Tips on How to Troubleshoot Your Electric Water Heater

Many people take for granted their electric water heaters at home. When these handy water heaters get broken or something minor goes wrong with them, people do not know how to troubleshoot or fix it. Honestly, electric water heaters are very easy to troubleshoot when you understand the heating process and when you know the plumbing as well as the appliances. What you should know before doing any repairs is how an electric water heater works and most especially know what its main components are.

Note: This is a guide written most especially for those who need to know about troubleshooting electric water heaters with 30, 40, 50-gallon capacity and also larger ones, meant for residential use.

The Electric Water Heater – Its Elements and How They Work

When you get to know the basic elements of an electric water heater and how they work, it would be much easier for you to perform electric water heater troubleshooting. Assuming that the electric water heater was properly installed and was functioning correctly prior to any occurrence of problems, below are some of the typical electric water heater elements you need to become familiar with:

The cold water from house plumbing goes into the heater tank, through the dip tube and then fills the tank from the bottom up.
The upper thermostat with the pre-set temperature calls for heating and then turns on the upper heating element in order to heat the water.
Water gets warmer and by the time it reaches the set temperature, the top thermostat switches the power on to the bottom thermostat, and then it applies power on the bottom heating element until it reaches the set temperature.
Once you open the tap when doing dishes or going for a shower, the hot water is drawn from the topmost part of the unit, through plumbing to the opened faucet.
If the hot water at the top of the water heater tank is too high, the red button will actually trip and then cut the power to both heating elements.
There is a sacrificial anode rod inside the heater tank which prevents corrosion due to the heating process. It is actually replaceable.
The temperature relief valve or TPR valve prevents extreme pressure from occurring inside the tank, helping the excessive water or air to come out.
For tank flushing or draining, there is a drain valve present at the bottom part of the tank.
Keep in mind that the problems and troubleshooting tips mentioned above are exclusively for electric water heaters that are tank type. Also, in order to safely troubleshoot an electric water heater, you should have basic electrical knowledge.

How to Troubleshoot Your Electric Water Heater – Troubleshooting Tips

Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting: Problem #1 – No Hot Water

In order to solve this problem of having no hot water, first of all, check if there is power present. The main switch might be turned off. If suddenly you have no hot water, then maybe your water usage has exceeded the tank capacity. If that is what happened, simply wait for the heater to recover.

Another sound solution might be to press the red reset button located on the upper thermostat. If 10 minutes have passed and you still do not have hot water, then check if there is electricity being delivered to the appliance. Check the heater’s pair of circuit breaker in the breaker panel. If the breakers are on, verify if there is a voltage by using the voltage tester, at the input terminals of the upper heating element. If you find out that there is no voltage, the thermostat has to be replaced. If there is voltage present, then the heating elements need to be replaced.

Other probable culprits of having no hot water in your electric water heater might be as follows:

Shorted wiring – just do some rewiring
Circuit overload – reduce the load or provide adequate circuitry
Improper wiring – rewire as per the wiring diagram found in the user manual
Heat buildup because of loose wiring – just tighten the wire connections
Grounded thermostat or element – just do some rewiring
Defective high-limit switch – just replace

Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting: Problem #2 – Higher-pitched Whining

When the electrical heating elements of an electric water heater are used many times for months to years, and the water condition in your home and area plumbing is hard water, it will then cause a major buildup of lime or scale deposits and even other mineral sediments on the electrical heating elements.

A very good solution to this problem is to perform some preventive maintenance and make it a habit to flush your electric water heater regularly. To do this, remove and clean the heating elements from the scale buildup. If there is no improvement to your water heater’s performance, then you may need to replace them.

Another good solution is to install some low-watt density heating elements that have a bigger contact surface in order for them to transfer heat to the water more efficiently.

Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting: Problem #3 – Slow Recovery Time, It Takes Too Long for the Water Heater to Reheat the Water

In case your electric water heater was running for quite a long time, chances are that there is insufficient hot water available for your shower. If you notice that this is happening very often, then you might have an undersized electric water heater. Depending on its recovery rate, you have no choice but to wait for a moment for your water to be reheated.

Another probable cause of this might be that the thermostat is set too low, especially in the wintertime and in a cold room, wherein the most obvious solution would be to simply increase the temperature, but not too high because extremely hot water can lead to burns and scalding.

Also, your lower thermostat or lower heating element might be becoming faulty or defective, so you need to replace them.

Improper and loose wiring or the thermostat may not be installed the proper way.

If there is a scale formed on the heating elements due to the hard water action, what would most likely happen is that the contact surface between the fully immersed elements and water will decrease and therefore, it needs to be cleaned.

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A Brief Look Into Portable Water Heaters

We all love taking hot showers. That is a given fact whether you live in the cold regions or in the not so cold regions. This is because a hot shower helps to refresh and rejuvenate your muscles not only from the stresses of work, but also when the weather feels a bit chilly. This makes having a water heater, regardless of type, essential for many homes. In short, it is a convenient household equipment to have.

Spending some time on the great outdoors with your family or friends can be a great way to rest and relax from the hustle and bustle of city living. It not only gives you quality time with them, but it also allows you to be close to nature. Going camping has always been a good past time for many as getting close to nature and leaving all the modern conveniences of life happens to be a great and worthwhile experience. It somewhat gives you a glimpse on what it is like not to have the things you take for granted, such as TV, refrigerator, air-conditioning, heating, microwave, oven, computers, internet, and other stuff you usually don’t bother giving a second look.

For some, camping is a family occasion that they do once a year. They treat camping as a fun and memory-building opportunity that they can share with their family. The truth is, camping is really great. The only problem with camping is that it’s hard taking a hot bath. In order to take a hot bath, some people boil water in kettles or pans and mix the heated water with cold water on a large container. This is a method often used by campers which can be quite troublesome. While it is true that you are doing things the more traditional way, it doesn’t always have to be like that. A hot bath should always be a hot bath which means you do not need to go back to the more traditional way as it is simply more convenient to have a portable water heater.

There are actually many brands that offer portable water heaters such as Coleman, Rheem, Lakewood, Zodi, Kenmore, Ecotemp, and many more. Many of these models are constructed using durable steel frames that can withstand the wear from frequent traveling. Some units are equipped with batteries, some are powered by propane, and some can be plugged-in your car’s cigarette lighter plug.

The main reason for buying portable water heaters is not for luxurious reasons, but because you find a need for it whenever you travel and explore the great outdoors. The best part in having a portable unit is you can allow children to use it without worrying about them getting scorched by boiling water. The truth is portable water heaters are not simply for camping alone as you can also bring it when going on a vacation in a mountain cabin.

The Coleman portable water heater comes with a collapsible 5-gallon water container and can heat 40 gallons of water using only a 16.4 oz propane cylinder. The unit comes with an on/off switch which also operates the igniter. The unit is capable of heating cold water in less than five seconds and pumps out water using a rechargeable battery pump. It has a foldable spout that swings out so you can have access to heated water. The best part about the Coleman portable water heating unit is that it is very portable that you can bring not just during your camping trips, but also during your fishing trips and other outdoor activity.

The Zodi Outback Gear portable water heater comes in single and double burner showers. A single burner requires 1 propane cylinder and a double burner requires 2 propane cylinders. The pump of the unit runs using a 6 volt 4 D-cell batteries and can be attached to any water source or container to provide you with the hot water you need. The unit is also equipped with an ignition switch to facilitate easy startup. The Zodi portable water heater also has several accessories, including an 8-foot hose with a multi-face shower head. An additional shower stall can be purchased which is a frame covered with a lightweight tarpaulin-like cover. This not only provides you with a hot shower, but also some privacy when taking it.

The Zodi portable water heater has a high impact storage case which can also serve as a 4-gallon container. This is enough to supply you with hot water when you need it. The Zodi water heating unit is also very portable, making it very convenient to carry when traveling. Its compact form factor allows it to be tucked neatly inside its carrying bag.

As with most portable devices, the portable water heater has its own advantages as well as limitations. These limitations are quite prevalent when you are in a really cold environment. Nevertheless, the advantages of having a portable water heating unit still make up for its limitations. The list below shows some of the advantages of having a portable water heater.

If you have the unit, you can have heated water each time you need it when on the great outdoors.
The unit has a temperature adjustment setting so you can adjust it according to your liking whenever taking a shower or bath. Some portable units even have 5-gallon containers which is enough for a quick shower.
The pumps that the units have run on rechargeable batteries. However, it pays to check the charge of the batteries before leaving home. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a dead pump. Unless of course you have a spare battery with you.
Similar to other water heaters, the heated water from these units can also be used for cooking, washing dishes and laundry.
Having a portable water heating unit can really be helpful when you are outdoors camping. However, it is still important to ask yourself whether you really need to have the unit. While it is true that it makes some camping details convenient, if you hardly go camping at all, then it will not serve its purpose. In the event you plan on buying one, it is highly recommended that you check for the durability and quality of the unit before buying them.

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Atwood and Suburban RV Water Heaters

RV water heaters are very useful appliances when it comes to providing hot water for your needs even while you are traveling – in the shower, for dishwashing, for clothes washing, handwashing, etc. When it comes to the subject of RV water heaters, there are two most common and popular types according to brand or the manufacturer’s name – the Atwood and the Suburban water heaters.

Atwood RV Water Heater

Atwood water heater units come from a group of famous RV water heater manufacturers that are producing and designing models for outdoor applications and recreation vehicles, for several years.

Each and every Atwood RV water heater model is certified by the Canadian Standards Association for installation in RVs or mobile homes, and they strictly comply with the local codes and American ANSI standard. Atwood water heaters are recognized for their reliability in the RV setting, quality, and even in marine products and services.

Atwood also offers a wide array of RV accessories such as the adjustable thermostat, door mounting system, drain plugs, thermal cut off kit, so that you can be fully equipped while you are on the go, whether you are traveling somewhere or having a camping trip.

Take Note: During the cold winter season, in case you are not going to use your RV, it is recommended that you drain all the water from the Atwood water heater unit, as it might freeze.

The Atwood water heater unit and the Atwood RV products are specially designed to save space, reduce visibility and to offer a more attractive and integrated appearance of a mobile home. They are reliable and light, so they can be utilized even in difficult mobile outdoor conditions.

Based on its lighting options, there are basically three Atwood water heater models available:

Atwood RV water heater with electronic ignition
Pilot ignition – which has to be manually lit.
Pilot re-light ignition – which has to be manually lit also. It automatically re-lights when extinguished by the wind.
Based on its sizes, there are typically two Atwood water heater tanks available:

The 6-gallon capacity – has a gas input of 8,800 BTU.
The 10-gallon capacity – has a gas input of 10,000 BTU.
The Atwood RV water heater mainly utilizes propane gas or LP for heating. They can also actually operate from an electrical source, off an electrical hook-up or a generator, with the use of the RV’s engine cooling system and by combining two fuel sources.

If you are currently using motorcoach engines and wasted energy to heat the water, it is actually a huge advantage, as your hot water is readily available when you arrive at your destination, thus saving you on energy/propane.

Take Note: Never run a gas water heater when the RV is in motion.

As a matter of fact, Atwood water heaters are very easy to service. Most of the RV water heater parts are readily accessible from the exterior, which saves you time for troubleshooting and repairs because there is no need for the service technician to enter your RV to complete his job.

Even if it is very accessible, problems can still arise if the water heater is not properly protected or maintained. This is why Atwood water heater units have a multiple protection system which includes a high-temperature limit switch, thermostat, and a temperature-pressure relief valve (TPR).

Take Note: In the case of gas RV water heaters, the fresh air for combustion has to be provided from the outside environment and combustion products must be vented out from the RV.

Prices of Atwood RV water heaters:

Atwood RV water heater units with electronic ignitions are typically more expensive than units with only the pilot light. The price also varies on the gas BTU input and capacity, as it can range from about $400 up to $600.

Atwood RV water heater units with only the pilot light is more affordable and its price ranges from $280 up to $450. You can search for them at online stores that deal with camping products and services, RV stores, Amazon.com, eBay, etc.

Suburban RV Water Heater

Suburban RV water heater units are typically available in the North American market and can range from three different sizes and types – from 4 to 16 gallons. Each and every model is easy to install and can fit in almost any type of RV.

Depending on the design and model of your RV, your personal preference and motor home requirements, you can purchase Suburban water heaters that are of high recovery and uses propane gas, or units that are a combination of gas/electric, and models that are using coach engine heat (also called motor aid models).

Parts of a Suburban RV water heater:

Suburban water heater tanks have a capacity of 4 to 6 gallons and are with standard-mount doors, whereas flush-mount doors area readily available for all Suburban water heaters. On the other hand, gas water heater units either use the pilot light or the direct spark ignition.

An ignition system with direct spark ignition is actually good for places with bad weather so that you can control the heater and its heating process with a remote switch from the inside of the RV.
On pilot light models, there is a re-ignitor so you no longer have to re-light the pilot when it is extinguished or when the gas supply is turned off.

Benefits of a Suburban RV water heater:

One of the key benefits of owning a Suburban water heater unit is its longer performance life, thanks to the 2 protective parts and systems.

The first protective part is the anode rode which almost neutralizes the aggressive water action on the metal tank, providing a cathodic protection. Keep in mind that the anode rode must only be removed for draining or inspection and replaced only when worn out. Take note that you should always replace the anode rode once a year, or when ¾ of the anode rod’s weight is gone so you can keep the water heater unit performing efficiently.
The second protective part is the porcelain lining which is a corrosion-resistant material so that heated water cannot significantly harm your RV heating unit.
Typically, Suburban water heater manufacturers offer up to 3 years of warranty, but in order to naturally prolong the life of your Suburban RV water heater unit, you must exercise proper care and maintenance.

Models of Suburban RV water heaters:

All Suburban water heaters have tank sizes that range from 6 to 16 gallons and are considered to be fast-recovery units with 12,000 BTU gas input and can provide high 10.2 gallons per hour recovery. This means you get more hot water with less “cold sandwiches”. Also, with a specially designed insulation jacket, more heat remains and there is less heat loss.

In order for you to obtain a faster recovery rate, your RV water heater must be able to utilize both a gas burner and electric heating element at the same time.

Due to its small size, Suburban RV water heaters can be easily installed. It is also very convenient to use, operate, and maintain.

