3 Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

December 1st, 2017 Posted in Water Heaters
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Water heaters often seem to fail without warning. One day, you jump in the shower and there is no hot water. However, there are usually warning signs that a water heater is failing if you know what to expect. Water heaters tend to last about ten years, but any time after eight years you should be on the lookout for issues.  Here are three signs your water heater may be coming to the end of its lifespan, so you can proactively replace it before it fails.

  1. Strange noises. Is your water heater making more noise than before? Banging, gurgling or popping noises are usually due to sediment buildup. Draining your tank can help, but too much sediment over time will lead to failure.
  2. Leaks. A major tank leak is often the reason a water heater is replaced. However, small leaks can occur that should be a warning that a major leak or failure is around the corner. Watch for moisture around the tank or small puddles.
  3. Hot water issues. Does it seem to take longer to get hot water or the temperature doesn’t seem to be as warm as before? Does your hot water have a tinge of color to it? Changes in your hot water temperature or color can be a sign there is a problem with your water heater.

It is better to replace your water heater on your schedule than wait for the tank to spring a leak or to wake up to a cold shower. Keep an eye and ear open for issues with your water heater once it is several years old. When it begins having problems, call your local plumber and have it proactively replaced before it fails.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

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New Energy Standards for Residential Water Heaters

April 8th, 2015 Posted in Water Heaters
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The National Energy Appliance Conservation Act or NEACA has introduced new standards for water heater energy efficiency for 2015. Starting April 16, 2015, water heaters sold and installed will be required to have a much higher energy rating than previously allowed. This is expected to have a large impact on energy conservation, with over $60 billion in energy savings over the next twenty years.

How Does the New Regulations Affect Consumers?

Consumers with older water heater models should be aware of the new regulations as it may affect them when it comes time for replacement. For the most part, consumers will benefit from these new regulations as they may see a large difference in their energy bills. Some of the water heater energy factors (EF) have been increased to over double the previous rate. This means they are able to use much less energy to heat water, whether they are fueled by electricity, gas or oil.

One impact on consumers that may be inconvenient is that newer models may have different hook-up requirements than their previous water heater. This could mean that it may need better ventilation, a larger space or an electrical source for gas heaters. In some cases, homeowners may need to downsize the size of their tank to accommodate the new space requirements or buy two smaller units.

It will be important for homeowners to consult with their local plumber before buying a water heater with these new requirements. A professional plumber can evaluate the current set-up and recommend the best options for installing a new model. The good news is that once more homes are converted to the new efficient models, less energy will be needed to heat water in the home.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

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Have You Been Neglecting Your Water Heater?

March 24th, 2015 Posted in Water Heaters
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Water heaters are often the most neglected of the water appliances, expected to provide hot water day after day without getting much TLC. Most water heaters will last 8 to 10 years, often longer if they are given proper maintenance. An annual tune-up of your water heater can help extend the life and ensure it’s working efficiently to keep your home in hot water. 

Annual Water Heater Service

If you’ve never had your water heater serviced, it’s actually a fairly simple process which can be done by you or your local plumber. To reduce mineral sediment build-up and prevent breakdowns, the water heater should be drained and refilled once a year as part of the annual service. In addition, here are a few other in need of a bit of attention:

  • Check the temperature
  • Clean intake filters
  • Test the water pressure, electric/gas elements and emergency shut-off valve
  • Check for leaks and corrosion

Replacing any parts as needed can improve the performance of your water heater and even save money on your energy bills. It’s estimated a well-functioning water heater can save 15% off your energy bills versus a poorly maintained unit.  Plus, by maintaining your water heater, you may get 2-5 more years of service before you need to replace the unit with a new model.

Most plumbing companies offer an affordable water heater tune-up or maintenance service that includes inspection and cleaning of your unit. This is almost always a worthwhile investment, paying for itself in lower energy costs alone. Call your local plumber today and schedule a TLC appointment for your water heater.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

 

 

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Why Is My Water Heater Making Strange Noises?

June 18th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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We tend not to think about our water heaters until there is trouble, and water heater trouble can affect the entire house. One of the common signs of a possible problem is when you hear strange noises, such as popping, ticking or hissing sounds. Ignoring these sounds is one of the worst thing you can do if you want to keep your water heater running. When your water heater starts making a racket, it is time to call a plumber to find out what the problem is before it gets even worse and more expensive to fix.

Common Water Heater Noises

There are a few problems which can cause your water heater to start making strange noises. Some are easily fixed, while others may be alerting you that it may be time for a new unit. Before a small issue becomes a big problem, these sounds should be addressed.

