5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Replacement

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Replacement

Running out of hot water is not only a nuisance- its costly, as well. We often take our hot water heaters for granted. Just stop and think about how many times each day you use your hot water! Its probably quite a bit more than you’d think. While its not possible to completely avoid ever needing to repair or replace your hot water heater, there are certain steps you can take to lower your risk.

At Masterflo Plumbing we like to save you time and money, so today we’re going to talk about some tips for avoiding hot water heater replacement.

tips-for-avoiding-hot-water-heater-repair-and-replacement

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Replacement-

  1. Check the temperature setting a couple times each year. Your hot water heater temperature should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you’ve got it set any higher, you will definitely see an increase in your utility bill. You’re also working your hot water heater harder, and it’ll be more likely to need repairs or total replacement.
  2. Drain your hot water heater twice a year. Sediment build up on the bottom of your hot water heater is normal and occurs naturally. If too much sediment is allowed to build up, you may be increasing your risk of needing hot water heater repair or replacement. Draining your hot water heater allows you to remove most of the sediment.
  3. Make sure you have proper ventilation that is in working condition. If your hot water heater is heated by using gas, it needs to be vented. If the ventilation is not working properly, toxic byproducts could be invading the air in your home.
  4. Check the pressure relief valve twice a year. The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that relives excess pressure if the water heater has overheated. Relief valves can leak or corrode which can cause them to malfunction and could possibly lead to more damage. Catching any leaks or corrosion early can save you time and money.
  5. Schedule a maintenance visit with a professional plumber annually. A professional plumber will be able to check out your unit to make sure its in proper working condition. Someone with a trained eye may be able to catch and fix small problems before they turn into large ones.

Although there is never a sure way to avoid all hot water heater problems, following these 5 tips for avoiding hot water heater replacement can minimize your risk. If you need a professional plumber in Woodstock, GA, don’t hesitate to contact Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

How To Drain A Hot Water Heater

How To Drain A Hot Water Heater

Do you know how to drain your hot water heater? Most home owners don’t know that draining a hot water heater is an important step to maintaining your hot water heater, and even fewer home owners actually know how to do it! One of our most important yearly home maintenance tips is to drain your hot water heater twice a year. If you’re not a professional plumber, draining a hot water heater may sound like a daunting task. 

Don’t panic! Today we’re going to run through a few easy steps on how to drain a hot water heater. You may be wondering if this is truly important or necessary. Your hot water heater is possibly the most used appliance in your home. Over time and through normal use, sediment builds up in your hot water heater. This can lead to energy inefficiency, clogs, or eventually no hot water in your home! We can’t stress enough the importance of draining your hot water heater each year as part of your yearly home maintenance.

how-to-drain-a-hot-water-heater

 

How to drain a hot water heater-

  1. Turn off the water supply- If its electric, turn off the power at the breaker box. If its gas, turn the thermostat to the pilot setting. Connect a drain hose to the valve near the thermostat and turn off the cold water supply.
  2. Drain the water- To prevent forming a vacuum, turn on one of the hot water faucets in your hosue (the tub, the sink, etc.). Open the drain valve on the hot water heater. Make sure the end of the hose that the hot water is draining out of is far away from anything that could be damaged by hot water.
  3. Get rid of any remaining sediment- Once all the hot water has drained out of the water heater, turn the cold water supply back on to flush out any sediment that remains in the hot water heater. Once all sediment has been washed out, close the drain valve and turn off the faucet inside your house. Make sure to read all the warning labels and instructions that go with your hot water heater- some hot water heaters need to remain full in order to prevent any damage.
  4. Check the pressure release valve- Turn your power supply back on once your tank has refilled. Once the temperature has come back up, check your pressure release valve by using the instructions that came with your hot water heater.

