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: No Hot Water

Water Heater Wednesday: No Hot Water

As a homeowner, not having any hot water is a huge stressor! If you’ve ever been in the middle of a shower or washing dishes and suddenly only have freezing cold water you know what we’re talking about! You probably panicked, wondering why you didn’t have any hot water and, of course, how much money its going to cost to fix it. There are a couple reasons why your hot water heater may have stopped putting out hot water. Unfortunately, unless you’re a trained, experienced plumber, you generally can’t fix a hot water heater on your own. Its still a good idea to know a little bit about what’s going on, though. Let’s take a look at why you may have no hot water.

Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup is generally not a problem that presents itself suddenly. Its also one of the most common (and irritating!) reasons why your hot water heater may not be putting out any hot water. Sediment buildup occurs by sediment building up on the bottom of your water heater tank. This usually occurs due to hard water. If enough sediment is allowed to build up on the bottom of your tank, it can keep the heat from the heating element from getting to the water inside the tank to heat it. It will be impossible for the heat from the heating element to penetrate through all the sediment to reach the water inside. Fortunately, flushing the tank is an easy way for a professional plumber to fix this problem!

Broken Dip Tube

The dip tube is a long tube that runs from the water line to the bottom of the water heater tank. Cold water runs from this tube into the tank, where it is then heated by the heating element. If the dip tube is cracked or broken, the cold water in it will leak right into the water in the tank that is already heated. If you have hot water that is interrupted by intermittent bursts of cold water, you may have a broken dip tube! This is another easy fix for a professional plumber.

 

If you’re struggling with no hot water at your house, don’t hesitate- contact the trusted professionals at Masterflo Plumbing today! We have the skills and experience needed to repair your hot water heater today! To get hot water back into your home call (678) 822-7095 today!

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: Water Heater Replacement

Water Heater Wednesday: Water Heater Replacement

Fortunately, your hot water heater is usually hidden out of sight in your home. While most of us don’t really want to look at our hot water heater everyday, this can sometimes make it hard to tell when you need repairs or when you need a water heater replacement.

If your water heater is making strange noises or leaking, call Masterflo right away- your hot water heater may be in need of repairs! Repairing minor issues quickly can prolong the life of your hot water heater. However, you may not be quite that lucky. Although water heaters do last for a long time, they eventually break down and become too old to be repaired and function properly. Here are some signs to look out for to know if you need a hot water heater replacement-

  • Age- Age is the main sign that you may need a new hot water heater. Fortunately, its also the easiest indicator to keep in mind. Each unit can differ slightly, so for the most accurate lifespan of your hot water heater you should consult your owners manual. Most traditional, storage tank water heaters last approximately 10-15 years and tankless water heaters can last around 20 years. If you know that your hot water heater is beyond is life expectancy, you may be at risk for a sudden break down.
  • Rust- If you turn on your hot water and it begins running a reddish-brown color, this could indicate that you need a new unit. If your tank is rusted, it is at risk for corrosion and leaks. However, in some cases a little rust may not mean a new unit. Sometimes rusk can indicate that the anode rod has rusted and simply needs to be replaced.
  • Low Temperatures- Low water temperature doesn’t always mean you need a whole new unit. It may be an indicator that you need a simple repair. If your unit is old and nearing its life expectancy, it could indicate that your unit can no longer properly heat water and you may need a water heater replacement.

The decision to simply repair or replace your hot water heater can oftentimes be a tough one. Sometimes it helps to have a professional check out your unit and give you some advice. The experienced plumbers at Masterflo Plumbing have the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to help you make the best, most informed decision regarding water heater replacement.

If your water heater has completely broken down and you need a new one ASAP, don’t hesitate to call us. We can be reached for all your hot water heater needs anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Simply call (678) 822-7095 now!

 

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Solar Water Heater Maintenance

Water Heater Wednesday: Solar Water Heater Maintenance

Last week on Water Heater Wednesday, we talked about some of the benefits of solar water heaters. Today we are going to discuss solar water heater maintenance. Just like any other appliance in your home, solar water heaters require regular inspections and maintenance to keep them operating correctly and efficiently. Although solar water heaters generally have a long life span, they may occasionally require some minor repairs or new parts.

To help you out with your solar water heater maintenance, here’s a checklist of things for you to inspect on your solar water heater.

  • Collector shading- You should visually inspect for any shading of the collectors several times throughout the day (morning, noon, and afternoon) at least once a year. If the collectors become shaded, their performance can be impacted. As trees grow or new construction occurs around you, shading can occur that wasn’t previously there.
  • Collector soiling- Dust or dirt can cause the collectors to perform very poorly. Collectors should be cleaned periodically, especially if you live in a dry or dusty climate.
  • Collector glazing and seals- Check for cracks in your collectors and collector glazing and make sure all seals are in top notch condition. If glazing is old and yellowed it may need to be replaced.
  • Plumbing, ductwork, and wiring connections- Check for any fluid leaks and make sure all ducts are sealed and wiring is tight.
  • Insulation- Make sure to periodically check for damage and degradation of the insulation that covers the pipes, ducts, and wiring.
  • Roof penetration- Make sure the flashing and sealant around the roof penetration point is in good condition.
  • Nuts and bolts- Make sure the unit is being properly supported and that all nuts and bolts are sturdy and tight.
  • Pressure relief valve- Make sure your valve works properly and doesn’t stick in the open or closed position.
  • Dampers- Similar to the pressure relief valve, make sure your dampers open and close appropriately and don’t stick.
  • Pumps and blowers- Make sure all pumps and blowers are functional. You can do this by listening to see if they come on when the sun is shining on the collectors. If you don’t hear anything come on, you may have a problem.
  • Heat transfer fluids- The Antifreeze solutions in liquid solar heating collectors must be replaced periodically.
  • Storage systems- Check the storage tanks for any signs of degradation like cracks, leaks, rust, or corrosion.