Suburban RV water heaters aren’t sold directly to customers and are normally being sold exclusively through local motor-coach dealers, but you can still opt to buy Suburban water heater units online.

Prices of Suburban RV water heaters:

The common price for a Suburban RV water heater that has a 10-gallon tank size with 12,000 BTU is around $350.

For troubleshooting, problems and repairs concerning Atwood RV water heaters and Suburban RV water heaters, please refer to this how-to guide.

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A Simple Electric Water Heater Repair Guide

Almost everybody loves taking hot showers regardless of where you live. In fact, even if you live in the middle east where it is scorching hot during day time, you still need to have a water heater available because it is mighty chilly in the evening there. This is actually the case for many geographical locations where the climate may be deemed hot, but during rainy seasons or during the wee hours of the morning, the air temperature can really drop down making taking a bath with cold water a bit of a torture.

If you have a water heater at home, then surely you love using it when the temperature outdoors is cold. However, there are times that your water heater can break down which means you cannot use your water heating unit to take a shower. Sometimes, these break downs require only some type of maintenance, but there are times that some type of repair is required. The list below shows a simple water heater repair guide, provided that your unit was installed properly and has been working properly before any problem developed.

Issue: Water is not Hot

If this is the problem that you encounter, the initial thing you should check for is whether the water heating units are getting any electricity. First, open the thermostat panel plate or cover and check if the high limit switch has been tripped. The high limit switch serves as a circuit breaker and trips when the tank gets too hot. If it has been tripped, reset it and check if the water becomes hot this time. If this does not work, try to check if you have a circuit breaker installed for the electrical of your water heating unit and check if it tripped and reset it.

If both circuit breakers are not the problem, then the problem may lie with the heating element. Check the heating element if it is receiving any power and if so, the heating element should get hot. However, if it doesn’t, then the heating element will need to be replaced. On the other hand, if the upper heating element is not getting any power, then the upper thermostat must be replaced.

Issue: Water is too Hot

A possible reason would be if the thermostats are not pushed tightly next to the tank.

Another reason is maybe one of the thermostats. Confirm if there is power at the topmost heating element. If there is power present, then there is a defect on the top thermostat. If there is power present on the lower heating element, then there is a defect on the lower thermostat.

Issue: Water Temperature is too Low or the Hot Water is not Sufficient Enough

When the topmost part of the tank is hot, the top thermostat takes away the power from the top heating element and transfers the power to the lower thermostat and heating element. In case the lower thermostat is not working or defective, then the lower part of the tank will not be heated and the hot water supply will be significantly lessened.

Verify if there is power present at the top thermostat terminals (this is where the power is sent to the lower thermostat and heating element). If there is no power at the top thermostat terminals, then they should be changed. If there is power present, verify if there is power at the lower heating element. If there is no power present at the lower heating element, then it should be changed. If there is power present at the lower heating element, then it should get hot. If it does not, change it. Another likely possibility might be a busted dip tube. Verify if the dip tube is indeed busted and change it if needed.

Issue: Smelly

There are many kinds of bacteria that can come in contact with the magnesium anode rod and produce an odor resembling that of rotten eggs. Simply clean the tank with the use of chlorine bleach or you can also change the anode rod into aluminum – this usually solves the issue of smelly, rotten egg odor.

Issue: Temperature Pressure Relief valve or TPR is leaking

The temperature relief valve (TPR) is active if the temperature or the pressure becomes too high.

In case the inlet is directly fed from the main with no TPR valves or check valves in between them, then once the water heater heats up, it expands and just flows back to the main. But if there is an obstruction such as a pressure-reducing valve or check valve with a broken bypass, then the increased water volume has nowhere else to go, thus increasing the pressure radically. By putting an expansion tank in the line at the inlet, the increased water volume will have someplace else to go and thus avoiding the radical increase in pressure.

Issue: There is a Banging or Popping Noise

A banging or popping noise coming from the heating elements may be caused by scale buildup. This can be solved by removing the heating elements, and then you can opt to clean or change them.

Issue: Leaking Tank

This is actually a common problem with both gas-fired water heaters and electric water heaters. If the leak seems minor and does not seem to be there at times, then it is probably just condensation trickling at the base of the unit. However, if there seems to be a puddle of water that doesn’t go away, then highly likely your water heating unit is leaking as this is the first sign of the presence of leaks.

To repair your leaking water heater, first check where the leak is coming from. If it is hard to identify, try to check the drain valve if the leak is coming from there. If it is, then tighten the drain valve properly. If the problem is not coming from the drain valve, try checking the temperature-pressure relief valve (TPR). The TPR basically protects the unit from excessive pressure buildup making it prone to leaks due to the thermal expansion of the plumbing. The leak may involve valve fittings, gaskets, and welds.

The anode rod may also be the reason for the leak. Since anode rods are sacrificial components as they attract corrosion unto themselves instead of the tank, they often dissolve after a long period of time. Now, if there are no anode rods to attract corrosion, then the tank may have gotten some sort of corrosion and have weakened. If the tank is corroded and leaking, the only solution would be to replace your water heating unit.

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Things that You Should Know Before Getting a Tankless Water Heater
Are you currently out in the market looking for a water heater for your home and was wondering whether you should get a water heater with a tank or one that is tankless? Most people have different opinions about what kind of water heater you should get for your home. Some homeowners prefer the tank-type water heaters, while there are those who prefer the tankless ones. If your mind isn’t made up yet, and you are interested in getting a tankless water heater, then there are 7 things that you should know before getting one:

The 7 things you should know before getting a tankless water heater:

1. Find out about your hot water needs at home. Most of the time, the flow rate of the hot water coming from a small tankless water heater is sufficient enough for a kitchen with a dishwasher and a bathroom. The secret on how to choose the correct model is by knowing the specific flow rates of all your fixtures, your usage consumption (such as how many faucets does your family use usually at the same time), and the possible coldest temperature of the incoming water. Ask your plumber to help you select a certain size of the tankless water heater unit that suits your needs. Additionally, you can actually install more than one water heater unit to heat water by zone. For instance, you can have two tankless water heater units in one house. The first one can supply hot water needs for the bathroom and kitchen, while the second one can supply the washing machine and other bathrooms or fixtures.

2. You need to decide wisely on where to place your tankless water heater unit. Tankless water heaters utilize a strong flame in order to heat water on demand. Thus, these units need more air for combustion and tend to vent more exhaust than traditional water heaters. This actually affects where and how you install them in two ways:

Combustion air – Whether it is tankless or not, a gas-fired water heater needs an oxygen source for combustion. Your water heater unit must be sealed-combustion direct-vent in order to prevent back-drafting that combustion air through another appliance’s exhaust pipe.

Venting – For through-the-wall direct venting, the vent termination should be 3 feet from any operable window. If in case you are venting through the roof, then you should be aware that the vent length is determined by the water heater’s size (particularly the BTU output) and the number of elbows (or turns) in the vent. If in case the vent run is long (such as if the water heater unit is in the basement of a 4-story building), you might not be able to vent the water heater unit through the roof.

3. Avoid very long runs between the water heater unit and the faucet. Due to the fact that tankless water heaters generate hot water only if you turn on the hot water tap, it takes a few moments to heat the cold water to the desired optimal temperature. Placing the water heater unit far away from the tap can typically result in a significantly more evident “sandwich effect” when hot water is occasionally used. One way to solve this issue is by using a recirculation pump that brings water from the farthest fixture in the plumbing to run back to the tankless water heater unit; however, due to the fact that these recirculation pumps utilize a significant amount of energy in order to keep the water in the loop hot, it is certainly better to just buffer or preheat hot water.

4. Know if your clothes washer and dishwasher really require a water heater unit supplied to them for your hot water needs. If the situation calls for some hot water in your dishwasher or clothes washer, then you need to know if they might need hot water from your tankless water heater, or they may have the feature of heating water by themselves. Most homeowners typically assume that their appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer need a water heater unit, but they may be surprised that their current clothes washer is capable of heating the water by itself and only needs a cold water connection.

5. Inspect your water and gas supplies. Tankless water heater units can actually produce about 3 to 4 times the BTUs that a traditional water heater usually produces. Your plumber should make sure that your current gas line length, size, and even the gas meter can deliver enough gas flow to the water heater unit. Tankless water heaters need minimum water flows for activation as well. Therefore, your plumber must also make sure that your supply meets the specifications.

6. Expect that your contractor might reject the idea of getting a tankless water heater unit. Because of issues on time and liability, it is common that many contractors do not like to try out something new. If you have made up your mind that what you need is a tankless water heater, insist that you will get it and find a contractor who will be willing to work with you. Find someone who actually has experience in installing tankless water heater units. You can give the contractor the manufacturer’s installation instructions which are oftentimes available online, if in case it is not completely provided with the unit. You might also like to get in touch with the manufacturer’s customer service/technical support department if you need some assistance or if you need advice on size and other concerns.

7. Ensure that the venting material abides by the local building codes and the manufacturer’s specifications. Did you know that there is a specific venting material for tankless water heaters? The specific venting material for tankless water heaters is typically made from stainless steel. It has built-in seals in order to prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into your house. Depending on the design of your house, a double-walled material may be needed (you need to be aware that this is quite expensive). Your HVAC contractor or plumber might miss this kind of specification.

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Facts you ought to know about Tankless Water Heaters
Are you going to buy a tankless water heater the next time you need to buy a water heater unit? If it is going to be your first time in buying a tankless water heater, then you ought to know some of its benefits as well as its limitations. Of course, tankless water heaters are believed by many people to be more energy efficient than the traditional tank-type water heaters.

It is actually a general notion that most people have heard that tankless water heaters are much better than traditional tank-type ones due to the fact that they heat the water up only when it is needed and so it results in having no standby energy losses at all. Moreover, these tankless water heaters are used by a lot of households all over the world for quite a long time from now.

However, the thing is, this general notion is not that very accurate. There are some situations that make the tankless water heaters look like a gift from heaven as they are very useful and it makes our everyday lives comfortable, but it is not every time that they are the perfect solution to everything. Below are some things that explain this statement further.

What Is It Exactly That You Want When It Comes to Water Heaters?

Water heater companies conduct surveys about what people want their water heater to do for them and these are what they got:

People are by nature not a very patient species, which means that they do not want to wait for hot water to come out of their water heater unit. Once they turn on the water heater unit, it should deliver them hot water as soon as possible.
It is a very unpleasant feeling to run out of hot water while you are showering, right? A lot of people do not like that, especially if they are in a hurry but would still like to have a proper shower to start their day.
Of course, even if #1 and #2 points are met, nobody would still want to buy a water heater if it costs them a lot of hard-earned money. Therefore, before they buy, they should find out if the water heater really meets their needs, and when they have confirmed that, then they should see if the price still is able to fit in their budget.

The Risk Factor

Companies of tankless water heaters, through the years, have come and gone. When they are presently operating, they sell many of their water heater units. When they go, they tend to leave their consumers high and dry – no technical support, no spare parts, no warranty and not even an online customer support or a simple help desk. There are even some companies that have abandoned their customers before in the past, but now they are back in business (some actually just changed their brand or company names).

Building Up The Hype

Tankless water heater units, in reality, are considered as an “oversold” commodity. This means that customers are lured in to buy tankless water heaters due to claims that they have a greater efficiency, it is an eco-friendly option to have them, you are one of the modern class or you are thought to be “cool” if you have them, and they provide users with greater savings. All of these claims typically are enough to convince consumers to buy these tankless water heaters, until they realize that they have actually paid a lot more cash upfront, that their electric/gas bills are obviously much higher than before, and that they are forced to face costly service bills or else if they skip maintenance checks and other types of service, they will void their tankless water heater unit’s warranty.

Initial Price Tag

A very sad fact is that it is very difficult to cheat the laws of physics. When you heat up water, the gas that is going to be burned or the electricity that is going to be used up and unless you have a condensing heater, it is going to cost you the same amount to heat up a certain amount of water, no matter which one you use – be it with a traditional tank-type water heater or a tankless one. Normally, tankless water heaters have an initial price tag that is many times more expensive than traditional tank-type water heaters.

A recent price comparison being done by water heater companies showed that a 40-gallon traditional tank-type water heater unit can provide a family with 2 showers at the same time and a tankless water heater unit doing the same thing resulted to prices of $330 versus $990. These are actually prices of the water heater units fresh off the shelf. Installation fees run something around $500 for traditional tank-type water heaters versus $2,000 for tankless water heaters. It is actually a very serious price gap considering that it will really take you a very long time to save enough on your energy bills to make up for the initial price that you pay when you first buy it, if that is even a possibility. Moreover, a tankless water heater unit is a very complex machine, and it may tend to break down long before you ever get to save from your energy bills.

Comparison Loophole

It is a fact that there are no standards by which you can successfully compare the efficiency of tankless water heaters to that of the traditional tank-type water heaters. Tankless water heater manufacturers, as it is typical with other appliance businesses, tend to make comparisons that make their products seem to look much better such as with a tank-type water heater with 1-inch insulation, although there are available tank-type water heaters that have up to 3 inches of insulation which is a really big difference. Another comparison they make is that they claim that tankless water heaters have efficiencies that are based on a 35-degree rise in water temperature, which is usually less or half of real-world situations in several parts of the country.

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The Various Types of Water Heaters
Are you currently in the market shopping for your next water heater? These days, you should be well aware of the fact that there are many types of water heaters available for you to choose from. Most people normally are only aware of the fact that their only option is the traditional storage tank-type water heater or the more modern tankless ones. If you are a conscious consumer who wants to get the best deal out of your hard-earned money, it is ideal that you get the best water heater that can deliver hot water for your everyday needs, be eco-friendly, affordable, able to meet you and your family’s hot water demands, easy to maintain and repair or replace if the need arises, and most importantly, can last you a very long time.

Below are different types of water heaters that can help you decide which one is the best for you. Normally, water heaters are essentially grouped according to their fuel source, the type of technology used, their size as well as other features.

Types of Water Heaters According to Size and Technology Used

Storage or Tank-type Water Heaters
Storage or tank-type water heaters for residential purposes are considered to be the most popular of all heating systems. Hot water is always available for use. Even if you are away, the water heater is keeping the hot water available for you.

Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, are water heating units that do not have any tank at all. They heat the water only when needed, which can be very beneficial for you since it reduces energy consumption and also your expenses at the same time. They can last longer than the traditional storage or tank-type water heaters and they are more eco-friendly.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
Electric heat pump water heaters are an inexpensive method of heating water that utilizes electricity in order to extract heat from the air and then move heat from one location to another, which produces hot water very efficiently.

Types of Water Heaters According to Fuel Source

Gas water heaters may use either natural gas or propane gas. If you have no problem acquiring natural or propane gas, then this type of water heater is a very good choice as gas-powered units are considered to be one of the most energy-efficient systems. Gas water heaters can either be a tank or tankless unit. In order to find out how much hot water it can make, just take a look at the water heater’s specs and the gas input in BTU per hour.

If electricity is most convenient for you to use and it is the only one available that you can use, then you can opt for an electric water heater for your hot water needs. These units may have a higher energy factor than the gas types, but they can turn out to be more expensive in the long run.

Solar water heaters simply harness the power of the sun in order to heat the water. In the long run, using this solar energy that is renewable and virtually free, solar water heaters can prove to be an excellent lifelong investment.

Wood-fired or Wood-burning Water Heaters
Wood-fired water heaters and wood furnaces are types of heating appliances that utilize wood in order to do heating tasks such as home heating, cooking, and for water heating.

Oil-fired water heater units are a very conventional method of heating water, and they are becoming less popular for home use due to the ever-increasing availability of gas, electricity and other green-tech systems. Another reason why they are becoming less popular is that they are more expensive to install and they only last a few years or so.

Other Types of Water Heaters

Condensing water heaters are energy-efficient systems with only less than 10% of energy loss emitted (storage-tank water heater units are with 40% loss), and they also use the heat energy from the flue gases. Due to the fact that they need professional installation and regular maintenance service, condensing water heater units are typically considered to be more on the expensive side. They are most popular in European areas with brands such as Buderus, Junkers, and Vaillant.

High-efficiency Water Heaters
The main reasons why people love to use high-efficiency water heaters are: to maximize energy, experience better performance, and minimize operating costs. High-efficiency water heaters are easily recognizable since they carry the Energy Star seal, which is the international symbol for energy efficiency.

Direct Vent Water Heaters
Direct vent water heaters are the most appropriate solution if you are planning to have a gas water heater but you do not actually have proper ventilation to the outside environment, such as through the chimney. Direct vent water heaters have a built-in venting system that brings in the air and then forces the fumes out, but without the need of using an electric-powered blower.

Power vent water heaters are somewhat similar to the direct vent water heater units; however, it utilizes an electrically-operated powered vent (blower) in order to help with mechanically exhausting the combustion gases to the outside environment.

If in case you already possess a furnace or boiler with a burner, by just combining it with a high-efficient storage tank, you can now have a very efficient system for heating. These types of systems are typically called indirect water heaters.

Point of Use Water Heaters
Point of use water heaters (also called under sink water heaters, under cabinet water heaters, or under counter water heaters) are typically small water heaters that are designed either as a mini-storage tank or tankless unit and are used for heating water at the point of service, often installed under the kitchen sink. These point of use water heaters are very popular in residential applications because they can provide instant hot water without taking up a lot of space and without the need for long connections to the main water pipe.

RV water heaters typically use propane gas and 120 V AC. Depending on the overall size of the RV, the most common RV water heaters used are the 6-gallon and the 10-gallon tanks. They are fairly easy to operate, maintain and most important of all, they are very reliable and sturdy. The most popular brand names for RV water heaters are Suburban and Atwood.

Tankless Coil Water Heaters
Tankless coil water heaters do not utilize any storage tank for heating since the water is directly heated inside the boiler. It is typically used for home’s space heating and the option of heating the water is just a plus. Tankless coil water heater units are considered to be the most efficient heating appliances during the colder months when they are used for space heating; however, they are less efficient during the warmer months because the boiler is used less frequently.

Marine water heaters, as the name implies, are specifically made for sailors or boaters in order for them to still enjoy the comforts of having a warm or hot shower while at sea. Also, these marine water heaters also help with a boater’s small jobs where hot water is needed. When away from shore, the marine water heater runs off of the boat’s engine loop, without the need to use electricity. Popular manufacturers of marine water heater units include Atwood, Webasto, Isotemp, Torrid, etc.

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How to Choose the Best Type of Water Heater

Water heating is considered to be a necessity for many residential homes in several countries around the world. Are you currently on the lookout for a new water heater or are you just curious to know which type of water heater is the best for you and your family so you can make a wise decision when you are going to buy one in the future?

Facts and Figures about Water Heating

Did you know that about 15% to 25% of your home’s energy consumption goes only to heating your water? Water heating is actually at #2 in energy usage, with #1 being the HVAC system.

A typical U.S. homeowner’s average water consumption is listed below:

37% goes to the shower

26% on washing machines

14% on the dishwasher

12% on baths

11% on sinks

With the figures stated above, it is no wonder that the use of water and the demand for heating is crucial. That is why if you do your research before actually buying a water heater unit, rest assure that you will make an informed and wise decision on which type of water heater to buy that will not only satisfy you and your family’s needs for hot water but also to help you reduce your monthly bills significantly.

So, what is really the best type of water heater for you? There are actually many water heater units available nowadays, and there are those that are perfectly made for residential homes such as gas water heaters, electric water heaters, tankless water heaters and tank-type water heaters.

If you take a look at the North American market, which includes the US and Canada, there are actually many brands that are major companies in the water heating industry:

AO Smith
Bradford White
Rheem
Aside from the three brands mentioned above, there are other popular names in water heating such as GE, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Ruud, American Reliance, Richmond and State – these brands are either produced by the three mentioned above manufacturers or are owned by them.

The versatility, reliability and quality of the models they offer are excellent, and most of their water heating units are similar by the quality of materials used, longevity, available features, efficiency, warranty, etc. All of the brands stated above are makers of good tanks; however, prior to buying the best gas water heater or the best electric water heater, you need to be sure that you know what it is exactly that you are looking for.

Tips on What to Look for When Searching for the Best Type of Water Heater

Consider the type of fuel that the water heater needs in order to operate. Electric and gas water heaters will typically have different initial costs, installation costs and operational costs as well as the size, the type and the energy efficiency will be entirely different. Do keep in mind that water heating is the second-highest energy user in the home next to home heating, so it is crucial that you need to keep your costs low.
Whichever you choose – whether it is the tank-type or tankless water heater, it is actually dependent upon many factors as well as your preference.
The tank-type water heater can supply multiple fixtures simultaneously with no “cold water sandwiches” – no fluctuation in the temperature. This means that hot water is always ready whenever you need it. Normally, the best quality tank-type water heater units last for about more than 10 years, can heat the water efficiently (look for an EF 0.67 or higher), and provides you with hot water even during peak times.

The tankless water heater obviously has a higher initial cost; however, it is much smaller and usually mounted on the wall. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and you can have as much hot water as you need it, and one large unit can actually supply up to 3 to 4 fixtures simultaneously. The best quality tankless water heater is environment-friendly (uses green tech), condensing and has a high EF factor over 0.9 and can last for several years.

Purchase a high-efficiency water heater unit for bigger energy and money savings.
The best water heaters nowadays are categorized as Energy-Star rated or at least of high efficiency. Do check out the EF factor as it describes the quality of the tank and burner design, insulation, ignition system, etc. The thicker the insulation, or the higher the R-value, the better the performance of the water heater unit. Purchase the water heater with at least R-16 as the stand-by heat loss (heat energy loss) through the tank walls is reduced.

On electric water heater units, the energy efficiency is actually higher than on gas water heater units. The most efficient and Energy Star certified electric water heaters are the electric heat pumps, whereas, on the gas water heaters, the condensing gas water heater is considered to be the most efficient and Energy Star certified unit.

Price and duration of the warranty.
Probably one of the first criteria utilized in choosing which water heater unit is the best for your home is the price and the length of the warranty. Cheap water heater units typically come with the lower quality and shorter warranty duration, whereas the more expensive (often the best ones) offer units that have advanced technology used in them, they have higher efficiency, durability, reliability, and they are offered in longer warranty durations.

Lots of water heater units offered in the market nowadays come with a 6-year warranty period, while the extended coverage may be about a 9 to 12-year warranty, but you usually pay extra for it. The main difference between the units with the short and long warranty period is actually in the anode rod. The bigger anode rod is placed in water heater units that have the longer warranty (or more than 1 year). However, some experts claim that it is actually not practical to pay extra money for a longer warranty because you can actually replace the anode rods by yourself if need be.

On the other hand, brands such as Whirlpool offer very useful features on their best water heater units, and they typically come with a 12-year warranty period. The useful features incorporated in their best water heater units include high recovery rate, self-cleaning system and stainless steel heating elements.

The tips above can significantly help you on how to choose which type of water heater is best for you and your home. If you are still not sure which one, use a much more simple (but time-consuming) strategy – read recommendations and reviews, or choose the water heater that has a trusted name with a long history of proven excellence and worth in the industry of water heating.

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How to Perform Maintenance on Gas Water Heaters

Despite what other water heater owners think, gas water heater maintenance is actually a very simple DYI project that does not require any special tools or skills. Just like in any other appliance, conducting maintenance on your water heater unit can help you keep your water heater performing at its best, maintain its efficiency in heating water, provide you years of service and it also saves you the trouble of having to buy a new water heater unit.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance – The Vent System

You must inspect the venting system of gas water heaters at least once a year in order to prevent carbon monoxide gas from leaking because it is a health hazard once it does. When conducting this regular gas water heater maintenance, you should look out for:

Are the venting pipes connected properly in order to prevent the escape of gases?
Obstructions that might potentially affect the proper venting of the flue gases and air draw for gas combustion.
Check if the proper clearances are maintained from combustible objects and for proper venting.
Damaged, deteriorated or sooted flue pipes because it can cause the leakage of products of combustion and improper venting.
Rusted flakes in the area located at the top of the heater.
Take Note: Get rid of any corrosive chemicals such as bleach, waxes, spray-can propellants, swimming pool chemical and other cleaning solvents and do not let it stay in the same room with the water heater unit. This is to prevent chemical corrosion of the venting system, which could be very dangerous if it happens.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance – Gas Pilot Burner

In order to ensure that your gas water heater runs smoothly each time, perform simple preventive maintenance such as visual inspection of the main burner and the pilot burner at least once every year.

Check if there is any obstruction at the bottom of the water heater unit, specifically the area where the opening for air is located.
Inspect the air intake screen (present in some models) and clean the accumulated dust, lint or oil.
Use a wire brush and clean the combustion chamber by removing scale deposits and debris.
Check if there are any products such as adhesives, gasoline or solvents with potentially flammable vapor present in the same room with the water heater unit. Remove them from the room.
Check if there is sooting occurring because it might potentially impair normal combustion processes. Soot is what you call those fine black particles that are the end result of an incomplete combustion.
If in case the gas pilot burner requires cleaning, make it a point to always put the gas control knob to the “OFF” position and then remove it from the combustion chamber.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance – Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR Valve)

Schedule the maintenance of the temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR valve) at least once a year. It is recommended that you check if the TPR valve operates smoothly and has not become encrusted with lime and other debris. If in case you find that it is leaking water, you have to replace the valve.

Gently lift the valve and then release it. The lever must return to its normal closed position. If it does not return back, simply lift the TPR valve lever a few more times until the valve seats properly without any leaking. Remember that any water that is released will be very hot.

If in case you have a closed water supply system and you tend to see periodical discharges on the TPR valve, this might be because of the thermal expansion, and proper measures have to be taken.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance – Anode Rod

Remember that the anode rod or generally known as the sacrificial anode is consumed each time, in order to protect the lining of your water heater unit from damage. If your water heater has more than one anode rod, you need to inspect every single one of them. Anode rods are installed on the top of the water heater and submerged into the water.

Some manufacturers recommend that the owner must conduct inspection often, the most common being an annual checkup; however, the condition of the anode rod depends on the water quality, such as hardness and the usage of softeners. Keep in mind that if you completely soften your water, the anode rod will tend to corrode at a faster rate. Corrosion actually results not only from the salt that is present in the water, but also from water softeners themselves, and it can also result in a bad water smell. Therefore, completely softening the water over a duration of 6 months or less can typically cause an anode rod to corrode. If in case you really would want to soften your water, consider replacing the sacrificial anode rod with an electrical anode one as the electric type will not corrode when in contact with softeners.

If during performing regular maintenance you notice that the steel core is exposed more than 6” either from the top or the bottom, or the middle of the anode rod is exposed, or if the diameter is less than half of its original size, then it is time to replace the anode rod.

There are some anode rods that are nonfunctional. If in case you notice that your anode rod looks untouched after a few weeks of using your water heater, it might not be doing its job as it does not appear to be corroding to save your tank. You can replace it either with another rod of the same kind or with a non-sacrificial, electrical-type anode rod.

If in case your anode rod is made of aluminum, they will most likely need replacement. Unlike common anode rods, aluminum anode rods are most likely to split off into little pieces, or they are likely to produce waste as a byproduct of corrosion. Watch out for little pieces of the aluminum anode rod in your water heater, or for a foamy byproduct that floats at the top of the water in your heater and appears in the filters. These signs indicate that your anode rod needs to be replaced.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance – Sediments

Performing regular maintenance on your water heater unit is actually one simple way to save energy and reduce your bills. Due to the fact that fuel cost and hot water consumption nowadays are constantly increasing, de-liming (for instance) has become a necessity of modern maintenance procedures. This is because the more you use your water heater for years, more lime deposits come out. Since it is preventing normal heat transfer and decreasing the performance and efficiency, it is recommended to remove lime deposits by adding chemicals.

Once a year, it is crucial to drain and flush out the water heater tank as well. By means of flushing out the water heater, sediments that are the cause of decreasing the efficiency and performance of the water heater are removed. Simply drain a few quarts off the bottom of the tank, or read instructions from the manual, and you may actually prolong the life of your water heater. The drain valve is normally located at the bottom of the water heater unit.

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Troubleshooting Smelly Water from Your Water Heater

Many people who have a water heater at home tend to forget about taking good care of them unless something is definitely wrong with it. There are many problems that can happen to your water heater such as not enough hot water, the water is too hot, the water heater is leaking, the tank is rusty, the water heater is noisy, dirty water, smelly water, etc. There are many ways on how to solve these different water heater issues, and some of them can be done all by yourself.