Remember, if you don’t feel comfortable draining a hot water heater yourself, at Masterflo Plumbing we will be more than happy to come out and do it for you! We boast a large team of qualified, experienced professionals who would love to come out and see you for a hot water heater maintenance visit. Draining a hot water heater is an important step in prolonging the life of your water heater. For all your hot water heater needs contact us today at (678) 822-7095!

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Running out of hot water is everyone’s worst plumbing nightmare. Not having hot water is a huge inconvenience, and can sometimes mean that you’re facing a costly problem. Although its not possible to completely avoid ever needing to repair or replace your hot water heater, there are certain steps you can take to lower your risk.

At Masterflo Plumbing we like to save you time and money, so today we’re going to talk about some water heater maintenance tips for avoiding hot water heater repair and replacement.

water heater maintenance tips

5 Water Heater Maintenance Tips-

  1. Check the temperature setting a couple times each year. Your hot water heater temperature should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you’ve got it set any higher, you will definitely see an increase in your utility bill. You’re also working your hot water heater harder, and it’ll be more likely to need repairs or total replacement.
  2. Drain your hot water heater twice a year. Sediment build up on the bottom of your hot water heater is normal and occurs naturally. If too much sediment is allowed to build up, you may be increasing your risk of needing hot water heater repair or replacement. Draining your hot water heater allows you to remove most of the sediment.
  3. Make sure you have proper ventilation that is in working condition. If your hot water heater is heated by using gas, it needs to be vented. If the ventilation is not working properly, toxic byproducts could be invading the air in your home.
  4. Check the pressure relief valve twice a year. The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that relives excess pressure if the water heater has overheated. Relief valves can leak or corrode which can cause them to malfunction and could possibly lead to more damage. Catching any leaks or corrosion early can save you time and money.
  5. Schedule a maintenance visit with a professional plumber annually. A professional plumber will be able to check out your unit to make sure its in proper working condition. Someone with a trained eye may be able to catch and fix small problems before they turn into large ones.

Although there is never a sure way to avoid all hot water heater problems, following these 5 tips for avoiding hot water heater repair and replacement can minimize your risk. If you need a professional plumber in metro Atlanta, don’t hesitate to contact Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Repair And Replacement

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Repair And Replacement

Running out of hot water is not only a nuisance- its costly, as well. No one wants to run out of hot water during the chilly winter months. And, no one wants to pay for hot water heater repair or replacement just after the holidays! While its not possible to completely avoid ever needing to repair or replace your hot water heater, there are certain steps you can take to lower your risk.

At Masterflo Plumbing we like to save you time and money, so today we’re going to talk about some tips for avoiding hot water heater repair and replacement.

tips-for-avoiding-hot-water-heater-repair-and-replacement

5 Tips For Avoiding Hot Water Heater Repair And Replacement-

  1. Check the temperature setting a couple times each year. Your hot water heater temperature should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you’ve got it set any higher, you will definitely see an increase in your utility bill. You’re also working your hot water heater harder, and it’ll be more likely to need repairs or total replacement.
  2. Drain your hot water heater twice a year. Sediment build up on the bottom of your hot water heater is normal and occurs naturally. If too much sediment is allowed to build up, you may be increasing your risk of needing hot water heater repair or replacement. Draining your hot water heater allows you to remove most of the sediment.
  3. Make sure you have proper ventilation that is in working condition. If your hot water heater is heated by using gas, it needs to be vented. If the ventilation is not working properly, toxic byproducts could be invading the air in your home.
  4. Check the pressure relief valve twice a year. The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that relives excess pressure if the water heater has overheated. Relief valves can leak or corrode which can cause them to malfunction and could possibly lead to more damage. Catching any leaks or corrosion early can save you time and money.
  5. Schedule a maintenance visit with a professional plumber annually. A professional plumber will be able to check out your unit to make sure its in proper working condition. Someone with a trained eye may be able to catch and fix small problems before they turn into large ones.

