Residential Water Heaters

May 21st, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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Some homes are equipped with gas or electric tankless water heates, but most water heaters in the United States are traditional tank type water heaters that heat water utilizing either electricity or gas.  A thermostat with a factory preset controls the temperature of the water, however, the temperature can be adjusted as well.  There is also a setting that can be used to turn down the temperature while the owner is away on vacation.  This prevents the continuous heating of the water in the tank.

The size of the water heater will vary depending upon the number of bathrooms in the home as well as the anticipated load.  Often newer homes with 2-3 bathrooms will have a 50-gallon water heater, while homes with the same number of bathrooms will have a 75-gallon tank, if they have a soaking tub.  Equally important to the size of the tank is the recovery time of the tank.  This is the time that it will take the tank to heat up the water once the existing hot water is used.  A smaller tank with a quicker recovery time is preferred in many cases.

Water heaters usually have a long life span, but they do go bad.  Often the first sign of trouble is water leaking from the tank.  Usually the reason for the leak is either the tank leaking or the water being released via the overflow pipe due to a build up of pressure in the tank.  It is critical that a professional plumbing contractor determine the cause of the leak.  The contractor can make the repair if it can be repaired or install a new water heater.  The repair or replacement is a straightforward job for a qualified plumber and can be accomplished at a very economical price in less than a day.

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When It Comes to Plumbing, DIY Isn’t Always Best

March 13th, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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There are entire television channels, full sections of book stores and large sections of the Internet dedicated to the Do-It-Yourself revolution. Learning to be more self-sufficient, to care for your home and property in an hands-on, involved fashion and gaining new skills along the way are all admirable aspirations. Whether you’re looking to save money or just eager to get your hands dirty, DIY hobbies can be great fun.

When it comes to certain areas of your home, however, doing it yourself just isn’t the way to go. Incorrectly installing or repairing plumbing fixtures can lead to very real problems, some of which can be outrageously expensive to correct and even downright dangerous.

In many cases, you may not realize that you’ve performed a repair or an installation incorrectly until problems start cropping up. Water damage alone can be exorbitantly expensive to reverse, not to mention the very real possibility of pipe and fixture damage.

Rather than tackling major plumbing tasks on your own, you should contact a professional, licensed plumber in your area for a consultation. Whether your home is in need of a repair or a remodeling project requires a new installation, you can save thousands of dollars in the long run by turning this integral part of your home’s functionality over to an experienced and qualified professional plumber. Before you pick up a wrench or set out to replace a wax seal, you should honestly and objectively evaluate your skills. From hot water heaters to drainage issues and the replacement of entire fixtures, a professional plumber has the experience and training to handle these plumbing issues safely and effectively.

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Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes

January 14th, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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If you buy an older home it’s almost a given that you will run into some plumbing problems. The first 12 months you own the home are when the majority of these situations will occur. Some things you will be able to remedy on your own and some will require the services of a licensed and insured professional plumber.

Older plumbing brings with it a special set of concerns that often are beyond the skill-set and experience of the the average handyman. Special tools may be needed that you won’t find anymore in a hardware store.

There are some things to look out for that will allow you to identify some existing situations and others that are likely to occur unless they are dealt with now. Below are a few tell-tale markers to look out for.

  • Hot Water Heater – The hot water heater is one of those appliances that can quit suddenly, particularly models that are more than 10 years old (the first four digits of the serial number will tell you the month and year of manufacture). If you have to replace one, make sure the new water heater has sufficient capacity and a good energy rating.
  • Tubs and Showers – Loose, chipped caulking and broken tiles can allow water to seep behind and underneath, damaging floors and walls.
  • Water Pressure – Low water pressure can indicate cracked supply lines or calcification in the lines.
  • Toilets – Staining at the base can point to a variety of problems. Dark stains are often indicative of mold and light or whitish stains can result from moisture seepage. Toilets and sub-floors may need to be repaired or replaced.

Your friendly neighborhood plumber will be happy to help you adjust to your vintage domicile and you’d be surprised at some of the arcane tools and supplies he keeps in his magic toolbox.

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Advanced Options in Water Heaters

December 20th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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If you are looking at new water heaters to replace your current one, you may run into some unfamiliar terms.  Today’s water heaters are more advanced than the old ones and often use technology that you may never have heard of.  Here are some of those terms and what they mean so you can make an informed decision when you purchase your next water heater.

