Your water heater is one of the most important parts of your home, and yet we rarely pay any attention to it until serious trouble arises. You can prevent a lot of problems with your water heater by scheduling a regular maintenance session from a qualified plumber, and here in Olympia, WA, you have an expert company you can turn to. But it helps to understand what goes into water heater maintenance and why that can help yours function at its best. Here are 3 crucial parts of water heater maintenance that every servicing session should involve.
Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Water Heaters’
3 Crucial Parts of Water Heater Maintenance
Monday, December 7th, 2015When Should I Replace My Water Heater?
Monday, September 28th, 2015Water heaters often do their jobs quietly and without a fuss, and unless some major disaster befalls it, we don’t tend to think much about them. That can make it hard to determine when your old water heater is ready to be put out to pasture. With good maintenances, a water heater can be expected to give you many years of faithful work, but everything wears out, and sooner or later you need a reliable service to install a new one. Here in Olympia, WA, there are services who can perform the job with professionalism and care, but you still need to call them when the time has come. “When should I replace my water heater?” you ask. We’ve included a quick list of tips below.
Tanked vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Monday, August 3rd, 2015If you’re a homeowner in Olympia, WA, you probably have a traditional tanked water heater in your home. But why they do yeoman work, they’re not the only type of water heater out there. Tankless water heaters get rid of the bulky tank in favor of heating the water directly as it flows through the pipes toward your faucet or shower. The model offers a number of benefits over tanked models, though in some aspects, tanked water heaters do better for you than their tankless counterparts. Tanked vs. tankless water heaters: which is better? We’ve provided a quick breakdown below.
Signs That You Need Water Heater Repair
Monday, June 8th, 2015Your water heater is one of the great unsung heroes of your household, tirelessly doing its job year in and year out without complaint. That lets a lot of homeowners take their water heater for granted, which can catch them by surprise when problems arise. That doesn’t need to happen to you. In Olympia, WA, trained professionals are on hand to help repair any problems with your water heater quickly and efficiently, and when you spot the signs that you need water heater repair, you can call them in before it becomes a major issue. Here’s a quick list of red flags you should keep an eye out for.
3 Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Monday, May 11th, 2015Mention the term “water heaters” and most people tend to think of traditional tank models: the giant tubes in our basement or closet tasked with providing hot water for the household. Though they can do the job efficiently enough, they’re not the only options out there. Here in Olympia, WA, tankless water heaters can be installed by trained professionals, and though the cost of putting one in can be greater than a new tank model, the advantages often greatly outweigh the additional costs. If you’re looking at installing a new system, here are 3 benefits of tankless water heaters that you should be aware of while making your decision.
Why Is Sizing Important for Water Heater Tanks?
Friday, October 3rd, 2014When you need a large plumbing installation, such as a new water heater, it’s important that you let a trained professional handle all of the heavy work. One misstep can cause water to flood into your home, and faulty installation can mean you’ll end up with some large repairs early on.
But what’s also important is that you let a trained professional choose the proper size unit for your home. To some homeowners, this may not seem like a complicated task. If you have budgetary limitations, you may opt for a smaller system. Or, you may choose a larger unit to ensure you get enough hot water. But these assumptions can cost you money in repairs and on your energy bills over time. That’s why it’s important to let a professional help you through every step of the process.
Here’s why sizing a storage tank water heater is not a job for the inexperienced. And when you need water heater service in Olympia, trust one of the plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing.
Sizing Storage Tank Water Heaters
Sizing a water heater depends on a couple of factors. For one, a technician must determine the amount of hot water used during the busiest hour of the day. This is referred to as the FHR, or first hour rating, because many households use a lot of hot water early in the first hours of the day. A technician may be able to make calculations based on the number of people in the home, but some homeowners have additional water heating needs to take into account.
The home’s FHR should match up to the unit’s FHR. However, you’ll also need to consider the EF, or energy factor. This number lets you know how much of the energy used by the water heater is used as hot water. When factoring the size of the unit into your budget, you should also consider this factor to help you choose a system that is cost-effective over time.
