About

Common Problems With Water Heaters

One of the most common problems that homeowners come across is that of the heater not producing enough hot water. In certain cases, there may be no hot water produced at all too. Whatever may be the case, the first thing that you need to check is whether the breaker has tripped a breaker, (in the case of an electric tank).

Sometimes the problem could also be because of the pilot light going out. You can either seek professional help or fix the issue yourself, if you are confident about it.

There are also instances in the lifespan of a water heater wherein mineral deposits build up in the tank reducing its efficiency. In that case, flushing your tank would help you resolve the issue.

Perhaps the most common problem that you will encounter with heaters is leakages. The first thing that you need to check is to find out from where exactly the leakage is happening. If it is originating from the top then it could be a case of malfunctioning of a plumbing part.

If it is somewhere else, then there may be a case for replacing the entire heating tank. Once you have zeroed in on the problem, you can then go about doing the repair, either yourself or hire the services of a competent plumbing contractor.

It is for these very reasons that you need to check the warranty on a water heater before you make a purchase decision. It is important that you find out what is the type of warranty being offered. There could be instances when a particular brand may offer to replace the entire tank unit as part of the warranty.

It is also important that you go through the instruction booklet thoroughly. This will help you get acquainted with the various components present inside the heater and this knowledge will come in handy if something were to go wrong.

.

DIY Hot Water Repair Tips

Hot water heaters have a tendency to fail when you need them the most. That being said if you make sure to check and maintain your water heater especially before the winter sets in you can avoid many of these issues. Some of the most common hot water heater problems include:

Preparing for the job Before performing any DIY repairs or troubleshooting your hot water heater do the following:

Problem no. 1: No hot water Possible causes for no hot water include: Possible solutions to this problem:

Problem no. 2: Not enough hot water Main causes of this problem include: Possible ways to repair this problem:

Problem no. 3: Rust-colored water Some of the root causes of this issue are: Possible Repair Simply replace the anode rod with a new magnesium rod. These can be purchased from a plumbing supply store.

Problem no. 4: The smell of rotten eggs Bacteria in your hot water tank feeds off the sediments which creates hydrogen gas which gets mixed in with the decay of your sacrificial anode. Possible ways to remedy the issue: If the problem still persists you may need to change the water heater and get a plastic-lined one.

Electric VRS Gas Water Heaters

Where would we be without hot water? Many people take this luxury for granted. Aside from HVAC systems, water heaters are the most commonly used devices in modern households, yet most homeowners know little to nothing about how they work.

You don’t need to be a plumber to learn about how a water heater operates. It is worth knowing what kind you have and what type you may want to invest in when the time comes to buy a replacement. Fortunately, you won’t have to be spending too much time going back and forth, as the options are limited.

When it comes to water heaters, you can either go with electric or gas. There pros and cons to each, so make sure to choose one that best fits your needs. At any rate, whatever model you end up choosing, you will want to have it professionally installed.

You can certainly do the job yourself if you have the technical know-how, but it will probably be in your best interest to hire a plumber. A contractor will have the equipment and experience necessary for replacing your existing water heater without any problems.

Plumbing is a field that does require a bit of knowledge, especially when you run into unforeseen issues. Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of gas and electric water heaters. Read through the list carefully to get a better idea of what will work best for your family. Gas or Electric – Which Should You Choose?

The best way to determine whether you should buy a gas or electric water heater is by assessing your needs. How many people live in your home and how much hot water is used on a daily basis? Is space an issue? Knowing the answers to these questions will simplify the buying process.

Benefits of Having Solar Water Heaters Installed

If you are looking for a natural and cost-effective solution for heating water, you might want to look at the availability of the solar water heaters, which are generally mounted to the roof of a property.

If you live in an area that is likely to get an abundant amount of bright sunlight, you should certainly be able to get a high volume of luxurious hot water when you need it. Heating water via the latest solar technologies means that you are going to help save the environment, save on water heating costs, and save on energy.

A fully install solar heating system is likely to consist of multiple collectors or solar panels, which are fitted to an un-shaded area of the roof that receives high quantities of daily sunlight. The solar panels are able to collect the heat generated from the sunlight that is then able heat the water contained inside a large size cylinder.

An immersion or boiler heater might be used in situations where a backup source of water heating might be desirable. Here are some of the major advantages of relying on the solar water heaters: Saving on energy – If you’re able to rely on natural resources, like the sun’s energy, you are likely to see a significant reduction in the energy consumed for heating water.

That could be by as much as 50% to 85% of savings which would offset you energy cost tremendously. Although this is likely to vary significantly depending on the amount of sunlight you are able to enjoy on a daily basis.