  • Popping. You may hear popping noises which start and stop throughout the day. This may be caused by water expanding as it is heated, moving deposits within the heater that have collected. In most cases, regular maintenance and draining the unit will remove the deposits and stop the popping sound.
  • Hammering. If it sounds like a carpenter has taken up residence within your home, hammering on your water pipes, you may have pressure building in your water pipes. This can cause damage to your pipes and home, so this should be inspected right away. Often all that is needed is an arrestor installed to manage the pressure changes.
  • Rumbling. When deposits are allowed to collect inside your water tank, they can clog the drain, creating a rumbling or gurgling sound as it drains. Regular maintenance and draining can usually fix the issue.

While none of these noises necessarily means that your water heater is failing, if left unchecked, the underlying problem could result in a major breakdown or tank leak. To avoid possible major repairs or expensive water damage, have your water heater regularly maintained by a plumbing professional.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

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Save Money With Water Efficient Appliances

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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We all want to save money, especially when it comes to our utility bills. One great way to reduce your monthly expenses is to cut usage with water and energy efficient appliances. While most people cannot afford to replace all their appliances at once, choosing efficient models when the time comes to buy a new washer, water heater or dish washer can make a big difference on both your water and electricity bills.

Choosing A New Appliance

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made it easy to recognize appliances that are efficient in their energy use. Two programs are sponsored by the EPA, WaterSense and ENERGY STAR, both labeling appliances and fixtures that are deemed energy and water efficient.

  • WaterSense. WaterSense is a partnership program through the EPA which labels products that are certified to be at least 20% more efficient without sacrificing performance.
  • ENERGY STAR. For over twenty years, the ENERGY STAR voluntary EPA program has helped identify appliances which help to save energy. For example, an ENERGY STAR washer today can save over 70% on water and energy than a similar washer made twenty years ago.

The use of these more efficient appliances and fixtures have saved an estimated $230 billion in utility bills over the last twenty years, and 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, making them good for your wallet and the planet.

When you are ready to convert your water appliances to more efficient models, be sure to consult your plumber to be aware of any changes you may need for your home to connect to these new models. In addition to your appliances, your plumber can recommend water efficient toilets and water heaters when the time comes to replace them as well.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

 

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Selecting The Right Water Heater for Your Home

August 1st, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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Before deciding which kind of water heater you’d prefer for your home or business, make sure that you do, indeed, need to purchase a new one. Of course, if the storage tank is rusted through with corrosion then you will need a new one. Some water heater repairs are not difficult for a good plumber such as a heating element that no longer works or a leaking pressure valve. When deciding whether or not to repair or purchase, consider the annual  cost of repair plus the added energy usage of an older water heater compared with a new, energy efficient water heater.

You will find that new technology has also made improvements into the world of water heaters with options such as solar water heaters and tankless water heater systems. Although more costly to purchase, they promise savings in the long run due to their energy efficiency. Realistically, the amount of savings you will pocket depends largely upon which one you buy and where you live. Your local plumbing contractor will be well informed of all the pros and cons of various systems, so as to best assist you with the right purchase for your individual needs.

While most water tank heaters look alike on the outside, they are not and paying a little more for your heater will get you a better, more energy efficient water heater. Typically, the more costly models will have a longer warranty period, as well as a higher quality of parts such as the heating element. The more costly models will also have thicker insulation, along with a better metal exterior that combats corrosion. Finally, the size of the right water heater for your home or business depends on the number of people that typically use hot water in order to calculated how many gallons of water would be needed per day.

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Extend the Life of Your Water Heater With Annual Flushing

July 26th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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A storage type water heater is one appliance that often does not get the regular maintenance it needs.  Water heaters usually last about 10 to 12 years before corrosion eats through the tank and the water heater starts leaking.  Water heater installation and repair can be expensive.  However, along with changing the sacrificial anodes when scheduled,  flushing the sediment out of your water heater annually will help it last longer and can even reduce the amount of energy you use to heat water.

No matter how good your municipal water supply, there will be a very small amount of sediment suspended in your tap water.  Unless you have a whole house filtration system that removes the sediment before the water goes into your water heater, this sediment will slowly accumulated at the bottom of your water tank.  In some cases, so much sediment accumulates over the years that it noticeably reduces the capacity of the tank.

The sediment layer can also act as an insulator that makes your water heater work harder to heat up the water and maintain the temperature.  In all cases, the sediment and minerals accumulating at the bottom of the water heater tank will accelerated corrosion and cause the water heater to fail prematurely.