Although there is never a sure way to avoid all hot water heater problems, following these 5 tips for avoiding hot water heater repair and replacement can minimize your risk. If you need a professional plumber in metro Atlanta, don’t hesitate to contact Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095!

5 Facts About Water Heaters

5 Facts About Water Heaters

Your water heater is, perhaps, the most important appliance in your home! Although you may not think about it every day and you may not see it every day, chances are that you use it every day. Most of us never realize how vitally important our hot water heaters are until they break! Without a hot water heater, small things like cooking pasta, washing your hands, or doing laundry become daunting tasks.

Here are 5 fun facts you may not know about hot water heaters-

  1. Nearly 25% of the energy you use in your home goes towards heating your water. Because this is such a large portion of your energy bill, many people are opting to use more energy efficient models.
  2. Doing laundry and bathing use the most amount of hot water out of all the tasks hot water is used for.
  3. Using an electric hot water heater costs more than using a gas or propane powered one. You can speak to a professional plumber about making a change from electric to gas.
  4. Your hot water heater should be maintained on a regular basis in order to extend its life, as well as make sure its running as efficiently as possible.
  5. Many people assume tankless hot water heaters don’t leak or don’t need to be maintained like traditional hot water heaters. However, this is not true! Tankless hot water heaters can spring a leak, just like a traditional model.

tankless water heater repair

For all your hot water heater needs, call Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095! If you’re in need of a new hot water heater, we can help you choose the right water heater for your needs and install it for you. If you’ve found yourself with no hot water and need an emergency visit, we’re available to come fix your hot water heater 24 hours a day 7 days a week. And finally, if you want to extend the life of your existing hot water heater and schedule a hot water heater maintenance visit, we’ve got you covered!

 

 

 

Choosing A Tankless Water Heater

Choosing A Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters aren’t right for everyone, but a lot of people are making the switch and loving it! You can read our post here on the benefits of tankless water heaters and how they can save you money. If a tankless water heater is the right fit for you, you can save yourself tons of money on your utility bill each year! Today we’re going to talk about choosing a tankless water heater so that you can make the right selection for you and your family!

There are several things to consider when thinking about purchasing a tankless water heater for your home- fuel type,  demand, and purpose.

Fuel Type

Tankless water heaters can be electric or gas. If you’re going to purchase an electric tankless water heater, you have to consider voltage, amperage, and your circuit breaker.

  • Voltage- Most units sold will accomodate 110V, 208V, 220V, and 277V.
  • Amperage- Different units will have different requirements. Make sure you can support the electrical demands of the unit you choose.
  • Circuit breaker- Make sure you have a circuit that will support an electric water heater. You may have to put your water heater on its own circuit.

If you’re going to purchase a gas tankless water heater , there are also a couple of things to consider.

  • Gas type- You need to determine if your gas type is natural or propane. Make sure you have thoroughly checked out your current gas line to determine whether or not it meets the requirements of the new water heater you plan on buying. The requirements of your new gas tankless water heater may exceed those of your old water heater.
  • Venting requirements- Venting is very important and these requirements should not be overlooked. Make sure to purchase Category III stainless stell (UL1738 certified) venting for your new gas tankless water heater. Type B venting accessories are not ok! Its also a good idea to check out your local building code for any specific needs. Some tankless water heater manufacturers sell gas venting kits. While these kits are handy, make sure you’ve checked out the specific installation requirements for the tankless unit you’ve purchased to ensure that kit will meet all your needs. There are many things to consider when installing a gas tankless water heater such as the vent route, where the discharge will go, access to air for combustion, etc.

Demand

When you’re choosing a tankless water heater, its a good idea to think about how many fixtures you’re trying to heat water for. Are you looking for a unit to heat water for just one sink? A whole bathroom? An apartment? A whole house? You may need to do some research on the typical flow rates for all the fixtures you are going to be heating water for.

Purpose

When shopping for a tankless water heater, you may have a specific purpose or need in mind. Here are some examples of the most common purposes and which model may work best.