High Efficiency

This phrase tells you that the water heater runs more efficiently than older water heaters to save you money and save the environment.  It is measured by an EF rating or Energy Factor.  The most efficient models have a higher number.  They may cost more to purchase but will save money on heating costs.

Energy Star

Energy Star rated water heaters are better for the environment as well as better for your wallet.  This term means it is backed by the government and is popular with many homeowners who are looking to save money and help the environment.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters (also called demand water heaters) are the most energy efficient type of water heating system.  A tankless water heater does not store water in the unit.  Instead, it heats the water as it passes through to its destination.  A tankless water heater is more energy efficient since it only heats the water as it is used instead of trying to keep the water warm all of the time like storage type water heaters models.   Smaller demand water heaters cannot provide as much hot water as a storage type water heaters, so they are best used in small families where only one or two areas of the home are using hot water at once.

If you have questions about the different types of water heaters available or what certain technology means, you can talk to your local plumber.  They will gladly answer your questions so you understand what you are purchasing.

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How to Choose the Right Water Heater for Your Home

December 20th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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A water heater provides the hot water you and your family need so it is important to choose the right one for your home.  Here are some tips to help you in your decision.

You will have to determine which fuel type for your water heater to buy.  This will be electric, natural gas, or propane gas.  Then you will have to think about the size of your family to pick the right capacity for your water heater.  They are measured by gallons and this number lets you know how many gallons can be heated at one time.  If you choose a water heater that is too small, you will run out of hot water when you are taking a shower or doing laundry.

If you choose a water heater that is too big, you will never need all of the hot water and will be wasting energy heating up more than you need.  It takes electricity to keep the water warm and the smaller heart you get, the cheaper your utility bill will be.

The next step is to measure the area where the water heater will go to determine what size will fit in that space.  You will need to measure the height and width to ensure that you don’t get one too big to fit the area.

Once you know what water heater you need, you can contact your local plumber to help you find the right one and install it for you.  They will make sure everything is connected correctly and working so that you have hot water when you need it.

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Water Heater Maintenance: Don’t Overlook It!

November 6th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Often we take our water heaters for granted until something goes wrong. However, these are expensive pieces of equipment and can last much longer if simple maintenance is done regularly on them. By scheduling a maintenance inspection at least once a year, you can increase the longevity and efficiency of your water heater. The following three items are usually included in a water heater inspection by a plumber.

 Check The Pressure Release Valve

The first step in your annual maintenance is to check the temperature-release valve (TPR). The water supply valve and the power to the water heater should be shut off first. Then a bucket is put under the pipe that leads to the TPR, which should be on the side or top of the heater. The handle on the valve will be lifted to release some water into the bucket and then let the handle go. If water continues to come out, the valve is not working properly and may need to be replaced. 

Check The Anode Rod

On the top of the heater, there is a hex head that contains the anode rod. To remove the anode rod, your plumber will first drain out a few gallons of water from the tank, then unscrew the hex head and pull out the anode rod. If the rod is less than 1/2 inch thick or is corroded, it may be recommended to replace the rod.  

Flush The Tank

The last step in annual maintenance of a water heater is flushing the tank. The water  will be drained out of the tank. Once it is empty, a little water will be added to flush sediment from the bottom and then it is drained again. This is repeated until water comes out clean. 

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Choosing a Replacement Water Heater

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Replacing your water heater when it quits working is usually a high priority, but a trip to the local home improvement store can leave you feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices available.  You can make it easier by breaking the decision down into different considerations.

First, you will need to determine your energy source. Most traditional water heaters are either electric or gas, but you can also purchase one that is operated by a heat pump or powered by the sun. There are also tankless water heaters or indirect water heaters that operate with the home’s heating system.  You should find out if you have another option other than the type of water heater you were already using and compare the costs and operating efficiency of the two.

Next, you will need to select the right size for your water heater.  Each type of water heater will give you certain options, but you will need one large enough to keep you from running out of hot water during your peak usage.  However, you don’t want to pay for a tank larger than you need.  Besides the higher purchase cost, you will also have the continual cost of keeping that much water hot and ready for use.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you will want to find one that is energy efficient to save on operating costs.  Your final decision will also be based on the different costs of the water heaters that match your criteria.

To make your decisions easier, you can call a plumber.  They can advise you on the right size for your household and answer any questions you might have.