By flushing the water heater annually, you remove the sediment build up and avoid such problems.  Water heaters have a drain valve at the base of the unit for just this purpose.  You can hook a garden hose to the drain valve and drain out the sediment from the tank.  Be sure to turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater before beginning and follow your manufacturer’s instructions to avoid getting scalded by hot water.

Flushing the sediment out of your water heater annually and changing the anodes when scheduled can help your water heater last 20 years or more.

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Size Matters With Water Heaters

June 5th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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When you are considering purchasing a conventional storage type water heater, be sure to choose one with the proper capacity.  A water heater that is too small will not be able to keep up with the demand for hot water and a water heater that is larger than necessary will be inefficient and cost more to operate.

A conventional tank type water heater keeps a full tank of water hot 24 hours a day.  Hot water is always available when needed, but a lot of energy is wasted keeping the water hot when it will not be needed for hours.  Called standby heat loss, the problem is worse the bigger the tank is.  Accordingly, you can minimize standby heat loss by purchasing the smallest sized water heater that will meet the demand.

Experts recommend using the “first hour rating” rather than tank size when selecting a storage type water heater.  The first hour rating is an indication of how much hot water a water heater can supply in one hour starting with a full tank of hot water.

Obviously, the size of the tank will affect the first hour rating but in addition, a water heater that can heat water quickly will have a higher first our rating than a water heater that heats water more slowly. The type of fuel (electric, natural gas, propoane, etc.) and the size of the heating element determine the rate at which a water heater can heat water.

The Department of Energy publishes tables that you can use to estimate your peak hourly demand for hot water.  Once you estimate your peak hourly demand, select a water heater that has a first hour rating within a couple gallons of that amount.

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Why Do I Need A Thermal Expansion Tank?

April 24th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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If you need to replace your traditional tank type water heater, your plumber may have recommended installation of a thermal expansion tank.  If you have never had one in the past, you may be wondering why or even if you need one.

First, the easy answer is many local building codes require thermal expansion tanks to be installed on storage tank type water heaters.  Local building codes change over time and even if a thermal expansion tank was not required when your home was built it may be a recently added requirement.  If required by local building codes, then you need a thermal expansion tank.

Even if they are not required by local building codes, a thermal expansion tank is necessary if you have a closed plumbing system.  In the past, most residential plumbing systems were open systems.  In an open system, water can theoretically flow both into the home and out of the home through the water supply line.  If there is a drop in water pressure from the municipal supply or an increase in pressure inside the home, water could flow backwards through the water supply line.

To address concerns about contamination of the municipal water supply, many local water authorities have begun to require a backflow prevention device to be installed at each residence.  Installation of a backflow prevention device creates a closed system that prevents water from flowing backwards through the water supply line.  The backflow prevention device only allows water to flow into the home from the municipal water supply.

Backflow prevention devices help prevent contamination of the municipal water supply, but they create a problem for storage tank type water heaters.  As water heats in the water heater, it expands.  In the past this was not a problem since the excess water could flow backwards through the water supply line.  However, in a closed system the excess water has nowhere to go and pressure will build inside the water heater and the home’s plumbing system.

A thermal expansion tank solves this problem by allowing the excess water to expand inside the thermal expansion tank.  If you have a closed plumbing system be sure to have your plumber install a thermal expansion tank on your water heater.

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Water Heater Location

March 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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If you are building a new home you may have several alternative locations for placement of the water heater. Common locations include the attic, a basement or crawl space, an indoor utility room, and an attached garage.  Each location has its advantages and disadvantages.  If you are not happy with the proposed location, talk to your builder or general contractor about different water heater installation options.

For existing homes, changing the location of a water heater can be problematic depending on where it is located, where you want to relocate it, and the accessibility of the plumbing.  Talk to your plumber about any concerns you have regarding the current location and the feasibility and cost of moving the water heater to a new location.

Locating the water heater inside a heated space such as an indoor utility closet or heated garage will help reduce standby heat losses and in many cases, an indoor location will minimize the length of hot water supply lines which will reduce heat loss and shorten wait times for hot water.

However, many homeowners prefer to locate the water heater outside the living space to avoid the possibility of flooding damage if the water heater starts leaking.  Also, locating gas water heaters outside of living spaces can make venting the unit easy and minimizes concerns about carbon monoxide and gas leaks.  Basements and garages are good locations outside of the home that offer good accessibility.

Attics are a common location for water heaters.  There are a lot of advantages to placing a water heater in the attic.  There is usually plenty of space and it is relatively easy to access and service the water  heater.  However, take extra care to ensure that a deep drip pan is installed under the water heater along with a leak free drain line.  If the water heater leaks leaks you want to ensure that it does not cause any damage to your walls and ceilings.

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