Sizing Guide

What size water heater should I purchase?
A standard 40-gallon water heater is adequate for most families. If your current water heater has been adequate, we suggest replacing it with the same size. If you run out frequently, consider upgrading to 50-gallon water heater. If you have multiple bathrooms and very high demand, a 75-gallon water heater may be an option. Since a 75-gallon water heater has a larger vent, a feasibility visit is necessary to determine if a home's flue has the necessary capacity to ensure proper operation.

Another way of selecting a water heater is to use the first-hour rating method. The first hour rating combines the tank size and the recovery rate to give an estimate of how much hot water your tank can supply during a normal peak hour of usage.

The first-hour rating does not assume that you are drawing water out of the tank at a fast rate. If you run a high-flow faucet wide open on hot, a typical 40-gallon water heater will run out after about 20-25 gallons.

Tankless water heaters are more efficient than tank type water heaters, raising the water temperature only as you use hot water. This type of heater can only heat the water up to a certain number of gallons per minute depending on how cold the water is coming into the house. Converting to a tankless type of heater requires extensive plumbing work and a meter upgrade. A properly sized tankless water heater will provide endless hot water and energy savings for many years. Laclede can assist you in evaluating the best type of water heater for your home.

Continuous or instantaneous type water heaters raise the water temperature only as you use hot water. This type of heater can only heat the water up to a certain number of gallons per minute. If you exceed that rate, for example by turning on more than one shower and using the hot water in the sink, the water will not heat to your setting. Laclede can assist you in evaluating the best type of water heater for your home.

FAQs

How do I know if the water heater needs to be replaced?
Normally, once water leaks through a corroded tank, or there is not adequate hot water after years of lime build up, it is time for a new water heater. Inadequate hot water is much more common during cold weather because of colder water coming into the tank and the need for more heating.

If water is leaks from the temperature and pressure relief valve out of the open pipe on to the floor the problem may be pressure related. A new water heater may not be needed. An expansion tank or pressure reducing valve may eliminate the leak.

If your water heater has been working okay, is not leaking water and the pilot can't be relit, a service call may be all that is needed. Laclede Gas customers can call 314-621-6960 to make an appointment for a service call.

How soon can you install a new water heater?
In most cases we can install your new water heater the same day, or the next business day after you order. Weekend installations are currently unavailable.

Who will do the installation?
Laclede uses licensed plumbers to install your water heater. We obtain all necessary permits. Where required, your installation is inspected to see that the water heater is up to code.

I live outside the Laclede Gas Company service area. Can I purchase a water heater from Laclede?
Our water heater service includes installation. If you live outside of our service area please look for a local source for your new water heater. Missouri Natural Gas customers can call 1-888-654-0444 for installed water heater sales.

What is the purpose of an expansion tank?

When water is heated it expands. In some homes, as water heats up it pushes water back through the water meter, equalizing the pressure. Backflow preventors in today’s water meters seal the system. Now, as the water heater re-heats pressure builds up. If the pressure goes above the tripping point of the temperature and pressure relief valve, the valve will open and you will find water on the floor coming out of the overflow pipe on the side of the water heater. Expansion tanks prevent this pressure build-up by giving the water a place to expand. An added benefit is the expansion tank prevents stress on the water heater tank and may extend the life of the water heater. Expansion tanks are required by code in certain municipalities.

I think I need warranty service. Does Laclede come out to do the repairs?
We apologize that there is a problem, we want to get it resolved immediately. Laclede does not provide the warranty service with its gas utility service department.  

If you have an installation problem and water is leaking from new connections, please call your installer directly and we will correct the problem.  Problems with the water heater itself, such as a defective tank or a pilot that will not stay lit require a manufacturer's warranty service agent. For a warranty service agent near you, please call our local water heater distributor listed below and we will send a service agent out for repair.  It will be very helpful if you have your model number and serial number when you call.  These numbers are printed on the rating sticker on your heater.  

It is rare, but not unheard of for a pilot to go out on a new heater. We suggest following the instructions exactly and trying to relight it yourself before calling for service. If the warranty agent simply relights the pilot there will be a service charge.  Follow the relighting instructions in an effort to correct the problem.  If the pilot will not stay lit, or continues to go out, call for warranty service.  

Warranty Service by Brand of Water Heater
State Water Heaters purchased after April 2005, Milford Plumbing Supply, 314-894-1994 ext. 3450
A.O. Smith Water Heaters, State Water Heaters pre April 2005 - Crescent Plumbing Supply, 314-727-4200
Ruud Water Heaters - Atlas Plumbing Supply, 314-533-1500

In addition, we will be happy to assist you in locating a service agent.

The average St. Louis home uses about 240 natural gas Therms (a Therm is 100,000 Btus) per year to heat water.

Water heater tanks have a protective glass-like lining baked on the inside. Without it, most tanks would rust through in a year or two.

Running a bit of hot water in the morning "wakes up" the tank and can help to extend capacity for morning showers. Run a gallon or two about 15 minutes before shower time.