The Cause of Rotten Egg Odor or Smelly Water

Have you ever wondered why there are instances that the water coming out from your water heater unit seems to have a bad smell – somewhat resembling that of a rotten egg? The most common cause of smelly water is anaerobic bacteria that thrive in some water. The anaerobic bacteria tend to have some kind of reaction with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes (which are usual components with most water heater units), thus producing hydrogen sulfide gas – the gas that is responsible for giving off that recognizable rotten egg odor. This kind of water heater problem is most commonly found in municipal or private well systems.

Things You Should Not Do when Getting Rid of the Rotten Egg Odor or Smelly Water

There are many handymen or plumbers who advise homeowners to take off the sacrificial anodes from their water heater units as a way to get rid of the smelly water in them. It could be a possible fix; however, this will actually cause the water heater unit to rust out in a short period of time. Also, taking off the sacrificial anodes can void the water heater unit’s warranty.

In addition, homeowners have been told to replace a water heater’s magnesium anode with an aluminum anode. Do not do this because just like magnesium, aluminum also causes that rotten egg odor.

Another thing that you should not do is to try to soften the water. Softening can actually make smelly water even worse.

A Quick Fix to Get Rid of that Rotten Egg Odor or Smelly Water, but not Permanent

There is a quick fix to help you get rid of that rotten egg odor or smelly water from your water heater unit. It is simple, effective and cheap, but keep in mind that this fix is not permanent. First, you need to shut off the cold water valve to your water heater unit. Open a hot tap to relieve pressure, drain some water from the tank, open up the plumbing on one side and then put in a few pints of hydrogen peroxide. You can use chlorine bleach as well instead of hydrogen peroxide, but keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide is much safer to use.

After that, close everything up, and then turn on the cold water again. Let some water to run from all faucets. Every one of them should be odor free by now, until the time comes that the water heater unit will be unused for some time, especially when you are out of town. By the time you get back, you will encounter the smelly water again coming out from your water heater unit.

If you think that the water is smelly at one sink but not in all of them, then put some hydrogen peroxide into the basin overflow, not into the water heater unit itself. There are instances that the bacteria can build up inside there as well.

The Ultimate Fix to Get Rid of that Rotten Egg Odor for Good

In a lot of cases of rotten egg odor or smelly water from the water heater, this problem can be fixed by simply replacing the standard aluminum or magnesium anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode rod, and this usually solves the problem. It is a must to include the zinc because if you only use pure aluminum anodes, it will smell really bad.

For many homeowners, the aluminum/zinc anode rod is the most inexpensive solution for this problem; and this is most often the first solution to be implemented before trying out other troubleshooting techniques, unless the water you have in your household is softened.

There are 4 kinds of anodes available in the market: standard hex-head anode, flexible hex-head anode, standard combo, and flexible combo.

Hex-head anodes often go into their own hole at the top of the water heater unit. In many water heaters, you will easily see the hex head. If it is not visible, then the anode is either hidden under a plastic cap or under the sheet metal, or your water heater tank has a combo anode.

Combo anodes typically share the hot-water-outlet port. If you are not certain that there is anode present inside, you can try to run a long screwdriver down it. If there is an anode present, then the screwdriver will not go inside for more than a few inches deep.

There are some models of water heaters nowadays that have two anodes in them. It is very important to place an aluminum/zinc anode into the water heater, but you have to keep in mind that it is also very important to remove all of the previous anodes in your water heater unit or else, if you do not, the hot water coming out from your unit will still smell.

Closing Thoughts

There are many circumstances wherein homeowners replaced their water heater unit and then realized that they have smelly water with their new one even if they did not have this problem with their previous one. No one really knows for sure what causes the smelly water from water heater units, but there are some speculations that may explain why they happen. Most people believe that water is a chemical concoction and that it constantly changes. The water that comes out of the faucet this morning may be quite different from the water that comes out at night, which may be because of what is in the ground or maybe because the water company has changed their water supply sources or added something to it.

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How to Solve Some Water Heater Problems

Water heaters are definitely a good investment for any home because they offer the convenience of providing you with heated water any time you need them. This heated water is especially helpful when you live in cold regions where you would surely like to take a bath using heated water instead of cold tap water. Not only is heated water calming and relaxing, but it also ensures that you do not get a shock from having to bathe using cold water. In fact, heated water is not used primarily for bathing in many homes, but it is also being used for washing clothes and dishes. There are times though that your water heater may experience some problems such as the buildup of lime as well as the nasty smell of rotten eggs. Many of these water heater problems can be removed through extensive maintenance.

Buildup of Lime in the Tank

Often times, it is difficult to know how much lime buildup is in your tank, especially since they are not equipped with a porthole where you can view the inside. However, you can make rough estimates of this lime buildup simply by considering the age of your water heater as well as the water hardness of your area. For example, a 5-year old water heater using water with a hardness of around 20 grams will roughly have a lime buildup of about 5 – 10 inches at the tank’s bottom.

One of the good indicators that your tank has a buildup of lime would be popping and bubbling sounds when water is being heated. The truth is the buildup of lime can cause serious problems on the efficiency of your water heater as the heating capacity of your water heater is greatly reduced. This is because many of the heating elements of the water heating unit is covered or submerged in sediments thereby reducing efficiency. However, the most serious problem that this buildup of lime can cause to your water heater would be the growth of molds or corrosion which can make your tank leak over time.

One of the best ways to reduce the buildup of lime in the tank of your water heater would be to use water softeners. Water softeners have the capacity to eliminate any buildup that occurs in your unit. These days, water heater manufacturers claim they have solved the lime buildup on water heaters through their self-cleaning system. This feature is said to keep the water stirred inside the tank which in turn prevents sediments from accumulating on the sides and bottom. Although this can work to some extent, it is best not to rely on it too much.

Some manufacturers suggest draining your water heater regularly as they claim that this will significantly help to reduce the buildup of lime. However, lime can be very hard to remove especially if the drain of your tank is not situated at the bottom center. Lime is much heavier than water which is why it often settles at the bottom of the tank. It will not move simply by emptying the tank. Another thing is that lime often form chunks measuring over an inch in size. Since the drain of the tank is only half an inch in size, these chunks will not be able to pass through the drain hole. They even clog the drain most of the time making draining your water tank a very time consuming process. For these reasons, draining your water tank is not highly advised or recommended. Often times, doing such breaks the drain valves, yet lime still remains inside the tank. This is why it is recommended to simply use water softeners instead of draining the tank regularly.

If you have a lime buildup of over 6-inches in your tank, it is simply best to replace your water heater. Newer water heaters are more efficient and will eventually pay for themselves in the long run. Water heaters are not that pricey and they can be replaced by professionals in a few hours.

Smelly Water

The rotting smell of eggs in the water is often caused by bacteria in the water heater. These bacteria produce this foul-smelling odor as they react with the anode rod of your water heater. Mostly, it is the aluminum and magnesium anode rods that catalyze this foul-smelling odor. Smelly water is often found on water heaters of buildings that are connected to a well system. Using water softeners will only help to increase the stench problem.

There are experienced plumbers who have a solution for this – removing the anode rod from your water heater. The main drawback to this fix is that it voids the warranty of your water heating unit and that it also significantly decreases its life span. There are also some misconceptions that replacing the current aluminum anode rod with a magnesium type (and vice versa) will help to solve the problem. The truth is this solution is hardly effective as both types of anode rods react with the bacteria that causes the foul odor.

To get rid of the rotten egg smell in the water, you need to change the magnesium anode rod or aluminum anode rod with a zinc-aluminum anode rod. Although this type of rod is mostly made from aluminum, the addition of zinc in the anode rod will help to fight off the rotting egg odor. The best part about these rods is they are fairly inexpensive and can be a long term solution in fighting smelly water. Zinc-aluminum anode rods can be installed by most local plumbers.

Water softeners are known for helping to get rid of lime deposits in your tank, but they on the other hand can help to contribute to smelly water. Even if you have a zinc-aluminum anode rod, the smell will not go if you use a water softener. This however can be solved by using a powered anode rod. A powered anode rod operates by releasing small electric current on the water instead of having full contact with the water, thus preventing the water in your water heater from having a foul smell. The only drawback is that powered anode rods are fairly expensive. Nevertheless, if you do not like smelly water and still wants to use a water softener to prevent the buildup of lime in your tank, then the powered anode rod may be your only solution.

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How to Know When Is the Right Time to Replace Your Water Heater

As with all appliances, water heater units will eventually break down, but how can you determine whether you only have to repair your unit or replace it? Well, there are actually many factors – it depends on the age of your water heater, its condition, and your available budget that you are willing to shell out.

Water heater units are typically appliances that are taken for granted for the first couple of years or so until there comes a time that you will experience that first cold shower even if it is turned on just like the usual or you see a huge puddle of water in the basement floor. That is the time you would have to think and decide on what to do next – Do I repair it or replace it? If you have a traditional tank-type water heater which has been used for 10 years or so, replacing it is the only sensible way. This is due to the fact that modern models right now are actually 20% more efficient in heating up water and at the same time it can even help you save up to $800 in energy costs in the overall lifespan of the water heater unit. However, if your water heater unit is only a couple of years old, it may be wiser to just have it repaired.

Below are some more tips on how to decide whether you should repair or replace your water heater.

How to determine the possible problem/s with your water heater unit

Due to the fact that water heaters only have a few moving parts, then it is obvious that only a few things can go wrong:

The thermostat breaks down.
The valve sticks.
The heating element or burner fails.
The circuit breaker of the electric water heater trips.
The pilot light on the gas water heater unit flickers out.
Repairing or replacing any of the parts mentioned above is affordable. You can hire a plumber to accomplish the task for a fee of $150 up to $300. However, if your water heater tank is leaking or if it is over 10 years old, then it is more practical to get a new one instead.

If you have no other choice but to replace it

As time goes by, sediments and minerals present in the water tend to react with the steel, which results in the corrosion of the water heater tank. Keep in mind that when your water heater tank has a leak, you have no choice but to replace it immediately.

Looking at the bright side, the latest models of water heaters nowadays are obviously more energy-efficient than their older versions. Manufacturers inject some foam insulation in between the tank and its outermost shell, which results in a higher degree of heat retention. Also, new glass liners make water heater tanks less susceptible to the harmful effects of corrosion.

If you decide to get a traditional tank-type water heater unit, you would shell out about $500 up to $1,500. A high-efficiency model that bears the Energy Star logo can help you save up to 20% of your energy bills. Should you go for the tankless, heat pump and solar water heaters, then you are going to have even bigger savings and they also are eligible for federal tax credits.

Hidden Costs in Water Heater Replacement

If you are going to replace your traditional tank-type water heater unit, it is actually easier said than done. You also need to consider building codes that require you to upgrade the following in your area such as the supply pipes, the size or type of the venting system, the water heater mount, and the drain pain below the water heater. Before you go through all the trouble of replacing your tank-type water heater, ask an experienced installer or plumber to state out all of the possible expenses that you would have to spend on.

If in case you know how to do plumbing tasks, you may be able to install everything yourself. A lot of manufacturers these days provide detailed instructions on their manuals, and you just have to check the local codes of your building.

Avoid the Hassle of Repairing or Replacing your Water Heater with these Maintenance Tips

A typical water heater unit can last to about 8 to 12 years or even more, depending on the quality of the water in your home and how diligent you are in following a routine maintenance check.

Below are ways on how to properly maintain and take good care of your water heater:

Since new water heater units are already tweaked for high energy efficiency, you should insulate old water heater units with the use of a fiberglass jacket to improve efficiency, just keep in mind to avoid contact with the flue.
If you are going out of town, remember to adjust the thermostat on the gas water heaters to the “vacation” setting, which means it will maintain the pilot light without heating up the water.
Every 3 to 5 years, check the sacrificial anode rod by loosening up the hex head screw and take it out. If 6 inches or more of the core steel wire is exposed, then quickly replace the rod which costs around $20.
Once a year, flush out the water heater unit in order to get rid of the debris and sediments that collect at the tank bottom. Simply hook up a garden hose to drain the valve and then wait until the water is clear. This method also makes the water heater unit operate noiselessly.
Once a year, check if the temperature-pressure relief valve is working okay by immediately discharging it for a good 2 to 3 times. After that, check to see if there are any leaks present from the valve.
Remember to always adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to prevent the danger of scalding yourself or others.
Keep in mind to maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit unless it is otherwise specified by the manual.

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How to Save Money with Your Water Heater Purchase

A water heater purchase along with installation can be costly. However, if you think smart and think about tax credit being given to water heaters, if you take advantage of this, then you will save yourself a lot of money. A tax credit was first announced by the U.S. Department of Energy for the tank and tankless water heaters. This tax credit also includes heat pump water heaters and solar water heaters. The truth is the Energy Star criteria announcement for water heaters was influential in transforming the water heater industry. This compelled water heater manufacturers to develop a new generation of water heaters that are far more energy-efficient as the demand for them will have likely increased due to the tax credit announcement. It is estimated that in around 5 years’ time, these Energy Star certified water heaters will be in hundreds of thousands of homes saving lots of energy in the process while also avoiding tons of CO2 emissions.

To further stipulate the transformation of the water heater industry, President Barrack Obama signed the Stimulus Bill where owners of Energy Star certified water heaters are qualified to apply for tax credits for energy efficiency. These days, the purchase and installation of Energy Star compliant water heater can reduce its total cost by up to 30%, all thanks to the tax credit.

In order for a water heater to qualify for an Energy Star rating, it first needs to satisfy certain criteria such as the Energy Factor rating, first-hour rating, along with other requirements. To date, there are five types of water heating technology that are qualified for the 30% tax credit. The tax credit for tank and tankless units are currently capped at $1,500, while the solar water heater and the heat pump water heater are not capped.

High-Efficiency Gas-fired Storage Tank Water Heaters

High-efficiency gas-fired storage-tank water heaters are similar to the traditional gas-fired tank water heaters that we know. However, due to their improved efficiency along with better quality materials used such as insulation, highly efficient burners, ignition system, heat trap as well as venting systems, they have become far more energy-efficient than their regular cousins.