If you’ve got a solar water heater, make sure to keep up with your solar water heater maintenance by following our check list!

Don’t forget, for all your plumbing needs call the trusted professionals at Masterflo Plumbing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (678) 822-7095!

 

Water Heater Wednesday: New Hot Water Heater

Water Heater Wednesday: New Hot Water Heater

Is it time for you to get a new hot water heater? This week for water heater Wednesday we’re going to be going over a few points that can help you determine if your home is ready for a new hot water heater.

Modern day hot water heaters are built to last a long time- generally somewhere between 10-20 years depending on what kind of hot water heater you’ve got and how well its been maintained. However, no matter how well maintained your hot water heater is, it will eventually need to be replaced! Your hot water heater is one of the most hard working parts of your home, and its also something that is absolutely vital to every day life. Its not something that can be ignored or put off if it breaks- your hot water heater is crucial to your personal comfort as well as your health and sanitation.

How do you know if its time for a new hot water heater? Read on to find out!

  1. Age! The majority of hot water heaters begin to break down between the ages of 10-15 years. If properly maintained (and if you’re fortunate!) your hot water heater can last up to 20 years. If your hot water heater has reached its tenth birthday, you don’t necessarily need to run out and replace it. Just keep an eye on it for any signs that it may be breaking down.
  2. Efficiency! Because your hot water heater works so hard nearly every single day, the parts that make up a hot water heater undergo a lot of wear and tear. Just like in an old car, as the parts of your hot water heater age and get more “miles” on them, they’ll begin to wear out and become less efficient. As the individual parts wear down and become less efficient, the entire unit as a whole will also become less efficient. If your hot water heater doesn’t seem to be supplying as much hot water as it always has and it isn’t keeping up with demand, it may be time to replace it.
  3. Repairs! Repairing your hot water heater once every couple years is really no big deal and is actually pretty normal. However, if you find yourself needing to repair it more frequently, it may be time for a new hot water heater. As parts of your hot water heater begin to wear out and get replaced, they can cause a chain reaction of failing parts that need to be replaced. Eventually, your hot water heater will be basically beyond repair (for safety reasons), which will necessitate a new hot water heater. Once you notice that your hot water heater is needing repairs every few months, you may be ready for a new unit!

Remember, going without hot water is not pleasant or sanitary, so don’t put off having your hot water heater checked out! If you suspect you may need a new hot water heater or if you’re just not sure, call the experts at Masterflo Plumbing today at (678) 822-7095. We’ll come out and check out your existing unit. At Masterflo we’ve got your best interest in mind- if you don’t need a new unit or its something a simple repair will fix, you can count on us to be honest with you. If you do need a new hot water heater, we can walk you through the process of selecting the best unit for you and we can install it for you.

Call Masterflo Plumbing for all your hot water heater needs!

 

 

 

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Water Heater Installation

Water Heater Wednesday: Water Heater Installation

Today we’re going to talk about why its so important to hire a professional for your water heater installation. DIY and money saving hacks are trending these days, but when it comes to your water heater installation, hiring a professional is a must. If you need to install a hot water heater, its so tempting to just Google it and try to follow a YouTube video and do it yourself. To make sure that your water heater is installed correctly and that it performs correctly and efficiently, its absolutely necessary to hire someone with experience.

Here are a few reasons why its important to hire a professional plumber for your water heater installation:

Size

Choosing the correct water heater for your home may sound like an easy task, but in reality it involves some advanced calculations about the flow rate and temperature rise that you will need for your home. You might also need to take into account information about the peak hour demand and the number of people who regularly use hot water in your home. If done incorrectly, these calculations can result in you purchasing the wrong hot water heater for your home. A professional plumber who has lots of experience working with these complicated calculations will be sure to get it right and get you the correct hot water heater the first time around. If the calculations are done wrong and you end up with a unit that is too small, you may find yourself lacking hot water on a regular basis. On the other hand, if you end up with a unit that is too large, you may use unnecessary energy, costing you more money up front and on your monthly bills.

Mess

Hot water heaters can be very large and complicated to install. If you don’t have experience installing a hot water heater, you could be in over your head. Professional plumbers know how to safely remove your old hot water heater and dispose of it, so you don’t have to think about it or have it sit around in your garage while you find a way to dispose of it. A professional plumber will also get your new unit safely installed and can ensure that your new tank fills properly and doesn’t leak into your home and foundation.

Less Maintenance

If you have your new hot water heater properly installed the first time around, chances are that you will need to repair it far less frequently than if it gets installed incorrectly. A professional plumber can make sure that all the valves are working properly, the heating element is functioning, and that there will not be any leaks! As long as you have your new hot water heater professional installed by a skilled, experienced plumber, you can rest assured that you won’t have to do any early repairs.

If you need a professional plumber for your water heater installation, contact the professionals at Masterflo today at (678) 822-7095! We’ll be there anytime, any day, to help you pick the correct unit and install it!

 

 

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!

 

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Last week on Water Heater Wednesday we talked about the benefits of tankless water heaters and how they can save you money. Today we’re going to talk about selecting a tankless water heater.

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.

Join us next Wednesday for our final installation of our mini series on tankless water heaters!