The stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is one of the busiest times of the year for your home’s plumbing system—especially your water heater. From extra cooking and cleaning to back-to-back showers for visiting family, the demand on your water heater skyrockets during the holidays. If you’ve noticed slower hot-water recovery, inconsistent temperatures, or unusual noises afterward, your water heater is likely asking for help. This is especially true for units that are 10–15 years old or more. A bit of post-holiday maintenance can go a long way toward extending the life of your tank or tankless water heating system, and preventing mid-winter breakdowns.
Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Water Heaters’ Category
Post-Holiday Season Water Heater Maintenance: Giving Older Systems the Care They Need
Monday, December 15th, 2025Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Water Heater, and Why It Pays to Hire a Professional
Monday, October 20th, 2025As summer fades and cooler weather settles in, many homeowners turn their attention indoors — tackling maintenance tasks to prepare for the colder months ahead. One upgrade that often goes overlooked until it’s too late is the water heater.
Fall is actually one of the best times of year to replace or upgrade your unit, and doing so with the help of a licensed professional can save you from headaches, safety risks, and unexpected costs later on.
Tankless Isn’t Timeless: Why Maintenance Still Matters
Monday, August 4th, 2025
Tankless water heaters, often referred to as on-demand water heaters, have gained popularity due to their energy efficiency, space-saving design, and virtually limitless hot water supply. These systems bring water into the unit only when there is demand, instantly heating cold water as it flows through the heat exchanger. As cold water enters the system, it is rapidly heated on demand, allowing the unit to produce hot water continuously for as long as needed. This means you can enjoy continuous use, such as taking a shower, without running out of hot water. Typically, these systems can provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons per minute, depending on the model and water temperature.
There are different types of tankless water heaters, including electric, gas, condensing, and non condensing models. Electric tankless water heaters are typically used for point-of-use applications due to their lower flow rates, while condensing models offer higher efficiency compared to non condensing units by utilizing advanced technology to recover more heat. Gas-fired tankless water heaters, on the other hand, produce higher flow rates than electric ones, making them a better choice for households with higher hot water demands. When selecting a unit, consider the flow rate (measured in gallons per minute) to ensure it can supply enough hot water for multiple fixtures, like a shower, running at the same time.
Energy efficiency is a key benefit, and ENERGY STAR certified models help identify the most efficient options. The choice of fuel—gas, propane, or electric—impacts both efficiency and installation requirements. Proper installation is crucial: gas models require safe and code-compliant gas lines, and all units should be installed on a suitable wall (interior or exterior) by a licensed professional to ensure safety. Local climate also affects which system is best for your home, as it can influence performance and installation needs. For instance, gas tankless water heaters are generally preferred in colder climates due to their efficiency and superior heating performance.
To improve hot water delivery and reduce cold water waste in pipes, some systems include a recirculation pump. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent mineral buildup, especially in hard water areas, which helps maintain efficiency and prolongs the life of the unit. Most manufacturers recommend yearly descaling for tankless water heaters unless the water is very soft. While tankless water heaters generally last longer than traditional tanks, they will eventually need to be replaced, though replacement is less frequent. Upgrading and replacing an old water heater with a tankless model can improve efficiency and save space, but always prioritize safety by using a professional for installation and maintenance.
Let’s dispel that myth and explore why regular maintenance is essential to keeping your tankless water heater in Gibsonia running efficiently and reliably.
5 Signs You Need a New Water Heater
Monday, November 25th, 2024
Your water heater plays a big role in your daily life. For example, it keeps your showers warm, helps with cleaning, and keeps everything running smoothly. If it’s not working as it should, you might need a water heater replacement in Gibsonia. Catching the signs early can save you money and stress. Let’s dive into five common signs that it’s time for a new one.
How Is Your Water Heater Treating You?
Monday, June 1st, 2020
Normally, we tend to focus on the efficacy of our water heater when winter rolls around. That’s because you typically need a little more from your water heater at a time like this. After all, there’s nothing like hopping into a steaming hot shower after a long, bone-chilling day out in the Pennsylvania cold.
In contrast, the summers here in Pennsylvania are hot and balmy. That doesn’t mean that you won’t still be taking warm showers in your air-conditioned home, using warm water to wash your dishes, or sending your clothes through on a hot water cycle. If you want great water heater service in Butler County, PA, you’re going to need to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re going to get it right for you.