Which Water Heater Upgrades Are Right For You?

Find the Right Solution for Your Home in Pittsburgh, PA

Are you struggling with no hot water, inconsistent hot water, or your water doesn’t get hot enough? Use this guide to identify which water heater upgrade or solution best fits your home. If you answer “yes” to a question, follow the recommended path.

START HERE

Are you experiencing problems with hot water in your home?

• Yes → Continue below
• No, but I want prevention or better performance → Skip to Prevention & Protection Upgrades

HOT WATER PERFORMANCE ISSUES

Do you wait a long time for hot water at faucets or showers?

• Yes → Recommended upgrade: Instant Hot Water Recirculation System
  • Solves long wait times, wasted water, and comfort issues.
• No → Continue

Does your hot water smell like sulfur or “rotten eggs”?

• Yes → Recommended upgrades:
  • Zinc Anode Rod
  • Powered Anode Rod System
    • Solves odor caused by bacteria and water chemistry reactions.
• No → Continue

Does your hot water run out faster than it used to, or does your system seem less efficient?

• Yes → Recommended upgrades:
  • Scale Prevention System
  • Full-Port Drain Valve Upgrade
    • Solves mineral buildup, declining efficiency, and poor performance.
• No → Continue

LEAKS, FLOODING, AND WATER DAMAGE CONCERNS

Is your water heater located in a finished basement, closet, attic, or living space?

• Yes → Recommended upgrades:
  • Water Heater Safety Pan
  • Automatic Leak Shut-Off System
    • Protects finished areas from leaks and tank failure.
• • No → Continue

Are you concerned about leaks while you are away from home?

• Yes → Recommended upgrade: Automatic Water Heater Leak Shut-Off System
  • Provides continuous monitoring and automatically stops water flow during a leak.
• No → Continue

WATER HEATER LIFESPAN AND RELIABILITY

Has your water heater failed earlier than expected in the past?

• Yes → Recommended upgrades:
  • Double Anode Rod Upgrade (10-Year Warranty)
  • Powered Anode Rod System
    • Reduces corrosion and extends tank life.
• No → Continue

Are you planning to stay in your home long-term?

• Yes → Recommended upgrades:
  • Extended Tank Warranty (8–10 Years)
  • Anode Rod Upgrades
    • Reduces long-term replacement and repair costs.
• No → Continue

SAFETY, CODE, AND VENTING ISSUES

Have you been told your water heater has venting or backdrafting problems?

• Yes → Continue
• No → Skip to Code and Space Considerations

Does your home rely on an older or failing chimney?

• Yes → Recommended solutions:
  • Chimney Liner Installation
  • Side-Wall Power Vent Gas Water Heater
    • Improves draft, safety, and code compliance.
• No → Continue

Would you prefer a high-efficiency solution that does not rely on a chimney?

• Yes → Recommended solution: Side-Wall Vented Tankless Water Heater
  • Improves efficiency, reliability, and venting safety.
• No, or gas venting is not practical → Recommended solution: Electric Water Heater (Vent-Free Option)

CODE AND SPACE CONSIDERATIONS

Are you installing or replacing a water heater in Pittsburgh?

• Yes → Required upgrade: Thermal Expansion Tank (ST-5 or ST-12)
  • Protects the plumbing system and meets local code requirements.

Is your water heater installed in a tight or low-clearance space?

• Yes → Recommended upgrades:
  • Segmented Anode Rod
  • Hot-Side Segmented Anode Rod
    • Allows proper maintenance where standard anode rods cannot be installed.

Do you have an older 80-gallon electric water heater that is no longer approved?

• Yes → Recommended solution: High-Efficiency Electric Water Heater Replacement
  • Provides strong hot water performance while meeting current code.

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION UPGRADES

(Even if your water heater is currently working)

If you want to avoid future problems and extend the life of your system, the most effective proactive upgrades include:

• Water Heater Safety Pan
• Automatic Leak Shut-Off System
• Scale Prevention System
• Anode Rod or Powered Anode Upgrade
• Extended Warranty Options

Still Not Sure Which Upgrade Is Right?

Many homes in Pittsburgh benefit from more than one upgrade, especially older systems or homes with hard water.

Contact Taggart Plumbing to schedule a professional water heater evaluation. We will identify the root cause of the issue and recommend only the upgrades your system truly needs.