  • Single Point Application- This is when only one fixture (one sink, one shower, a washing machine, etc.) will need to have water heated by the tankless water heater.
  • Thermostatic- A thermostatic tankless water heater boosts the temperature of the water if it has cooled off due to a long pipe run or for sanitation purposes. These units are great if precise temperature control is needed.
  • Whole House Use- Large tankless water heaters are designed to heat water for whole houses where many fixtures will need hot water.

choosing a tankless water heater

For more information on choosing a tankless water heater and installation, contact us today at (678) 822-7095! At Masterflo Plumbing, we’ve got the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to help you make the best choice for your family!

Water Heater Wednesday: Dip Tube Problems

Water Heater Wednesday: Dip Tube Problems

We’ve talked a lot about hot water heaters, hot water heater maintenance, and hot water heater repair on our Masterflo Plumbing blog. Today we’re going to focus on dip tube problems- something we’ve talked about before, but you may not be totally familiar with.

Your hot water heater supplies hot water to your home by heating up cold water and then storing it for future use. The dip tube is essential to the functionality of your hot water heater. Dip tubes are a component of every hot water heater that has a storage tank, and can sometimes experience problems that can lead to you having no hot water.

So, what is a dip tube? A dip tube is a long plastic tube that is attached to the cold water intake valve at the top of your hot water heater. The dip tube extends to approximately 8 inches from the bottom of the tank. Cold water enters your tank through the dip tube and is pushed to the bottom so that the hot water can be at the top of the tank. This process ensures that the water you receive through the hot water taps in your home is only hot water and not cold. If the dip tube was too short, the cold water and hot water would mix inside the tank and you would have luke warm water all the time in your home.

Unfortunately, just like any other plumbing item in your home, dip tubes can sometimes experience problems. The most common problem with dip tubes is that they can crack and break. If your dip tube has cracked or broken, you’ll notice that there will be a decrease in the temperature of your hot water inside your home. Another sign is that you may notice small pieces of plastic in your water or in the mouths of your faucets. These are small pieces of the disintegrating dip tube.

Certain dip tubes made and installed between 1993-1997 were not manufactured correctly and are more likely to break than other dip tubes. If you believe your dip tube may be one of these, check out the serial number on your hot water heater. If the last two digits are 93, 94, 95, 96, or 97 then your hot water heater may have a faulty dip tube inside.

If you have dip tube problems, then chances are that you don’t have the hot water that you need! Its important to hire a professional plumber to solve this problem for you. If you need a plumber because you don’t have hot water, call the trained professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today! We understand that hot water is vital to your everyday life and will come fix your hot water heater quickly! Call us today at (678) 822-7095!

Plumbing Services Canton GA | Water Heater Repair Canton GA

Canton, GA Plumber: Water Heater Maintenance

Canton, GA Plumber: Water Heater Maintenance

Suddenly finding yourself with no hot water or with a leaking hot water is every homeowner’s worst nightmare! Water heater repair can be costly, and sometimes a broken water heater can cause additional damage to your home. Regular maintenance can also increase the lifespan of your water heater. The best way to prevent a broken water heater is to schedule regular water heater maintenance visits with your local, trusted Canton, GA plumber!

At Masterflo Plumbing we’d love to save you the hassle, headache, and expense of a broken water heater by conducting your water heater maintenance visit. So, what happens during a water heater maintenance visit?

Sediment Flushing

If you have a traditional storage tank water heater, you have a large storage tank that holds all of your water. As time goes by, sediment can build up along the bottom of the storage tank. After this sediment has had the chance to build up, it can become harder for the heating element to penetrate and heat the water. This can result in a very inefficient water heater, and you may end up with no hot water at all! During a routine maintenance visit, we’ll flush out the storage tank to get rid of any built up sediment before it has the opportunity to cause problems.

