Tag Archives: replacing a water heater

Mar '24

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing a Water Heater

Are you about to replace the water heater in your home? Did you know this is the best time to solve all the hot water issues in your home? The steps you take when choosing a new water heater will make all the difference to your enjoyment of the new system.

Water heaters come with different functionalities. The existing models are always updated. Since the last time you bought a water heater, so much has changed about how water heaters work. It is vital to update yourself on these changes before buying a new water heater, advises www.residerentals.com.

In addition to changes in the design and function of water heaters, there may also be changes to your home’s hot water needs. Before buying a new system, you want to make a list of the shortcomings of the old one to ensure that your new water heater solves all the problems you had with the old one.

What are the common mistakes people make when buying a new water heater for their home? Below are some common errors you want to avoid when replacing your water heater. Follow the advice in this post if you want to get the most value out of your new water heater system.

8 common mistakes homeowners make when replacing their water heater

Buying the wrong size

This is the most common error homeowners make when replacing their water heater. Even if you think your home’s hot water needs have not changed since your last water heater installation, water heater systems have changed. It costs less to assess your home’s hot water needs than it will cost to fix the problem if you choose the wrong water heater.

Not considering energy-efficiency

Newer water heater systems use considerably less energy than older ones. Buying an energy-efficient water heater can result in huge cuts to your energy bill throughout the lifetime of the water heater. When shopping for an energy-efficient water heater, look for the Energy Star logo. These systems cost a little bit more, but you can recoup the difference in cost through cuts in utility spending.

The system is incompatible with existing plumbing

Even if you buy the best water heater available, its impact on your home’s hot water needs will be insignificant if there is a mismatch between your plumbing and the new system. Your plumbing can impose severe restrictions on the performance of a water heater. Before you choose a water heater, make sure it can work with the existing plumbing or plan to upgrade your plumbing.

Overlooking the system’s maintenance needs

It is a huge mistake to buy a water heater without first considering its maintenance requirements. Some water heater systems require a lot more work to maintain than others. Given that maintenance is a huge factor in the performance of a water heater, make sure you can maintain it to the required level before you buy a water heater.

Building code violations

There are strict guidelines on how to install a water heater. These guidelines exist for you and your family’s safety and the protection of your home and belongings. Ignoring local codes and regulations when installing a water heater will create avoidable safety issues in your home. They can predispose the home to house fires and other emergencies.

a plumber providing a professional water heater replacement.

Water heater installation is not one of those things you should DIY. Several variables can affect the performance of a water heater and the safety of the people living in the home.

Overlooking warranty options

Most new water heaters come with a warranty, but the terms of the warranties are often hidden in the fine print that homeowners don’t read. Before you buy a new water heater, ask questions about available warranties on parts and labor, and how long the warranty will last. Maintaining a water heater is not cheap, but a good warranty will help to reduce that cost.

Not using a professional installer

Water heater installation is not one of those things you should DIY. Several variables can affect the performance of a water heater and the safety of the people living in the home. A poorly installed water heater can cause massive damage to your home. The installation process also takes a lot of time and there are significant safety concerns.

Improper disposal of old system

Some regulations specify the proper way to dispose of a disused water heater. Water heaters contain components that can harm the environment. Improper disposal of an old water heater can cause the death of wildlife, damage to soil and pollution of groundwater. That is an additional reason to hire a professional to install your water heater.

To avoid these mistakes, it is best that you talk with a reputable plumber before you buy your new water heater. An experienced professional plumber can save you a lot of money and trouble when replacing the old water heater in your home.

Aug '23

A Step-by-Step Guide to Efficient Water Heater Replacement

There are many reasons you would want to replace the water heater in your home. The most common ones are:

The water heater is leaking. That will affect its performance, and water from the leak can damage your home.
Your water heater is rusty, affecting the water quality you get; the water is rust-colored.
The water heater is not heating as it should, and you have tried different solutions, but the problem remains.
Your water heater makes a lot of noise, using more energy and taking longer to heat water.
The water heater is older than eight years, and as per the manufacturer’s instructions, you think it is time to replace it.

As Keyrenter Wichita says, how you go about replacing the water heater in your home will determine its efficiency. You not only want to acquaint yourself with the various water heater options in the market and how much they cost to buy and operate, but you also want to ensure the new water heater is installed correctly.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your water heater most efficiently.

Choosing the right size of water heater

This depends on the size of your household. For tank water heaters, use this guideline: 1-2 people (23-36 gallons); 2-4 people (36-46 gallons); 3-5 people (46 to 56 gallons); 5+ people (56+ gallons). Add 10 gallons for each additional person. For tankless water heaters, use the flow rate to determine the right size for your home.

How much space do you have?

If you are upsizing your water heater, be sure you have enough space for a bigger water heater. Measure the space your current unit occupies and buy a water heater that matches those dimensions. If you have limited space, you may have to install a tankless water heater.

What kind of water heater should you buy?

You have four main options; electric versus gas water heaters and tankless versus storage water heaters.

These are more affordable and the easiest types of water heaters to install. Since they are not connected to a gas line, they require less maintenance.

Electric water heaters

These are more affordable and the easiest types of water heaters to install. Since they are not connected to a gas line, they require less maintenance. But electricity is costlier than gas, and electric water heaters are slower than gas water heaters.

