water pipes are connected using the proper materials to prevent future leaks.
• Drain Pans are Utilized: We install drain pans to protect your flooring and property in the event of future issues.
• Expansion Tanks are Installed: Modern plumbing codes often require thermal expansion tanks to relieve pressure in your plumbing system, protecting your pipes and the new heater.

Our Installation Process

We strive to make the replacement process as unobtrusive as possible. When you hire Cornwell Plumbing, here is the workflow you can expect:

1. Assessment: We inspect your current setup, discuss your hot water needs, and verify fuel sources.
2. Safe Removal: We shut off utilities, drain the old tank safely, and remove it from your property.
3. Preparation: We clean the installation area and prepare the necessary piping modifications.
4. Installation: The new unit is positioned, leveled, and connected to water, gas/electric, and venting systems.
5. Testing: We fill the unit, purge air from the lines, igniting the pilot or powering the system to verify it heats correctly.
6. Cleanup: We leave the workspace cleaner than we found it.