A system that is too small will not get the job done, but an oversized system will cost you a lot more every month. For water heater service in Olympia, let the professionals at Brooks Plumbing do the work for you. Call us today!
Common Water Heater Problems
Tuesday, October 29th, 2013Water heaters occupy an “out of sight, out of mind” position in many homes. As long as the hot water comes whenever you turn on the faucet, most people don’t worry about any problems. Issues with the water heater typically arise slowly over time, then spring upon you when you least suspect it. In Olympia, plumber services are often trained to handle water heaters, but you can help by identifying the possible source of the trouble when it arrives. Here is a brief list of some common water heater problems.
- Thermocouple/pilot light. The pilot light ignites the gas that heats the water in the heater. The thermocouple serves to regulate the flow of gas, shutting it off in the event of a problem. When the pilot light goes out or the thermocouple won’t function, your heater won’t produce any hot water.
- Dip tube. The dip tube runs the length of your water heater tank that moves cold water to the bottom of the tank. The hot water at the top moves into your home through the pipe system, while the cold water is warmed by the heater. If the dip tube has a breach or is broken in some way, you’re apt to get lukewarm or even cold water instead of hot.
- Leaks. A breach in the heater tank or troubles in the various fittings between pipes can result in a leaky hot water heater. A repairman will need to hunt down the source of the breach and seal it, or else the problem will likely get worse.
- Anode rod. The anode rod prevents rust and other damage to the heater. It slowly dissolves over time. When it doesn’t, you’re apt to discover black or rusty water coming out of your pipes, and will need to replace the spent rod with a new one.
In Olympia, water heater service is provided by the trained professionals at Brooks Plumbing. We handle all manner of common water heater problems, and can deal with replacement and installation operations in the event your water heater needs replacing. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
The Benefits of Using an Electric Water Heater
Thursday, June 13th, 2013If you’re looking to replace your old water heater, you’ve probably been debating whether to go gas or electric. While the price differences between gas and electric hot water units and the efficiency of gas water heaters may lead you to shy away from the electric tank heater, there are a number of reasons why you should go with an electric water heater instead of a gas tank. Here are just some of the reasons to go electric.
Installation Costs
When you install a new gas water heater, you have more work cut out for you in the installation process than you would if you purchased an electric heater. Because gas heaters operate on, you guessed it, gas, you need to install a vent and vent hood above your heater. This vent system will allow for the excess gas to leave your home, but that also means you need to install enough piping to allow the gas to leave your home. With an electric water heater, however, you don’t have to install a single piece of pipe. Once you have your heater in place, you install a special outlet so as to power your heater, and you’re good to go.
Necessary Space
Now that you know about the need for a vent when you use a gas heater, it’s time to discuss the space issues that can arise when you don’t go with an electric water heater. A gas tank water heater requires no less than six inches of ventilation around the tank’s top and sides. Unfortunately, if you’re working with a tight space, such as a bedroom closet, you can’t simply throw a gas unit in there and call it good. However, an electric unit is a great choice for small confines, as you don’t have to worry about gas building up, or possibly exploding.
Greater Safety
Have you ever heard the horror stories of when a gas water heater explodes? Well, two things can ultimately cause a gas heater tank to explode. In newer gas models, the bottom of the tank is sealed, making it more difficult for the gas vapors to hit the open flame. In older gas heaters, though, there was no seal, leaving the bottom of the tank vulnerable. The second thing that can lead to a gas heater explosion is a malfunctioning pressure relief valve. When the valve is unable to relieve pressure built up within the tank, and when the tank can no longer take the pressure, the tank can explode.
No Pilot
Further touching on water heater safety, you’ll never have a need to relight your electric water heater, where you would need to do so if your gas water heater’s pilot light goes out for any reason. Though, newer models of gas heaters use electric ignitions, which eliminate the need for the pilot light. However, this creates a rather large issue that gas heaters didn’t have in the past.