Gas water heaters

The installation takes more time, and you need more experience to install these systems. Gas water heaters let you save on energy costs, and they are not affected by power outages. They are more efficient than electric water heaters but cost more. There are more safety concerns with gas water heaters (gas leaks).

Storage water heater

Tanked systems give you water on demand but take up more space. Because they have to reheat the water in the tank to keep it hot, they use more energy. They don’t take as much time to heat as tankless systems but need more maintenance.

Tankless water heaters

These take up a fraction of the space used by storage water heaters. Because they don’t store hot water, you cannot use the shower, dishwasher and laundry machine at the same time. They require less maintenance but take longer to heat water.

Water heater installation steps

Turn off the power or shut the gas line

The first thing is to ensure your safety. If your current water heater uses electricity, turn off the circuit breaker at the panel. For gas water heaters, look for the shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop the gas supply.

Shut off the water supply to your house by closing the water main shutoff valve. On the water heater, turn the water control valve to the off position.

Turn off the water supply

Shut off the water supply to your house by closing the water main shutoff valve. On the water heater, turn the water control valve to the off position. Open all the faucets in your home to drain any hot water in the system. Keep the faucets open.

Drain the tank

To drain your old water heater, connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom and run the other end of the hose to an area outside the house or into an empty bucket. Open the valve and wait until the tank is empty.

Disconnect all connections and water

Disconnect all electrical connections. If this is a gas water heater, the lines may be soldered together, and you will need a tubing cutter to separate them. Loosen the screw holding the water pipe and disconnect the pipe (do this gently).

Replace the water heater

Be careful not to hurt yourself when moving the old water heater. To connect the new one, place it where the old one was. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for gas and electric hookups. Do the above steps in reverse.

Lastly, do not forget to create a program for regular maintenance of your water heater. Also, if the steps described above are too hard to follow, please hire a professional plumber to help you with the purchase and installation of your new water heater.

Feb '22

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

How long should the water heater in your home last? This depends on a lot of factors. Everything in your home has a predefined number of years it is expected to last. This is the deadline before which you can get the best use out of the product. This date is set by the product manufacturer based on their assessment of how long the materials in the product will last.

But the manufacturer’s expiration date for their product is at best an estimate. The actual performance of the item depends on a lot of variables that are outside the control of the maker. Some of these variables include the environment where the item is being used, the amount of use it is subject to, and the quality of maintenance the product gets.

All these play a role in extending or shortening the lifespan of a product. For water heaters, a traditional appliance lasts 8-12 years, while a modern one can serve you for 20 years. But as Phoenix Property Management explains, your water heater can last a few years longer than anticipated or it can fail many years before the end of its projected lifespan. How long the water heater lasts depends on the following…

Factors affecting the lifespan of your water heater

The type of water heater

The two main categories of water heaters are tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. In terms of longevity, tankless water heaters are better. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 20 years to 30 years.

This is double the life of a tank or storage water heater. The reason for the longer life of a tankless water heater is partly due to the fact that it does not need to store water and is, therefore, less susceptible to some of the factors affecting tank water as discussed below.

The quality of your water heater

Cheap water heaters have a shorter life because manufacturers use lower-quality materials in those products. Conversely, water heaters with porcelain casing or larger anodes are costlier because they are less likely to rust.

Models with a self-cleaning function will also last longer and therefore cost more. One way to determine the quality of a water heater is the warranty, a longer warranty indicates quality construction.

Incorrect installation

Water heaters need to be installed in a specific way and in the right environment for them to function properly and last a long time. Typically, the water heater should be installed upright in a well-ventilated part of the home.

It should not be in proximity to areas prone to flooding or high humidity. The competence of the installer and the location of the water heater plays a big role in its lifespan.

Water quality

If the water in your area is hard, the incidence of limescale inside the water heater increases. Limescale is a residue left behind when hard water evaporates; it is mostly made of calcium and magnesium.

Limescale interferes with the ability of a water heater to heat cold water and accelerates its expiration. Another issue related to water quality that can harm a water heater is clogging due to sedimentation.

Water pressure

Water pressure can be too high or too low, but most people are only familiar with low water pressure. That’s because we can see when water pressure is low, it does not let you get water out of the shower or faucet at the rate you want. But as annoying as it is, low water pressure is mostly harmless.

The real issue is when water pressure is too high. High water pressure will destroy the water-using appliances in your home, including the water heater.

Rate of water heater usage

Quite naturally, a water heater that is subject to a lot of use is likely to reach the end of its lifespan faster than one that’s used minimally. The volume of hot water the water heater produces determines the level of stress its components are subjected to. More water also increases the probability that your water heater will rust.

Signs that it is time to replace your water heater

If you notice the following problems with your water heater, it is time to replace it.

Strange sounds

If the water heater makes strange gurgling sounds when you use it, it means there is sediment in the tank. A water heater that behaves this way is a danger. It is likely to overheat and explode.

Persistent dampness

If your water heater is always damp, there is moisture build-up around the device. Problems like this could indicate a leak.

Insufficient hot water

If the water heater is not producing enough hot water or any hot water at all, it may be time to replace your water heater.

Discolored water

If the water coming from the water heater is colored, your water heater has a serious problem of rust.

Water pooling

Puddles of water on the floor below the water heater mean you have a badly leaking appliance that needs to be replaced ASAP.