Before such a unit qualifies for the Energy Star tax credits, it first needs to pass the minimum Energy Factor required for water heaters in this category which is 0.62. High-efficiency gas-fired storage-tank models would include Rheem’s “Professional Series” and Bradford White’s “Defender Safety Series.”

Whole House Gas-fired Tankless Water Heaters

Whole house gas-fired tankless water heater is in some ways similar to gas-fired storage-tank water heaters. The main difference though is that they have rid of the tank and instead heats water instantaneously when it is on-demand. Whole-house tankless water heater caters to the whole house as opposed to point-of-use tankless water heaters that only heats the specific tap it is installed on.

Before such a unit qualifies for the Energy Star tax credits, it first needs to pass the Energy Factor rating required for water heaters in this category which is greater than 0.82. Recommended whole house gas-fired tankless water heaters would include brands such as Bosch, Noritz, Paloma, Rheem, Rinnai, and Takagi.

Gas Condensing Water Heater

Condensing water heaters are practically the most efficient type of gas-fired water heater. Instead of directly venting their exhaust gasses towards the outside, it instead utilizes the heat from the exhaust and uses it further in the water heater process. This is possible through the use of a second heat exchanger where the combust gasses pass through. Gas condensing water heaters would include storage tank models and tankless models and they have an energy efficiency rating of over 90%

Recommended storage tank gas condensing water heater would include A.O. Smith’s “Vertex Series,” Heater Transfer Products’ “Phoenix Series,” and American Water Heaters’ “Polaris Series.” Recommended tankless gas condensing water heaters would include the Navien CR Series which has a 98% energy efficiency. Bosch, Noritz, and Takagi are the other manufacturers that have models with very high-efficiency ratings.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are also one of the most efficient types of water heaters as they draw less power than conventional electric storage tank water heaters. Heat pumps basically draw heat from the surrounding air and use this to heat the water inside the tank. Since they do not generate heat on their own, they have an Energy Factor rating of 2.0 or higher. Most heat pump water heaters have an electric backup element which in effect makes them hybrid water heaters.

Recommended heat pump water heater brands would include G.E., Rheem, and Stiebel Eltron. However, if you are unable to afford these models, you may convert your standard electric storage-tank water heater by purchasing a stand-alone add-on heat pump.

Heat pump water heaters are the only electric model water heaters that are Energy Star compliant and qualify for energy efficiency tax credits.

Solar Water Heaters

Since the energy coming from the sun is free, then solar water heaters are therefore the cheapest type of water heater to run. There are actually a wide variety of solar water heating systems and all of them have either gas or electricity as a backup system should there be bad weather conditions and the heat or ray of the sun does not directly shine on the solar panels. This means that there is still some operating cost in running the system. Nevertheless, it is a system that is efficient and will keep on running for many years. The main issue with solar water heating systems is that they are far more expensive than other types of water heating systems. However, due to the savings that you get from your annual operation cost, the extra price you pay in getting a solar water heater will likely pay for itself in around 10 years time.

Since solar water heaters and heat pumps are not capped at the $1,500 mark, then you are likely to get substantial savings when you get these water heating systems during your water heater purchase. Rheem manufactures solar water heating systems and has had good reviews on their “Solaraide” passive solar water heating system and their “Solpak” active water heating system.

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Tips on How to Buy a Water Heater

Wanting to buy a water heater? Before you buy one, you need to know the many different types of water heaters available in the market these days, so you can wisely decide which one is the best for you.

How to Properly Select and Buy a Water Heater

When you are going to buy a water heater unit, it is advisable that you know important factors about water heaters, so you can determine what type of water heater is the right one for you:

Research and choose the type of fuel source that you would like to use and also go over the prices of the fuel. Most experts think that the best option would be natural gas, if it is available, rather than choose electrical or oil-fired water heaters. Solar energy may be environmentally friendly and it is a free energy; however, this technology poses a lot of obstacles.

Price and Operating Costs
The price and operating costs determine what type of water heater will you buy – economy, high efficiency, or the latest technology water heaters (like condensing ones). Even if there are so many models and brands in the market today, professionals highly recommend that you focus on the Energy Star products, since you will also benefit from the government grants and therefore you can save a lot in the long run. Because Energy Star products mean that they are utilizing green technology, you are automatically an advocate of the protection of the environment.

Size of the Water Heater Unit
The point-of-use water heater is small, the tankless water heater is medium size, while the storage tank water heater is big. Nowadays, a lot of professionals typically claim that the most popular types of water heaters according to size are the tankless or on-demand water heaters.

When it comes to products, people have different brands that they like, while others have their own favorites. Lots of water heater buyers go for their favorite brands or they buy a brand that has a lot of good feedback from satisfied customers such as A.O. Smith, Rheem, Bradford White, Polaris, Rinnai, GE, Kenmore, Bosch, etc.

As the norm for many appliances, higher-quality water heaters will typically have a longer life, utilize better technology, have higher performance and efficiency, more pleasing aesthetics, and even sometimes have a much longer warranty; but of course, with all these great features, they will actually turn out to be more expensive than other basic water heaters.

The features of a water heater must always be beneficial to the user, and they are more favorable if the components used are user-friendly, easy to troubleshoot, and easy to replace if need be.

Repair Cost and Availability of Parts
The popular brands of water heaters generally can provide a better service network and have available parts than less-known manufacturers.

Did You Know That: Next to home heating and cooling, water heating is the next biggest energy user. If you can utilize more than one fuel type, then it is a great idea to compare what will be your yearly fuel cost, installation, repair, issues, etc.

Types of Water Heaters Based on Fuel Source

Gas water heaters can utilize both natural gas and propane gas (LP). Gas appliances are actually the best choice whenever this type of energy is available and also because gas appliances are considered to be the most energy-efficient systems. Gas water heaters are available either in the tank or tankless models. In order for you to understand how much hot water it can generate, look for the heaters’ specification and the gas input in BTU (British Thermal Unit) per hour.

Electric water heaters are highly recommended if the only fuel source option you have is electricity (excluding oil). Even if they have a higher energy factor than the gas water heater units, electric water heaters are more expensive in the long run. However, they are actually the best type of water heater units if you are using point-of-use water heaters and heat pumps.

Solar water heaters are typically utilizing a very simple system, wherein free solar energy is used in order to heat the water. In the long run, using this cost-free and renewable energy, solar water heaters can prove to be an excellent lifelong investment.

Oil-fired water heater units are actually becoming less-popular systems for residential or home use, due to the fact that there is an increased availability of gas and other green-technology systems. Furthermore, oil-fired water heater models are also more expensive to install and they also do not last very long as compared to the gas water heater units.

Wood Burning Water Heater
Wood burning water heaters and wood furnaces are heating appliances that utilize wood as the energy source in order to carry out tasks such as home heating, cooking, and hot water preparation.

Types of Water Heaters Based on the Size and Technology Used

Storage or Tank-type Water Heater
Storage or tank-type water heaters are the most popular of all heating systems meant for home use. Hot water is always available for use, and even if you are away, this type of water heater always keeps the hot water available.

Tankless water heaters, or otherwise called on-demand water heaters, have no tank for water storage. Instead, they heat the water only when needed, which reduces energy consumption and so is your bill at the same time. They typically last longer than the conventional tank-type water heaters and they are also more environmentally friendly.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
Electric heat pump water heaters are a type of system that has an inexpensive way of heating water by means of utilizing electricity in order to extract heat from the air, then move the heat from one place to the other, thereby resulting in a highly efficient production of hot water.

As mentioned above, there are many types of water heaters. By being informed on what the different types of water heaters are and what they can specifically do, you can make a wise decision on which type you would most likely buy and enjoy using in the long run.

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Simple Ways on How to Diagnose Water Heater Problems
Water heater problems are usually very annoying as they seem to occur when you need hot water the most, such as when you’re taking a shower or when you’re doing laundry. Although many symptoms of water heater problems can be identified earlier on, most of the time these symptoms are left ignored. The truth is some of the water heater problems can be fixed in simple steps. Despite this, you need to be very careful and take necessary precautions in order not to injure yourself or cause damage to your water heating unit. In addition, if you are not confident with your do-it-yourself skills, it is simply best to seek the help of a professional technician to identify and solve your water heater problems for you.

Diagnosing and troubleshooting the water heater problem is easy if you understand the inner working of how your water heater works. Reading the manual of your unit or doing some research over the internet will help you gain a basic understanding. In fact, you will be surprised to find out how easy it is to diagnose some of the common water heater problems and how easy they are to repair. Some of these repairs can be accomplished yourself which in turn will allow you to save money on plumber bills.

When making any diagnostics or repair on your water heating unit, always make sure to turn off the gas or electricity as well as its water supply.

Water Heater Leak – the dripping of water or pooling of water underneath your water heating units is perhaps the most common type of water heater problem. This type of problem can occur from a multitude of places or connections in your system. If such a problem only occurs during the cold season, then the problem might only be due to condensation. However, if it occurs even during the summer months, then expect to have a leaking problem. Tightening certain bolts and connections will usually help to solve the problem.

Most water heater leak problems occur from either a loose or faulty temperature/pressure relief valve, or from the unit’s drain valve. Replacing these is both easy and inexpensive. On electric water heating units, the problem sometimes fall with the gaskets.

A leaking water heater is truly a big problem, especially if the source of the leak cannot be easily fixed. Corrosion is the archenemy of storage tank water heaters and if the unit has corroded enough to have leaks, replacing the water heater unit would be the best course of action. This is because repairing the unit will only show more signs of corrosion in the unit and this rust will only get progressively worse.

Extreme Temperatures (Too Hot or Too Cold) – when the temperature is not to your liking, usually, adjusting the thermostat of your water heating unit will usually do the trick. However, if this does not work, you will need to determine if there is something wrong with your thermostat. Try to determine if the thermostat has current. If it has current, then the thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced. Although this is easy to replace and replacing it yourself can be very tempting, if your water heater unit is still under warranty it is suggested to have it serviced instead as replacing the thermostat yourself can be deemed as modifying the unit and thereby void any warranty.

If the water coming from your water heater is too cold and you have determined that the thermostat is working, the problem possibly lies with the dip tube. The dip tube is simply a plastic tube and can be located near the cold water inlet. If the dip tube is busted, it will let incoming cold water to mix in with the already heated water. Replacing the dip tube will do the trick.

Water Heating Unit Makes Strange Sounds – this is perhaps the easiest way to determine if your water heater has signs of impending problems. If your unit has any banging, gurgling, or popping sound, then the problem lies with the hard sediments, lime and scale buildup inside your tank. In order to avoid such accumulation and prevent the deterioration of your water heater, it is highly recommended to flush your storage tank water heater at least every six months. Flushing will help to remove the sediments that could potentially become the scaly deposits inside the tank. However, if your tank has already a buildup of over six inches, it is recommended to simply replace your water heater unit. This is actually much better as such buildup will make the water heater very inefficient.

Water Has Rotting Smell – this kind of smell in the water comes from bacteria inside the water heater. This foul smell is produced when the bacteria reacts with the anode rod inside the unit. Often, magnesium and aluminum anode rods are responsible for catalyzing this foul smell. The smelly water is also somehow connected when the water being used in the water heater is from a well system. Using a water softener is highly discouraged at this point as this will only increase the foul-smelling problem. Although water softeners are known for helping to get rid of lime buildup inside a storage-tank water heater, they can however contribute to smelly water, especially when the insides of the tank already have the bacteria that produce the foul-smelling odor. In order to get rid of the problem, flush the unit with diluted hydrogen peroxide or bleach and replace the current anode rod with a zinc-aluminum anode rod.

Delayed Hot Water – the long delay of heated water before running through your tap could be the result of long water pipelines. This problem can be improved by properly insulating the water pipelines. However, a good way to solve this problem is to have a professional plumber install a hot water recirculating pump or maybe a point-of-use tankless water heater.

Although there are other types of water heater problems, the few listed above are just some of the most common types.

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How to Solve Noisy Water Heater Problems

Water heaters are very convenient household appliances that enable us to feel comfortable when it comes to the usage of water at home such as taking a warm or hot bath, washing our clothes with warm water, washing the dishes in the dishwasher with warm water, or washing our hands with lukewarm water from the faucet.

Most of the time, homeowners and their family members tend to ignore the maintenance of their water heater at home, and the only time they will pay attention to it is when it starts to make some unusual noises. A noisy water heater in a residential area can have a number of common problems depending on the noise it makes such as rumbling, pounding, ticking, etc.

Water heater noises are typically associated with two major conditions – water hammer and mineral buildup. Unfortunately, there are also other reasons why a water heater could become noisy over time.

It is fairly common to experience the irritating noise that your water heater creates after a short period of service. Even if your water heater is installed in an area away from your living room or bedroom, you might still hear some kind of noise in the plumbing that travels with vibration waves from the water heater.

The irritating noises, for example, can originate either from the gas water heater because of the droplets on the crusty formations and sediments, or it is associated with the hissing sound created by the electric units and formation of limescale on the immersed heating elements of the water heater.

There are 6 common types of noises that a water heater makes which may indicate that there is something wrong with it:

1. Pounding Noise

You may be wondering why your water heater is making an awful pounding noise. The two major causes of a pounding noise coming from your water heater are water hammer and mineral buildup.

When water is freely flowing through the plumbing system and then it is stopped abruptly, what will happen is that the high-intensity shock wave tends to travel through the pipeline, which in turn makes some vibrations in the piping system, and then followed by a sort of banging, thumping and pounding noise.

The pounding noise could be associated with the occurrence of water hammer.

The pounding noise could also occur due to lime formations and sediments that settle at the bottom of the tank. In order to eradicate the noise, some professionals would most likely recommend installing a water softener, or occasionally flushing out the system.

2. Ticking Noise

The ticking noise coming from your water heater is usually caused by a fluctuation in pressure inside the piping system. If your water heater is an energy-efficient unit, then the odds are that it has heat traps that are installed. Because of the temperature change as well as the expansion and contraction of the heating elements, the heat trap ball is rattling in the nipple.

If there is no other way to get rid of the ticking noise, you may try removing the heat traps from the water heater. Be aware that there will be only a small reduction in its energy efficiency, but it will surely not affect the safety of the water heater’s operation.