Cutting the cost of utility bills – A further quality aspect of using the solar-powered water heaters is that you are able to see a noticeable change in energy costs. A typical home is likely to see a noticeable reduction in future energy bills after using the very latest in solar technology.

And since energy costs are likely to continue to increase worldwide, now could be a great time to look at installing the rooftop solar panels for your energy needs.

Helping the environment – Beyond the ability to save on energy costs, you will also go a long way to help save the environment when you are able to use the more natural resources for your energy needs, and not to constantly use the many fossil fuels.

By using the very latest in solar water heaters you are likely to take a great step to cut the carbon footprint from your own home.

What You Need to Know About Immersion Water Heaters

A device that is installed inside a container or tank to make a liquid hot is called an immersion heater. Let’s take a look at the three different ways that an immersion heater can be installed:

Over-the-Side When a vessel is not able to be installed in a traditional way, this type of immersion heater is usually installed. The part of the unit that is heated is at the bottom or along the side of the tank, while the heater is installed through the vessel’s top.

The heating elements that are available for these heaters are made of titanium, cast iron, stainless steel, steel and copper. A wide variety of mounting methods, shapes and kilowatt ratings are available to handle all sorts of applications.

A wide variety of applications for these units are available because of the big variation of shapes and heating element material. Acids, plating baths, oils, salts, solvent and water are some of the many viscous materials and liquids that are commonly heated by using immersion heaters.

This type of heater also allows lots of areas to work inside the tank after it is installed. It can also be removed easily when heaters and tanks need to be cleaned. Finally, over-the-side immersion heaters are conveniently portable.

Flange immersion Water Heater This type of immersion heater is made of tube-shaped elements that are connected to a flange. These heaters are perfect for a wide variety of heating applications.

This is because a wide variety of sheath materials, terminal housings, voltages, kilowatt ratings and flange sizes are available. They have steadily gained popularity in recent years.

This is due to their affordability and dependability. One of the most commonly used techniques that people use to heat liquids is a flanged immersion heater.

These liquids can include corrosive solutions, heat transfer fluid, oil or water. They provide heat for a variety of uses. They are also easy to install. They are designed to be used in pressurized vessels and tanks. The direct immersion method is easily controlled and monitored. It is considered an energy-efficient way to heat liquids.

This type of heater is installed by using a matching companion flange attached to the wall of the tank. You can buy this flange at most hardware stores. A wide variety of ratings, heating outputs, flange sizes, and watt densities make this an ideal heater for most types of oddly-shaped vessels, vats or tanks.

Threaded or Screw Plug This type of immersion heater is made of tube-shaped elements connected into a screw plug. Electrical connections are supplied by wiring boxes.

They are directly screwed through an opening that is threaded in the wall of the tank. It could also be done through a welding flange, half coupling or a matching pipe coupling. A wide variety of thermostats, sheath materials, kilowatt ratings, terminal housings, and voltages are available.

Save Water Through These Plumbing Tips

Performing plumbing maintenance is one way to save on your water bill. As a matter of fact, it can help you avoid major house damages which can be quite costly in the long run. From regular drain cleaning to replacing the water heater, there are numerous ways to ensure that your plumbing system is in good working condition.

In case the problem is beyond your competence, you can always contract a professional plumber. Proper Care and Maintenance In order to conserve water, you have to ensure that your plumbing system is always in good working condition.

Overflowing toilets and leaking pipes can actually cost you thousands of dollars. Also, you need to check for hidden leaks to make sure that you are not wasting your money on your water bill. Try to take a look at your water meter and see if there are unusual changes that could be a clear indication of unknown leaks.

Repairs Performing minor repairs are also very crucial in ensuring that your plumbing system is working efficiently. In case of problems, make sure you don’t delay the repair for this can cost you a lot of money especially when the situation gets worse. Even with leaks, you certainly have to be prompt.

In order not to wastewater, make sure you address immediately any water damage you discover. Along with plumbing repairs, you may also want to protect your pipeline during cold weather. According to experts, insulated pipes are less likely to come apart. This will somehow prevent you from dealing with costly leaking repairs.

Other Plumbing Maintenance Tips One way to help you prevent water damage due to leaks is to check your pipes during spring and winter. If possible, contact a professional who can inspect your plumbing system for any possible outflow. Always remember that routine maintenance is one way to conserve water.

Regular safety inspection does not only help you save water but it can also be an aid in reducing your monthly expenditures. If you think plumbing maintenance is a bit technical, well you are totally mistaken.

Before you even hire someone who could take care of the repair for you, you should know that simple plumbing tasks can be performed without professional help. Cleaning your drains and replacing old heaters are some of the maintenance tasks you can easily perform by yourself. So before you even give up on your plumbing system, always remember that conservation starts with you.