Anode Rod

The anode rod is a piece of your unit that protects the hot water heater from rust by degrading over time. If the anode rod is not replaced before it has the chance to degrade completely, its protection will be gone and your water heater will be subject to rust. During each routine hot water heater maintenance visit, we’ll check your anode rod to make sure its still functioning properly and doesn’t need to be replaced.

 

These are just a couple of things that will happen during a hot water heater maintenance visit. To learn more, call your local, trusted Canton, GA Plumber at (678) 822-7095. At Masterflo Plumbing, we’ve got the skills and experience necessary to keep your hot water heater maintained and repaired! Contact us today to schedule your visit!

 

 

Canton GA Plumber | Canton Water Heater Repair
Masterflo Plumbing
241 North Etowah Drive
Canton, GA 30114
678-822-7095
http://www.masterfloplumbing.com 

Water Heater Wednesday: Water Heater Repair

Water Heater Wednesday: Water Heater Repair 

Although water heaters are super sturdy and durable appliances, they work hard almost every single day. This daily use can and does cause them to develop problems and small malfunctions over time. This is totally normal! If you notice a problem with your hot water heater, its important that you call Masterflo for water heater repair immediately! We have the experience, skills, and tools necessary to fix your hot water heater before it becomes irreparable. The longer a problem with your water heater is allowed to continue, the worse it will get. If the problem goes on long enough, you may have to replace your entire unit!

Here are some common water heater repair issues:

  • Leaks- Leaks are a very common water heater repair issue. There are many areas of your hot water heater that can spring a leak. Bad valves and loose pipe junctions are the most common cause of leaks. If your hot water heater springs a leak in the main tank, this can be a huge problem! A small leak in your hot water heater can quickly turn into a big disaster. A leak in the main tank is usually caused by rust and can eventually lead to your whole tank exploding. If you see any leaks- even a small one- have it repaired immediately!
  • Low output- If your hot water heater is suddenly not keeping up with your demand for hot water, it could mean a variety of things. You could have a dirty burner assembly that is having trouble igniting all of the jets. This would significantly lower the temperature of the water in the tank. You could also have a large buildup of sediment in your tank. Because the cause of low output is hard to determine, its important to call a trust professional immediately to pinpoint and fix the issue.

If you have any of these water heater repair issues, be sure to call us at Masterflo! You can trust us to accurately correct your water heater problem the first time around! With years of experience repairing and replacing water heaters, we can take care of all your hot water heater needs. Call us today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Today is our final installation of our mini series on tankless water heaters! If you haven’t been following along, make sure to check out our past posts! You can read about what a tankless water heater is and how it works, the benefits of tankless water heaters, and selecting a tankless water heater.

We’re going to wrap up the series today by running through some facts that will sum up just how awesome tankless water heaters are!

First let’s talk about hot water usage:

  • 18% of your average utility bill accounts for water heating
  • water heating is the 2nd highest energy expense in the average home
  • the average shower uses 10 gallons of hot water
  • the average load of laundry uses 7 gallons of hot water
  • the average dishwasher cycle uses 6 gallons of hot water
  • including appliances and faucets, the average home uses 64 gallons of hot water each day

Moving right along to longevity:

  • a conventional hot water heater lasts approximately 8-10 years
  • a tankless hot water heater lasts approximately 25-30 years

And on to speed and efficiency:

  • a conventional hot water heater may take awhile for the water to heat up
  • a tankless water heater heats water on demand
  • a conventional hot water heater wastes hot water when you run the faucet
  • a tankless water heater can provide unlimited hot water
  • a tankless water heater is up to 34% more efficient than a conventional hot water heater because it heats water as you need it

And finally on to cost:

  • a tankless hot water heater saves you at least $100/year over a conventional hot water heater
  • with a lifespan of 30 years, that’s at least $3,000 in savings

 

We hope you’ve learned something from our mini series on tankless hot water heaters. Remember, for all your hot water heater needs, call Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095!