One other possible reason for the ticking sound may be that it comes from the plumbing pipes, and this may be due to expanding and contracting against a loose-fitting strap or wood framing while making a hot water draw. One of the simple solutions would be to track down where the ticking noise is the loudest, and then try to secure the pipe or install some plastic spacers.

The simplest solution when it comes to ticking noises is to turn the temperature on your water heater just a few more degrees down.

3. Rumbling Noise

One of the main causes of a rumbling noise coming out of your water heater is the aluminum hydroxide gel inside it, whereas mineral buildup could also be an underlying factor. The aluminum hydroxide gel is actually the result of the chemical reaction between the water condition and the anode rod.

Aluminum hydroxide gel can either be blue, gray or green gel beads that tend to accumulate in the water heater drain or in faucet aerators as well.

There are two simple ways on how to solve this rumbling noise in your water heater:

If your water heater is fairly new and there is no lime buildup yet, you can simply turn the water heater off, remove the anode rod and then flush the system thoroughly. After that, bring the anode back and turn on the water heater.
If your water heater already has lime buildup in it, you may then use one of the recommended de-limers (such as phosphoric acid or maybe you could ask one from the manufacturer) and then follow the correct procedure for flushing out the deposits.

4. Sizzling Noise

The sizzling noise coming out of your gas water heater may primarily be due to condensation and/or a leaking problem – when there are drops of water dripping down the flame in the burner or any other hot surface.

Condensation is typically created when the hot flue gases come in contact with cooler surfaces. Condensation forms inside the vent and drops of water will hit a hot surface every few seconds, and that makes the sizzling noise. It can be seen by means of looking into the combustion chamber where the flame will first grow very bright and then very dim afterward.

Condensation must stop when the whole heater is heated at over 115 F. If the problem is due to leakage, then locating and repairing or even replacing the leaking element or tightening the loose fittings, is the most common solution.

When you own a gas water heater, the sizzling noise is considered to be a normal sign because natural gas has a very high moisture content.

When it comes to electric water heaters, the sizzling noise may come from the heating elements, due to limescale formation, and water that is trapped next to the element will also make the sizzling noise when the boiling water becomes steam.

5. Popping and Crackling Noises

The popping and crackling noises are typically caused by water that is trapped under the lime deposits. Lime (CaCO3) that is present in the water heater is normally the result of water hardness, and it is usually present in almost every home plumbing, more or less. As you heat up the water more and because of the water heater’s prolonged usage in the excessive hardness environment, more lime is created.

The solution for the popping and crackling noises made by your water heater due to lime buildup is very simple. You only have to flush out the water heater with the proper acidic compound such as a de-limer recommended by the manufacturer.

If the flow of water is abruptly stopped, it can also cause the popping and crackling noise.

Another possible reason for the crackling sound coming out of your water heater may be that condensation is dripping on the burner or any other hot part’s surface.

Closing Thoughts

Noise coming from your water heater can be minimized by disconnecting the heater as well as doing a regular flushing, which is the most common solution to these irritating noises. If the water in your area is too hard, you may want to consider installing a water softener, but of course, do consider a negative influence on the anode rod.

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Why it is a Must to Flush your Hot Water Heater

Having a hot water heater, for most people, is something that is convenient to have at home. However, many of those who own them do not actually care about its condition, unless something starts to go wrong and it stops working. A hot water heater that suddenly gives off unusual loud noises typically indicates that you have never flushed it. Well, don’t feel bad about it. In fact, there are actually thousands of water heater owners who never felt the need to flush their hot water heater. If their water heater stops working, they will just throw it out and then buy another one. However, you need to be aware that the old hot water heater-holding tank that has rust in it can potentially do a massive amount of damage on your home.

Below are some of the many reasons why you must flush your hot water heater. Flushing will actually save you some precious money on energy costs. Furthermore, the sediment that lies at the bottom of the tank displaces your hot water volume, which means that you have less available hot water (not to mention the rust, calcium scale, dirt and iron in the bottom of the tank as well). Bacteria can also typically grow and thrive in the older tanks in which you could sometimes smell a certain type of sulfur or rotten egg odor.

After you do the first flushing, you may reconsider making some hot chocolate or hot tea straight directly from the hot water tap. This kind of dirt that will be coming out of the bottom of the water tank can be pretty ugly.

There can be as much as eight inches of sediment that lies at the bottom of a 15-year-old hot water heater, which can be one good reason why you will not be able to have enough hot water whenever you need it. Flushing your tank can also actually help in making the unit last longer, and by cleaning the unit on an annual basis, you will surely notice any future rusting occurring on the exterior, which indicates that it is time for you to replace the unit or else it may cause flooding in your home.

There are many ways on how to flush a hot water heater:

For electric water heaters – make sure that you turn the power off at the main service entrance box (either the fuse box or the circuit breaker).

For gas water heaters – make sure that you turn the red temperature dial to vacation. At the top of the water heater tank, you will see the cold water inlet valve. Turn that off. At the bottom of the water heater tank, you will see the drain cock or hose bib. Hook up your garden hose, take the other end outside and away from your flower beds. If you have a floor drain present, put the end of the hose in the floor drain. Bear in mind that the water that will come out of the water heater tank is extremely hot, so do not forget to warn others in the surrounding area.

At the top of the water heater and coming from the cold water inlet line, there is normally a flex hose that is attached to the top of the hot water heater which allows the water into the tank. With the use of some pliers, unscrew the flex hose attachment at the top of the water heater tank and then just flop it over out of the way. This typically relieves the water pressure building up in the water supply line and tank, which then allows the air to enter the water heater tank for easy drainage.

When the tank is drained once, refill it to about half full and then drain it one more time. After that, you could say that you have cleaned your unit and you are ready to close it back up again. Make sure that you have the flex hose on tight again and ensure that there are no drips at the top of the tank. Prepare some pipe dope nearby in case any drips occur. Also, while the tank is empty, it is wise to make sure if it is level. If not, shim and make the tank level prior to refilling it with clean water.

If you happen to notice the presence of foul odors coming from your water such as the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, it is highly possible that there are bacteria currently existing inside the hot water holding tank. To eliminate such foul odor and maybe even harmful bacteria, you need to first re-hook the inlet connection line and then allow the tank to re-fill at least half full. Afterward, with the use of a funnel, add one gallon of bleach by pouring it in at the top of the water heater at the inlet opening. Then, completely refill the tank and allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes. This technique usually kills any bacteria residing in the tank. After the 30-minute decontamination process, check each and every plumbing fixture (such as sinks, bathtubs, etc.), turn on the hot water side, and then let it run for about a good 15 minutes. This method should effectively and easily remove most of the bleach in the tank, and after all that, you and your water heater tank are both good to go for another whole year.

If you have your water heater situated in your garage, it should be placed on a platform that is at least 18 inches off the garage floor, just in case gasoline or other highly flammable products should accidentally spill.

If you need to replace your water heater, make it a point to not but the cheapest hot water heater available in the market. You think that by buying the cheapest hot water heater unit you will be saving lots of money from it, but in reality, it will actually cost you more in the energy consumption factor later on. Additionally, read the “Energy Factor” on the tank labels. It is because the higher the numbers, the better the fuel efficiency. If your area has really hard water available, you may want to flush your system to about twice a year, or consider getting a water softener. Water softeners could also help with not having to flush your unit very often. Always check your T&P valve (temperature and pressure relief valve) and make sure that it is perfectly working. Pull the lever and it should let hot water to escape. If in case the T&P valve is not working properly, do replace it as soon as possible. It is also highly recommended that the T&P valve must be replaced about every 3 to 4 years for your safety and wellbeing.

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All of us live on this planet whose resources are limited and dwindling down. Many of our energy demands are unlimited and we are responsible for the dwindling down of Earth’s natural resources. This is why to become more economically friendly, manufacturers are looking into making more economical water heaters. They not just help lower the amount of energy being used, but they also help lower our utility bills. However, buying the most economic water heater will not do you any good if you do not take into consideration some relevant factors during their installation.

Economical water heaters have been divided into four different categories and their division involves the type of energy they use to heat water. These four types are electric water heaters, gas water heaters, solar water heaters, and commercial water heaters.

One of the relevant factors that should be taken into consideration when installing an economical water heater is insulation. The addition of insulation on the water heater will greatly help to reduce the amount of heat being lost during standby mode. This accounts for around to 25-45 percent of reduction on heat loss, giving you savings of around 4-9 percent on your water heating cost. In fact, insulating your water heater tank is actually very simple and very inexpensive. The money you use on the material for insulation will actually pay for itself on the savings you get within one year. If you own an electric water heater, you yourself can install insulating blankets or jackets on your electric water heating tank.

These days, tankless water heaters are becoming the most popular type of economic water heater. These units are very efficient because it only heats water when it is needed. This is possible as the electric ignition only ignites when heated water is being requested and water gets heated up as it passes through copper heating coils.

Electric tankless water heaters are the most popular type of tankless water heating systems. Many consider them as the next generation of water heaters and represent the future technology. The reason why electric tankless water heating systems are becoming very popular is because they have several key advantages as compared to traditional water heating. The first would be the absence of a storage tank. This allows homeowners to use that space for more important things. The second would be the unlimited supply of heater water. This is possible because water is being heated as it is being needed. The third reason is they are very economical as water is only heated as it is being needed.

Natural gas water heaters are water heating systems that have been designed with energy efficiency in mind. The best thing about natural gas water heaters is that they are able to provide a substantial amount of savings on utility bills. According to statistics, water heating constitutes a large part of the energy consumption in one’s home. The use of a natural gas water heater will reduce the cost of utility bills significantly. This is because the rates for natural gas are much lower and that gas is also able to heat water much faster as compared to electric units. Manufacturers of natural gas water heaters make them in a range of sizes and have tanks that range from 20 to 100 gallons. There are also tankless versions of natural gas water heaters.

To date, solar water heaters are the greenest and most cost-effective way of generating heated water for your home. They can be used regardless of the size of your home as long as the location of your home has a clear view of the sun. The best part about this type of water heater is that the power it uses comes from the sun, which is of course free.

A solar water heating system is composed of solar collecting panels and storage tanks. There are basically two types of solar water heating systems – active and passive. An active heating system makes use of circulating pumps and controls, while passive heating systems don’t. Regardless of the type of solar water heating system you have, you will without doubt save money using this system. Just make sure that the storage tank you have is properly insulated so as not to lose any heat.

Commercial water heating systems on the other hand are specifically made for buildings that have a high demand for heated water. Typical applications for commercial water heaters are large residences, apartment buildings, hospitals, restaurants, motels, hotels, industrial buildings, and many more.

If you already have an economical water heater, it is important that you maintain the unit regularly to ensure that it is always in perfect working condition. Even if you don’t notice anything unusual with your unit, regular maintenance is still necessary as this will help you find potential problems with the unit earlier on. This not only ensures that your water heating unit works more efficiently, but it will also save you a lot of money on costly future repairs as equipment failure has been prevented earlier on. The main reason why your water heating system needs to be regularly maintained is not just for preventive maintenance and that it is working efficiently, but one of the reasons involved in maintenance is so that it works like the unit is supposed to – save money. We often buy equipment not just because we like them, but because they are reliable and energy-efficient. We know that these two reasons will allow us to save money in the long run which is why even if the equipment is more expensive, we still invest in them. Ensuring that these pieces of equipment work at their optimum performance will ensure that we save money, ergo, regular maintenance is a must.

Overall, water heating systems are essential all over the world, regardless of whether you live in cold or tropical regions. If you are planning to buy a water heater, it is important that you make it a point to consider whether the unit you are buying is eco-friendly, economical, and that it is also energy efficient. It is also equally important that the water heating system you are trying to buy is enough to supply your home with your heated water needs and that the unit you are planning on purchasing is well within your budget.

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If you are looking for or planning to have a new and economical water heater unit, it is highly recommendable to always compare the prices of competing water heater units as well as some of the specifications that are crucial to your requirement. This would involve aspects such as unit cost, installation cost, heating capacity, and operating cost. Doing a bit of research on these factors will enable you to choose the type of unit more suitable for you. The unit cost basically depends on the brand, model, and water capacity you are looking for. Different brands usually have different prices and it is up to you to weigh which one would be ideal for you, at least after considering some of the other factors.

Installation Cost

Storage tank water heaters are much easier to install than tankless models which is why they are also cheaper to install. If you already have a storage tank unit but somehow needs replacing, it is best and cheaper to choose a similar tank model that uses the same fuel as the current water heater. However, if you plan on upgrading your standard tank model with a heat pump or efficiency tank model, you may want to get ready to pay a little extra. This is because even if the connections remain the same, the installer may need to add extra insulation on the area where the heat pump will be placed, or the new tank may not fit snuggly into the space previously occupied by your old unit. If you think that the space available is a bit restricted, it is best to try to get the measurements first before attempting to buy a new unit.

If you are thinking of replacing your current storage-tank water heater unit with a tankless type, you need to ready yourself for a bit higher installation cost, more especially with gas-fired tankless water heaters. This is because using a gas-fire tankless unit will require you to upgrade your half-inch gas lines to three-quarter inch ones. In addition, since there will be high combustion temperatures, it is also necessary to upgrade to a new venting system. Such added cost makes it very important to consider whether the conversion from a storage tank model to a gas tankless model is really beneficial and more economical in the long run. On the other hand, if you decide to upgrade to electric tank models, although you may need to upgrade some of your electrical wirings and supply, the cost is not as significant as compared to converting the whole gas system.

Heating Capacity

Often, people who purchase storage tank models assess the prices of water heaters based on their storage capacity. While storage capacity is indeed important, it is the heating capacity of the unit that is more important. The heating capacity of a water heating unit is identified by its FHR (First Hour Rating) which can be found on the specs of the unit. The FHR basically shows you how much heated water can be provided by the unit on a span of one hour. It thereby reflects the overall heating capacity or power of the unit. In order to be certain that the unit you are eyeing will meet your hot water demands, it is recommended to focus more on the FHR rather on the size of the tank as the better FHR will be able to meet your hot water needs during peak usage.

If you are looking for tankless water heaters, it would be a good idea to compare the prices of models that are able to meet or exceed your peak hot water usage during the cold seasons.

