If you're replacing an old hot water system, then you get the opportunity to upgrade the system and its components. Switching to a stainless steel water heater is worth consideration. What are the benefits?
1. Get a Heater That Lasts Longer
While ceramic water heaters or ones made from other metals have a long life, a stainless steel model should outlive them. Traditional materials often rust and corrode over time. After all, they're constantly in contact with water.
A stainless steel heater should last for longer. These heaters are usually made from marine-grade stainless steel. This grade of steel is specially designed to stay intact when it comes into contact with water. So, this material shouldn't corrode or rust; it keeps its integrity. This gives stainless steel heaters a longer lifespan.
2. Get a Heater That Needs Less Maintenance
Water heater manufacturers need to take measures to protect their products from the effects of water. So, for example, regular water heaters usually have one or more sacrificial anodes in them.
These anodes protect against rust and corrosion. They attract the harmful substances that cause these problems, taking them away from the structure of the heater itself.
However, these anodes will themselves corrode over time as they take in these substances. Once an anode has reached its capacity, it stops working and needs to be replaced.
If you do remember that you need to replace these anodes, then you'll have to pay to have this maintenance work done fairly regularly. If you forget, which is easy to do, then you could have further maintenance or repair costs. If an anode doesn't work, then the substances it should attract will affect the heater itself, making it corrode.
Stainless steel water heaters don't need anodes because they have in-built corrosion protection. So, you will have lower maintenance and repair costs.
3. Get a Heater That Produces Hotter Water
Water heaters usually have maximum temperature settings. This affects the heat of the water they can produce or store. So, for example, a ceramic heater might only heat water up to a certain temperature because it would start to get damaged after that point.
This isn't a problem with stainless steel water heaters. They can cope with higher temperatures without any internal damage.
If you think that a stainless steel heater will be a good hot water replacement option, then talk to your plumber. They can explain how these heaters work and whether or not they will work for your household. Your plumber can also give you more information on hot water replacement systems.