No Longer at a Disadvantage
In the past, when the power went out, you were in luck if you had a gas water heater. Older models allowed for your home to always have hot water, even in the event of a big storm or power outage, since they required you to light the heater’s pilot light with a match. Well, as we just discussed, newer models are no longer equipped to have you light the pilot by hand. Well, now using electric ignitions, gas water heaters no longer have the edge in a power outage. If you lose power with either type of heater, you lose the ability to heat your water.
While there are reasons to buy either type of water heater, your electric heater is the safer option for a number of reasons. With natural gas and electricity costs expected to rise, there isn’t much to say about the gas heater being your cheaper option. If you’re in the market for a new tank water heater, consider going electric.
Rachael Jones is a blogger for DIYMother, where women aren’t afraid to use power tools in a dress.
Plumbing FAQ: Tank or Tankless Water Heater?
Friday, May 24th, 2013There are few appliances that have as direct an impact on your day to day comfort and convenience as your water heater. Access to dependable hot water is luxury that many of us may take for granted, but when there is a problem with your water heater it becomes pretty clear, pretty quickly, just how important it really is. It makes sense, then, that you should want to find the water heater most appropriate for your home and personal needs. Speak with the Olympia, WA plumbing technicians at Brooks Plumbing today to discuss your water heater options.
The big decision that must be made when shopping for a new water heater is whether you will opt for a traditional tank water heater or whether a tankless on-demand water heater is right for you. Both have their benefits. The input of a qualified Olympia, WA plumbing professional is a great benefit when making the decision.
Standard tank water heaters are still the most common option. These water heaters store a reservoir of hot water and continually heat it so that it is always ready to go. While this is an effective method of ensuring you have hot water when you need it, it also allows for a certain amount of standby energy loss. This happens when heat radiates through the storage tank, meaning that your water heater must in turn replace the lost heat, resulting in more energy consumption. A well-insulated tank is a good way to minimize this energy loss.
If you are interested in avoiding standby energy loss altogether, eliminating the storage tank is a step you must take. A tankless on-demand water heater allows you to do this. These water heaters superheat cold water as it passes through when called for at a point of use. They are much smaller than tank models and can be installed in closets or other tight areas. If you are short on space, going tankless may be a good idea. These systems are more prone to being overwhelmed than their traditional tank-model counterparts, though.
Ultimately, it is up to you whether a tank or tankless water heater is right for your home. Make sure that you are able to make an informed decision. At Brooks Plumbing, our Olympia, WA plumbing professionals can help ensure that you wind up with the right water heater for your home.
Water Heater FAQ: How Do I Know What Type of Water Heater to Install if I Upgrade?
Monday, March 11th, 2013Are you thinking of upgrading the water heater in your Olympia, WA area home? Your first step is calling the water heater experts at Brooks Plumbing for advice and to help you in your selection. We can help you determine the load calculation for the amount of hot water you need to adequately supply your entire plumbing system with hot water. This will help size your new water heater and ensure that you aren’t left without enough hot water for everyone in your home.
Your hot water usage will also help you determine which type to install as your upgrade. There are two basic styles of water heaters: tank and tankless. Most homeowners heat the water in their homes with a tank water heater, but if you find that you run out of water often, you may need a larger tank, a more efficient water heater, or you may consider upgrading to a tankless water heater.
The newer tankless hot water heaters are a great solution if you want on demand hot water without having to wait on the tank to refill, or if you are losing energy in standby losses. If the recovery time on your tank water heater has increased gradually, it may be time for a new one. Replacing a water heater is not an easy decision, but one that can offer energy savings and more reliable hot water for you and your family.
Make sure you hire a professional contractor you can trust. If your water heater isn’t sized correctly, or if another type would benefit you more, you won’t get the most out of your new investment. Call the Olympia, WA water heater specialists at Brooks Plumbing, and get started today! Contact Brooks Plumbing!