Operating Cost

Electric water heater units are basically a lot cheaper and more efficient as compared to gas-fired models. However, since natural gas is a lot cheaper than electricity, the operating cost of gas-fired water heaters is a lot lower. In addition, gas-fired models are also able to heat up water more quickly as compared to electric units.

High-efficiency tank units are able to achieve efficiency with better insulation. They incorporate heat traps as well as highly efficient heating systems which gives them above 95% heating efficiency levels. High-efficiency gas models on the other hand are usually 63-64% efficient. They are also around 10% more efficient as standard gas models. However, this very little increase in efficiency does not justify the high cost of the unit. The only thing that makes them worth is perhaps is their durability as they are considerably more durable than standard models.

Tankless water heaters are more expensive than storage tank types. However, it is the gas tankless types that are 20% more efficient than gas-fired storage-tank models. This higher efficiency is achieved as water is only being heated when it is needed. The advantages of tankless water heaters is that you do not pay any operating cost when water is not being heated as compared to storage tank models wherein the water needs to be kept at a certain temperature even when it will not be used for days.

There tankless and storage tank gas-fired water heaters that are very efficient. Their efficiency is achieved by using the heat that is normally vented out of the chimney. These gas-fired models are called condensing water heaters. They are not only very efficient, but they are also eco-friendly as they enable the homeowner to have lower fuel cost. In fact, the utility bill is reduced by up to 40% using this type of water heating system as compared to standard gas-fired models.

When it comes to water heater units, it is a known fact that more expensive and higher efficient models also have the lowest operating cost. They are also likely to be eligible for tax credit and rebates. This tax credit and rebate helps to significantly reduce the price of the unit. The saving you get from the tax credit, rebate, and low operating cost will likely be more economical in the long run.

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How to Save on Your Water Heating Bill

When we were children, we only thought about things concerning our studies and most of the time, we only thought of ways on how to have fun. However, by the time we finish our studies and go out to the world of adults, get a job and try to be independent, we come to realize that there are many things that we have to be responsible about at home.

One of the most common things that we usually encounter as a problem is the problem of household bills – for electricity, for water, for the telephone, etc. Of course, the amount of the bills you have to pay each month may vary as it may go up if the consumption within the household is high, or it may go down if the consumption is low. While you cannot control how much these utility companies charge you, you can actually control the way how you and your family use them.

For instance, if you and your family are fond of using the water heater at home, then there are actually easy ways on how you can save on your water heating bill:

1. Consider taking short showers instead of long baths. These daily activities in the household can actually be controlled, and the extent of taking a bath depends on you and your family’s bathing habits. If you are someone who likes to have a long hot shower, you may be using a lot more hot water than you think. Moreover, if you have a bathtub that is very huge, then you will really be using a whole lot of hot water in order to fill that tub for you to bathe on. Of course, a warm bath feels like a luxurious and relaxing thing for you, but if you want to save up, you need to stick with a short shower. It is even better if you can turn off the shower while you are using soap, shampoo or even while shaving.

2. Try to minimize the time spent in the shower. Lots of people take too long in the shower simply because they feel it is too cold to get out of it. If you are one of them, you can actually try keeping the bathroom door closed which will keep the air inside warm and prevent the sudden entrance of a cold draft. Also, why not place a towel holder and keep a big and fluffy towel close by whenever you take a bath.

3. Make it a habit to never let the water run. A lot of people are guilty of leaving the water on while they brush their teeth, or they tend to step away for a while to grab some dirty dishes, or they take their time lathering soap on their hands. It may seem like it is no big deal to keep the water running just for a few seconds, but if you do this constantly, you are actually adding them up, which results to a whole lot of water that is sadly wasted. It is very easy to shut it off and it only takes a second, so you should never let your water run if you want to save on your bill.

4. Do lower the temperature on your water heater unit to 120°F. Did you know that for every 10°F decrease in temperature, you can save as much as 3% to 5% on your water heating costs?

5. Fix obvious leaks. Leaks are one of the most common reasons why your water bill suddenly shoots up. A leak of about 1 drip per second can cost you $1 per month. This may seem like a small amount to you, but look at it this way: at 60 drips per minute, 8.64 gallons of water is wasted each day, which becomes 259 gallons per month, and then it will be about 3,153 gallons of water per year. This is actually a whole lot of clean water being wasted and this will only be prevented if the leaks are fixed.

6. As much as possible, use only cold water for most of your laundry loads, and make it a habit to use cold water always for the rinse cycle.

7. Use your dishwasher as efficiently as possible. Do wash only in full loads, select the shorter wash cycle options, and turn on the booster heater if your dishwasher unit possesses one.

8. You should install heat traps on your water heater tank. By doing this, you can actually save up to $15 to $40 on your water heating bill. You might need to hire a professional to help you install them on your water heater tank, but there are some modern storage water heater units nowadays that include heat traps in them.

9. You should install low-flow fixtures. Federal rules and regulations require homeowners who have water heaters to get new showerheads and faucets that have low-flow rates. This is because shower heads and faucets made before 1992 use more than twice as much water as the new ones. If you do this, you can actually obtain water savings of about 25% to 60%.

10. You should insulate the first couple of feet of the hot and cold water pipes attached to the water heater.

11. You should insulate your storage water heater tank. If you have an electric tank, take care not to cover the thermostat. If you have natural gas or oil storage water tanks, take care not to cover the water heater’s bottom, top, thermostat or burner compartment.

12. You should install a timer that turns off your electric water heater at nighttime or during times when you do not use it. You can also use the timer to turn off the water heater during its peak demand times.

13. You can consider buying a new water heater. Nobody ever says that you can only just have one water heater at home. You can have both conventional storage water heaters and tankless water heaters at the same time in your home.

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How to Replace Water Heater Thermostats

Hot water heater thermostats are a kind of adjustable thermostat that is used to control the temperature of the outgoing hot water. Below is a review of two of the most common types of water heating residential appliances – gas and electric.

Both gas and electric water heating residential appliances will contain at least one thermostat in order to operate the heater and one high limit switch in order to protect the unit from any excessive temperature.

For different applications, different hot water temperatures are needed. The hot water is normally needed for showers, clothes washing, dishwashing, etc. and these day-to-day activities are some of the reasons why you use a hot water heater thermostat, in order to set and/or adjust the temperature.

Generally, the temperature range on both gas and electric water heaters differs, but one common thing about them is that they both have thermostats that are factory pre-set, which is usually at 120 F, so as to protect its users from hot scalding water.

It is very important to know that if an individual is exposed to hot water of about 120 F or 49 C, it takes more than 5 minutes to experience burns; if about 130 F, it takes less than 30 seconds; and if the temperature is about 160 F, it takes less than a second to experience burns.

Take note that there are some ways on how to protect yourself and others from accidental burns. Simply install temperature-limiting valves that connect to faucets in order to limit or restrict hot water, or install a mixing valve in order to minimize the hot water temperature, by means of mixing hot and cold water.

Hot Water Heater Thermostats on Gas Appliances

On gas water heaters, when the incoming cold water activates the thermostat, the gas then flows to the main burner. By the time the water inside the tank reaches the set temperature, the thermostat then interrupts the gas flow to the main burner.

The residential gas water heaters normally operate within a temperature range of 80 F to 160 F wherein the high-limit safety device opens at about 195 F (on the AO Smith, for instance).

Do remember that even if the thermostat is set to 120 F, the heater may potentially shut off at about 110 or 130 F. This is due to the fact that the unit depends on the accuracy (+/-10 F tolerance) of the metal rod that is immersed inside of the tank to measure the temperature.

Hot water heater thermostats on gas appliances are actually part of the gas control valve assembly. The thermostat knob is typically situated at the front of the gas valve. Its purpose is to control the water temperature and during the process of lighting the pilot and the main burner. The temperature dial possesses markings, and by turning it counterclockwise, you can increase the temperature setting.

Prior to performing any maintenance on your gas water heater, do remember to turn the temperature dial on its lowest setting.

Take note that the lowest thermostat setting is highly recommended to use during low-demand circumstances. This way, you can reduce your energy losses during cold days and this also prevents the tank from freezing.

Hot Water Heater Thermostats on Electric Appliances

Electric water heaters are normally equipped with 2 adjustable thermostats, one on each heating element (in case the water heater has two).

The temperature range on residential electric water heater units is normally from 90 F to 150 F with a high limit of about 170 F. The high-limit switch (ECO) is situated in the exact same place as that of the upper thermostat, has a manual reset (for instance, the AO Smith) and it is meant to shut down the unit if extremely high water temperature occurs (in this case, above 170 F).

The electric water heater thermostats are surface mounted, normally installed into a bracket that holds the element against the side of the tank. The thermostat’s back surface is in full contact with the tank, thus it responds to the tank surface’s temperature change.

When you are adjusting the thermostat on your electric hot water heater, it is advised that you set both thermostats to about the exact same temperature, or simply set the top element to a slightly lower temperature, so the bottommost element activates first.

How to set the temperature of the water heater via thermostat adjustment

Below are the steps on how to properly change the temperature setting on electric water heaters:

Only adjust the thermostat on an electric water heater when the power is off. Disconnect all power sources to the water heater by means of opening the switch on the fuse box or the main circuit breaker.
Take out the access panel, cover and fold the insulation away from the controls in order to clear the way to the controls.
With the screwdriver, rotate the adjustment knob to the desired position (temperature).
Put back the cover, access panel and insulation. Turn on the electrical supply and the water heater.
How to replace thermostats on electric water heaters

A thermostat is not that expensive, which is why fixing a thermostat on a hot water heater is not actually recommended. Below are steps on how to replace a thermostat on an electric water heater:

Turn off the electric power of the water heater.
Take off the front panel door and then fold up the insulation pad.
Unclip the thermostat from its bracket.
Disconnect the wires from the thermostat. For proper re-connection to the new element, do label the wires.
Take out the water heater thermostat.
Install the new thermostat into the bracket.
Connect the wires to the thermostat.
Set the thermostat to the original temperature setting.
Put back the removed elements.
Turn on the power to the water heater.
It is highly advised that you check, clean or replace the heating elements as well. When going to bring the thermostat back, ensure that it stays firmly against the tank surface. Inside the access cover, you will find a wire diagram. Use that to properly reconnect the wires to the thermostat.

If in case your electric water heater has two heating elements and two thermostats, keep in mind that the lower ones will operate more frequently, have more chances of exposure to lime buildup, and tend to fail more often than the upper ones.

When on the lookout for water heater thermostats, it is crucial to know the voltage of the water heater or the heating element. You can easily find it on the back of the element or on the main energy guide label.

Closing Thoughts

One of the primary problems concerning water heater thermostats are: when the hot water is set too low, the hot water is set to a too high temperature, and when there is no hot water at all.

The reasons behind these problems are actually simple – the thermostat is set either too low or too high. If in case there is no hot water coming out, then that means either the thermostat is not working or the high-temperature limit switch turned the unit off. If in case you are experiencing running water heating with high operation costs, or if the thermostat fails to shut off, all you need to do is to simply replace the water heater thermostat.

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How to Choose a Good Storage Tank Water Heater

Whether you live in a warm or cold region, having a water heater in your household is important. There are actually many uses for hot water in a household; you can use it for the laundry, dishwasher, or when taking a shower. This makes it very important to choose a good storage-tank water heater whether if it’s for a new home or just replacing the old one. However, relying on the sales pitch of sales agents does not necessarily mean you will be able to get a good one. It is important that you equip yourself with some facts and knowledge about water heaters before going out to get one. The list below shows some of the things to consider when choosing a good storage-tank water heater.

Space – This is among the first things that should be considered when choosing a storage-tank water heater. This is mostly because storage tank water heaters cover a fairly good amount of space, say a square meter. If your home has plenty of space to spare both outside or inside, then this shouldn’t pose any problem. Most storage-tank water heaters are placed on basements, garage, or utility room. However, if your home hardly has any space to spare, then you are better off choosing an electric tankless water heater.
Size – Size is also important when choosing a storage-tank water heater. This is mostly because you need to consider the amount of hot water the whole household will need. Since the storage tanks usually vary in how much volume of water they can store, you need to be able to choose one that would be able to cater to the overall requirement of your household. A 30 to 40-gallon tank is usually sufficient enough for 2 to 3 persons. If there are 5 people in a household, it is recommended to have a 50 to 80-gallon tank.
Recovery Rate – This is a very important factor to consider in a water heater as this involves how much volume of water a water heater unit can heat in a span of 1 hour. This means if you require a large amount of heated water per day, you will require a unit with a high recovery rate.
Operating Cost – Different types of tanks, heating elements or systems, and brand will usually have varying efficiencies which in turn yields to operating costs. It is important to choose the type that fits your heating requirement, whether it is electric, propane, or natural gas.
Price – This is usually the aspect that wary most buyers. The truth is everyone wants to have the best type of water heater. The only problem is that the prices of the best types of water heaters are sometimes too steep for many. This is the reason why some buyers are led into buying the cheaper ones. Although there is nothing wrong with the cheaper types of storage tank water heaters as they are able to serve their intended purpose – to provide heated water. Their only downside is that they are more expensive to run in terms of operating costs as compared to the more expensive types of water heaters.
When attempting to buy a storage-tank water heater, it is important to consider the factors mentioned above so you will not have a hard time isolating the unit that suits you perfectly. Never allow the sales agent to lure you into their sales pitch. Try to do your research first before buying one.

Simple Tips on Water Heater Replacement

Having a water heater in your household can be very convenient. However, when the water heater is old or breaks down and need replacement, it can be quite a problem. The problem when replacing a water heater usually involves plumbing, which, most often than not, requires you to hire a professional to do the job. Doing this yourself without any knowledge of the possible dangers can potentially make you do more harm than good. On the other hand, if you are confident about your DIY skills, then you can do this task fairly easy, considering the tank you will be replacing is an electric type unit.

