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: Solar Water Heaters

Water Heater Wednesday: Solar Water Heaters

We’ve talked about tankless water heaters, so today we’re going to do a quick post on solar water heaters. The hot water heater in your home works harder than almost all of your other appliances. Traditional hot water heaters keep a large amount of water heated at all times. That process takes a lot of energy, that is oftentimes unnecessary and can cost you extra money. Taking a look at your hot water heater and switching to a solar water heater can save you lots of money in the long run.

What is a solar water heater? A solar water heater is a water heater that uses solar energy (from the sun) to heat water. There are many different types of solar water heaters, but the most common type uses solar panels to collect solar energy and converts it to electricity to power your water heater.

What are the benefits of a solar water heater? Traditional water heaters use an exceptionally large amount of energy, costing you tons of money. This is because a traditional water heater keeps so much water heated at all times, and also because of the large daily demand for hot water in a traditional home. Installing a solar water heater allows you to continue using just as much hot water as you normally do without the high cost of heating it. Solar energy is free and is an infinitely renewable resource! If you are looking for a way to go green and save some money on your utility bills every month, you should consider switching to a solar water heater.

Next week on Water Heater Wednesday, we’ll continue talking about solar water heaters and talk about how to maintain them!

In the mean time, if you need a plumber, day or night, call Masterflo! We’re here for all your plumbing needs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

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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!

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Last week we talked about what a tankless water heater is and how it works. Today we’re going to discuss some benefits of tankless water heaters and how they can save you money.

Because of the way a tankless water heater works, it can be installed in a tight space, unlike a traditional water heater. This saves you a lot of space and is less of an eye sore. Also, since tankless water heaters deliver hot water on demand as opposed to storing hot water, they can save you a ton of energy. Another benefit is that they generally last twice as long as traditional water heaters as long as they are properly maintained.

 

Tankless Water Heater Comparison
(graphic from Compact Appliance)

Another great benefit of a tankless water heater is the amount of money you can save! Your up front cost for the purchase and installation can range anywhere from $2,000-$4,000. The price will depend on the size you need and which model you choose. Though initially this may sound like a lot of money, looking long term a tankless water heater will make up this cost and save you extra. Within two years, a tankless water heater will begin to pay for itself because of how energy efficient it is. The average home uses around 41 gallons or less of hot water each day. Based on this number, tankless water heaters can save you up to 34% more energy each day. A properly maintained tankless water heater can last more than 20 years….that’s a lot of savings!

Next week on Water Heater Wednesday we’ll talk about selecting the right tankless water heater for your home!

If you need help selecting or installing a new tankless water heater or maintenance help with your current tankless water heater, call us today at (678) 822-7095!

 

 

Water Heater Wednesday: Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless Water Heaters

 

This Wednesday we’re going to begin a mini series on tankless water heaters. Today we’re going to talk about what a tankless water heater is and how it works.

A tankless water heater provides hot water as it is needed instead of holding on to a bunch of hot water that isn’t needed (which costs you extra money). Its a similar concept to running the heat in your home during the winter- if you aren’t home you don’t run it. If you don’t need the hot water, don’t heat it up.

Tankless water heaters work by heating water directly as opposed to heating up a stored tank of water. When a hot water faucet is turned on in your home, cold water travels through a pipe into the water heater unit. Tankless water heaters can be electric (an electric element heats the water) or gas (a gas burner heats the water).

Tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2-5 gallons per minute. While this is a great rate, some tankless water haters can’t keep up with the demand for hot water in a large household. To circumvent this problem, you can install two or more tankless water heaters to keep up with demand. Since you’re not paying extra money to heat water that isn’t needed, the only additional cost to you is the initial cost of the water heater. You can also install tankless water heaters that are designated for certain appliances.

 

Next week, we’ll talk about more benefits of tankless water heaters and how they can save you money!

 

Quick Tips: How To Drain Your Hot Water Heater

Quick Tips: How To Drain Your Water Heater

Every homeowner should know how to drain a hot water heater. Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of your tank which can cause problems. Draining your hot water heater is easy. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to drain a 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.

For all your water heater and plumbing needs, call Masterflo Plumbing at (678) 822-7095 today!