 

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The Better Business Bureau Can Help You Find A Reputable Plumber

October 3rd, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Finding a reputable plumber to replace your water heater, help with a bathroom remodeling project, replace a toilet, or even just to clear a clogged drain can be a hassle unless you are lucky enough to get a good reference from a friend or family member.  There are so many plumbers in phone book and on the internet and it is difficult to tell the good ones from the bad.

Your local Better Business Bureau is a great resource to help you find a good plumbing contractor.  You can check with the BBB to see if there have been any complaints against the plumber you are considering hiring.  There are a few things to keep in  mind about the BBB.

First, check to see if your plumber has been operating under the same name for several years.  Changing the name of the business is one way a bad plumber can try to hide from a bad reputation.

Next, it’s great if your prospective plumber does not have any complaints at all. If they have been in business in your area for years without a single complaint, that’s a pretty good sign that they know how to keep their customers happy.

If there are a lot of complaints about the plumber, you should probably look for a different plumber. However, don’t automatically rule out a plumber just because of a few complaints.  There are some customers who are just impossible to please and even the best plumbers can have a few complaints over the years.

If there are a few complaints, check to see if the plumber responded and if the complaint was satisfactorily resolved.  A response from the plumber is an indication that they do their best to satisfy the customer.  If there is no response at all, you can be sure that the plumber will not respond to any concerns you may have either.

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Water Heating Energy Saving Tips

August 3rd, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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In most homes, a surprisingly large amount of energy is devoted to water heating.  According to EPA estimates, about 25% of the energy usage in a typical home is spent on heating water.  Installing a tankless water heater can result in significant energy savings, but the initial cost can be very high.  If you’re not ready to invest in a tankless water heating system just yet, there are some effective, lower cost solutions that can help you reduce your energy bill without a loss of water heating performance.

Replacing your existing storage type water heater can result in significant energy savings.  Energy efficient storage type water heaters are more widely available than they were just ten to fifteen years ago.  You can reduce your energy consumption for water heating by about 7% by installing an Energy Star qualified water heater.

Sizing the water heater properly can also save big on energy usage.  Installing a water heater that is too large increases energy losses due to standby heat loss.  Choose the smallest size water heater that will provide sufficient hot water for your needs.  Compare the first hour ratings to see how much hot water the water heater can deliver during periods of peak demand.

Installing an insulation blanket on your water heater is a low cost way to minimize standby heat loss.  Depending on how well your water heater is insulated, you can save as much as 9% on water heating energy costs with an insulation blanket.

Heat traps installed in the inlet and outlet pipes can reduce convective heat loss.  Heat trap should be installed by an experienced plumber and the most cost effective time to install them is during a water heater replacement.

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Water Heater Sacrificial Anodes

July 26th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Most homeowners give very little thought to maintaining their water heaters.  For most, the water heater sits quietly in the attic, basement or garage where it is ignored for years until the day it stops working or starts leaking.  Then, the plumber is called to replace the water heater with a new water heater and after the water heater installation, it is ignored again until the cycle repeats itself.

Under these conditions, a typical water heater lasts about 10 to 12 years before the tank corrodes through and starts to leak.  A leaking tank is the most common reason for a water heater replacement is which is too bad because with a little maintenance, a water heater can last 20 years or more.

Water heaters slowly corrode from the inside out.  To stop the tank from corroding, water heaters are built with sacrificial anodes which are soft metal pipes inside the tank.  These pipes corrode instead of the tank.  The rate of corrosion varies depending on the quality of the construction, amount of minerals in the tap water, and other factors but a typical anode lasts about six years.  Some water heaters are equipped with two anodes that together will last about twelve years.

Once the sacrificial anodes have corroded away, the tank will start corroding and within a few years the tank will corrode through and start leaking.  Replacing the anodes before they are completely used up will help the tank last much longer.

Replacing the anode on your water heater is a moderately difficult task.  Depending on how and where the water heater is installed, replacing the anodes may involve removing the water heater.  Since there is no way to tell how much of the anode is left without removing it from the tank, the best way to handle water heater anode replacement is to have a single anode replaced every 5 years and double anodes replaced every 10 years.  This will help insure that your water heater tank is protected against  corrosion.  Unless you are very comfortable with your skill level, this is a job that should be handled by an experienced plumber.

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