Before purchasing a unit, it is important that you consider the size of the new unit you will be buying and whether the space allocated for the old unit will be able to accommodate the size of the new unit. Once you have your new unit ready, you need to do the following:

Drain the Tank – Turn the circuit breaker of the unit off and turn off the main water valve. Open the taps in your home that are connected to the heater to empty the tank. Once that is done, connect a garden hose at the drain valve and place the other end of the hose outside your house. Open the drain valve to fully empty the tank.
Disconnect the Electrical Wirings – There is a junction box at the top of the unit where there are two electrical wires. Disconnect both of them by unscrewing their connection (be sure that the unit is turned off). Mark them so you know where to place them back.
Disconnect the Plumbing Lines – Make sure you know where the location of the incoming water and the outgoing hot water is. If you are using a galvanized pipe, simply unscrew the union using a wrench. However, if you are using a copper solid pipe, you need to have a hacksaw to cut through the copper pipe. Make sure to cut below the shutoff valve and to cut straight. Once you are done, file off the burrs and sharp edges and prepare for soldering.
Remove the Old Water Heater Unit
Position the New Water Heater Unit
Reconnect the Water Line – If you are using a solid copper pipe for the outgoing hot water, solder the pipe and its fittings to the heater. Reconnect the water main to the heater. Use flexible copper pipes to make connecting easier. Turn on the main water valve and check for leaks. Be sure a tap is open so that the air does not get trapped inside the tank.
Reconnect the Electrical Wirings – Open the junction box and reconnect the two wires using the clamp or screws built in the unit’s connector. Tighten the screws.
Before turning on your new water heater unit, it is important to set the unit the thermostat first to your desired temperature. Having 120°F or 50°C is usually the recommended thermostat settings. Once you have set the thermostat temperature, turn on the circuit breaker and enjoy.

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Tips on How to Save Energy with Water Heaters

As most of us would know, a typical water heater unit eats up a whole lot of energy. Therefore, when it comes to the possibilities of saving energy, one of the appliances that you will never think of that could do that would be a water heater unit.

In many areas in the United States, the most commonly used water heater unit would be the traditional tank-type water heater. This type of water heater is normally located in the basement and it keeps the water hot and ready to use whenever you need it. However, as the water sits, it tends to cool down naturally, which is otherwise known as standby heat loss. By the time the water fully cools down, the heating element or the burner activates in order to warm it up again, and this cycle regularly goes on in a repeating manner.

In order to significantly lower your household’s total energy costs, below are some tips on how you could increase its efficiency and also on how to save energy while still enjoying the benefits of using your water heater:

1. Do install fixtures that are considered to be low-flow. A surefire method on how to significantly cut hot water consumption costs is to simply use less of it. Let’s say for example that a family of five utilizes about 700 gallons of hot water in a week. By installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, one can significantly cut down on hot water consumption costs by 25% up to a whopping 60%. For instance, one can save $200 off the average US household water bill of $500. Additionally, ensure that you use the “eco” setting of your clothes washer and dishwasher, and discontinue the habit of pre-washing. The latest versions of dishwashers nowadays can handle a dirty dish well. Just scrape the leftovers (either into a container or into the trash bin) and then load the dishes.

2. Wrap your water heater unit with a blanket. In the wintertime, your water heater unit actually requires a blanket in order to keep warm, most especially if it is situated in a somewhat cold space. A typical fiberglass insulating blanket can significantly cut down heat loss by about 25% up to 40%. This saves you 5% up to 10% if you have a typical water-heating bill of $300. You may hesitate to do this, but insulating blankets are fortunately very easy to install and are quite inexpensive. They usually cost about $30 each. When wrapping your water heater unit with a blanket for the purpose of saving energy, do be careful not to block the air inlet and exhaust (if you have a gas water heater unit) or the thermostat (if you have an electric water heater unit). Before attempting to wrap your water heater unit with the use of a blanket, check to see if it already has one. Most new versions of water heaters nowadays already contain insulating foam, which renders a blanket unnecessary and maybe even dangerous as it can block vital components of the unit. It is advisable to first ask your unit’s manufacturer to make sure if your water heater unit requires a separate blanket or not.

3. Drain the tank. Water heater tanks obviously build up sediments, which significantly minimizes the water heater’s efficiency, therefore making it difficult to save energy. By regularly draining the tank, you can save energy. To do this, just turn off the water and the power to the water heater unit (if you have a gas-powered water heater, just set the burner to “pilot”). Attach a garden hose to the spigot at the bottom of the tank. With the other end of the garden hose aimed at the floor drain, carefully lift up the tank’s pressure relief valve and then turn on the spigot. The water should start to flow out. While lots of manufacturers suggest that you ought to drain our tank about once or twice per year, this means that you do not necessarily have to drain it completely. As a matter of fact, most homeowners drain less water more often, about a quart every 2 to 3 months.

4. Check the temperature of your water heater unit. Initially, if your water heater unit just came out fresh from the factory, its settings will normally be set high. For about every 10 degrees that you turn the temperature setting down, you are guaranteed to save as much as 3% to 5% on your energy bill. A temperature setting of 120 to 140 degrees is just about hot enough as one can tolerate. Just remember to not go below 120 degrees, because this could result in bacteria growing inside your tank, and of course you do not want that to happen. If in case the thermostat on your water heater unit does not possess a numbered gauge, set it midway between the “medium” and “low” indicators. Simply wait for about a day and then measure the temperature of the tap water with a thermometer that is used for cooking. Just keep on adjusting it until you hit your desired temperature.

5. Insulate hot-water pipes that are exposed. Just like what was discussed in wrapping a blanket to the water heater tank, you can reduce standby heat loss by wrapping insulation around hot-water pipes as well. When this is done, the water that arrives at the tap will tend to be 2 to 4 degrees warmer. This results in you not having to wait long for the water to heat up, which in turn saves you water, energy and money. Self-sealing sleeves that are 6 feet long and can easily be slipped over pipes are what you will need to insulate the pipes. While insulating hot-water pipes are not very expensive, they can really take some effort to install, depending on where your hot-water pipes are situated. Hard-to-reach hot-water pipes located in walls or crawl spaces will considerably take too much of your time, whereas exposed pipes such as those in the basement are a fairly easy target to work on.

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How to Repair Your Electric Tank Water Heater

You may be wondering who used up all the hot water in the house? You’d be surprised to find out that nobody had taken a hot shower or used any hot water in the house all day. Maybe your electric water heater needs some fixing. Once you know how it works and how to diagnose its common problems, you can fix it and save some money.

If in case you find out that your electric tank water heater unit stops heating water as fast as it did when it was new, or it looks like it runs out of water much quickly, chances are that one of the two heating elements inside the tank has a malfunction. Or, it could be that there is an electrical problem such as a faulty thermostat or a simple reset button that needs to be pushed; however, it is most likely that the culprit is one of the heating elements. With basic and easy-to-use tools, you can change these elements yourself and save you the trouble of having to call a repairman which can unnecessarily cost you some money.

Things that You Will Need:

Multi-meter
Digital camera
½-inch drive socket wrench and sockets
¼-inch drive socket wrench and sockets
Small screwdriver
Garden hose
Pencil
Notepad
Instructions:

Preparation:

Turn off the electricity to the water heater unit at the home’s main load center by means of flipping the appropriate circuit breaker to the off position.
Turn off the water supply to the tank by means of turning the handle on the valve on the cold water inlet pipe to the heater.
Open the two access panels located in the side of the water heater unit by removing the small retaining screws with the appropriate flat screwdriver or small Phillips. Remove the insulation that is inside the access panels to reveal the thermostats and electrical elements mounted on the inside of the tank. The electrical element is the part that has a huge hexagonal head with two electrical wires attached to threaded posts protruding from the head.
Connect the garden hose to the drain fitting at the tank bottom and route the end of the hose outside to a well-situated floor drain lower than the bottom of the water heater unit.
Open up the drain valve and then empty the water heater. The drainage will be facilitated by turning on the hot water faucet that is nearest to the water heater unit in order to let the air into the top of the tank as the water drains out.

Electrical Testing:

Shoot a close-up digital photo of each of the access panels as well as the electrical hook-ups inside. The wiring may look simple, but in case you become confused, you will surely be able to ensure that you are correctly re-hooking up the wires when re-assembling as long as you refer to the photo you have just taken.
Set up the selector switch on the multi-meter to 250V-AC setting. After that, touch each of the electrical connections on the head of the heater element with one of the two probes from the multimeter. Either probe can be placed on either electrical connection. Check the reading on the display or meter, it should be zero. This ensures that the electricity to the elements is really turned off.
Simply remove the two electric wires from the heating element head by means of unscrewing the nuts on the connector posts using a ¼-inch socket wrench and the correct size of the socket.
Set up the selector switch on the multi-meter to the “ohms” configuration. Touch one of the multimeter probes to each of the electrical posts on the end of the water heater element. If the ohms reading still stays zero, then this means that it is a defective element. If you think that neither element is defective, call for professional assistance. This indicates that something is amiss other than burnt-out heater elements and the repair will require someone with special training and equipment in order to diagnose water heater problems.

Removal of Elements:

Use a ½-inch drive socket wrench that is fitted with an appropriately-sized socket to unscrew the defective heating element from the tank and take it out.
On a notepad or paper, write down the make, model and serial number of the water heater.
Bring the note and the old heater element to a hardware store or plumbing supply store. There are heater elements for many models and brands of water heaters that are interchangeable, but it would be wise to bring with you the specific information of your own water heater unit and the old element as it would ensure that you are getting the proper replacement items.

Reassembling the Heater Element:

Insert the new heating element into the tank and then tighten it firmly. Ensure that you are using the new gasket or O-ring that comes with the replacement elements.
Re-attach the electrical connections and then replace the access panels and insulation.
Turn off the bottom drain outlet and then open the cold water inlet valve, which leaves the hot water faucet in the sink that is nearest to the water heater unit in the open position.
Let the water heater tank to refill and wait until there is an uninterrupted flow of water that comes out of the open sink faucet. After that, shut it off.
Turn on the electricity to the water heater unit at the circuit breaker box. At most, the water inside the water heater tank should get hot in about one hour.

The steps mentioned above are simple yet effective tips on how to repair your electric water heater. Due to the fact that electric water heater units are simple in operation, a few things can go wrong with them, and the solutions are easy. If you are still unsure or you do not want to mess with your water heater unit, you can always call a professional for help. It may cost you some money, but you will be assured that your water heater unit is properly diagnosed with its potential problems and the right ways on how to fix it are carried out.

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How to Repair a Leaking Water Heater
One of the most common problems in both gas and electric water heater systems is leaking. This is the main reason why you must consider a particular designated room when installing your gas or electric-powered water heater.

In order to fully understand everything there is about your water heater when it is leaking, you should know the things that can cause your water heater unit to leak, why it leaks, how to prevent it from leaking, and how to perform DIY repairs.

Clues on How to Determine if Your Water Heater Unit is Leaking

The very first sign that you have a leaking water heater is that there is a puddle of water present around the unit.

Heating units must not be installed in any location wherein the leaky water heater may result in property damage. One of the simplest and easiest solutions may be the installation of the drain pan, shut off device and the water leak detector. The sensors are used to trigger the alarm or to turn off the incoming cold water in cases when a leaking problem is detected.

Condensation can also be considered as a leaking problem due to the fact that the amount of water and suddenness when it happens. It normally disappears when the water heater unit becomes warmer. The excessive condensation normally occurs during the colder months, particularly during winter and early spring.

Take note that you can typically find where a gas water heater leaks by looking into the combustion chamber with the use of a flashlight and then pointing it into different areas of the jacket.

Water Heater Leaking – Leakage Points

In gas-powered water heater units, when hard water is heated (and also because of its hardness), the minerals are separated and they tend to attach to the hot surface. During the heating process, these surfaces become much hotter, which in turn affects the metal tank. To prevent this, make it a point to regularly flush the tank at least twice a year or you could also opt to install a water softener.

In electric-powered water heater units, when hard water is heated (and also because of its hardness), sediments will tend to form, which in turn will cause the heating elements to become very hot and break, resulting in water heater leaking. To prevent this, make it a point to conduct regular maintenance, install a water softener, or install heating elements that are resistant to failure which can be caused by lime buildup.

There is also a significant amount of vapor in flue gases and the vapor typically condenses on the vent pipe and draft hood on the top of the water heater tank. When the products of combustion cool, the moisture then becomes liquid, which is then known as carbonic acid that attacks the metal. In order to solve this problem, you can try installing a water heater that is properly sized so that there is no quick drop in the temperature whenever it is used. Another simple solution to this problem is to install a mixing valve in order to minimize the cold water impact.
Plumbing pipes are also prone to condensation, so it is wise to insulate them as well.

If you discover and verify that the plumbing is the source of the leaking problem, locate the leak and fix it.

The anode fitting rod may also cause a water heater unit to leak. The metal anode rode is usually responsible for preventing internal corrosion inside the water heater unit. Whenever it is used (and also because of the water action), the sacrificing rod tends to dissolve at a slow rate.
Due to high pressure or thermal expansion in the plumbing, it may cause the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve to open or to leak. Excessive pressure occurring in the water heater tank causes failure of joints, gaskets and welds. It will be helpful if you add an expansion tank which can limit the pressure to reaching a near incoming pressure. The TPR valve also limits pressure to the factory set max. The temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve fitting may be the one that causes the water heater unit to leak. If this is the case, you can either replace or reseal it.
If the drain valve is slightly open, tighten the drain valve.

Water normally expands when heated as it is considered to be a non-compressible type of liquid. For each 10°F increase in the water temperature, the water expands at about 0.2%. As the temperature continues to increase, the maximum designed water pressure can possibly exceed and therefore can cause the water heater unit to bulge and leak.
The water may be too hot. When stored at 160°F (72°C), it is twice as corrosive as when it is at 140°F (60°C).
During the start-up, condensation normally occurs. Keep in mind that about one half of gallon of condensate during every hour of operation is considered to be absolutely normal for a residential water heater unit. It takes about 1 to 2 hours for the water heater tank to warm up, so the condensation should disappear at that period of time.

There may be improperly sealed connections, drain valve, temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve, relief valve and the thermostat connection. Ensure that these are properly sealed.
Contaminated air and chemical vapors from various household cleaners may come in contact with a burning flame or electric source, which in turn can create various acids that can attack the metal tank and cause it to corrode. A simple solution to this is to provide a cleaner, chemical-free room or to buy a direct vent heater that utilizes air from the outside environment.

Take note that you may also tend to have leakage problems originating from other appliances or the plumbing line. Do not replace the water heater unit unless you did a full inspection of all the possible problems that might cause it and took corrective action such as tightening threaded connections, replacing broken parts, and other corrective measures as mentioned above.

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