Tag Archives: water heater

Jan '24

Best Times to Turn Off Your Water Heater

Whether you’re looking to save some money on your energy bill or extend the lifespan of your water heater, knowing when to turn it off can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll discuss the various scenarios in which you should consider turning off your water heater and provide some helpful tips along the way.

Why Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater?

Before we dive into the best times to turn off your water heater, let’s take a moment to understand why it’s beneficial to do so. Here are a few reasons:

Energy Savings: Turning off your water heater when it’s not in use can help you save on energy costs. Water heaters are one of the biggest energy consuming appliances in most homes, so taking steps to reduce their usage can make a significant impact on your monthly bills.

Prolonged Lifespan: By reducing the amount of time your water heater operates, you can help extend its lifespan. Over time, constant heating and reheating can wear out the components of your water heater, leading to more frequent repairs or even the need for a replacement.

Environmental Impact: Conserving energy not only benefits your wallet but also the environment. By using less electricity or gas to heat your water, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a greener planet.

Scenarios for Turning Off Your Water Heater

1. Vacations and Extended Absences

If you’re planning a vacation or will be away from home for an extended period, it’s a good idea to turn off your water heater. There’s no point in keeping it running and using energy when there won’t be anyone using hot water in your absence. Follow these steps to turn off your water heater:

Locate the power supply to your water heater. This can typically be found on the circuit breaker panel in your home.
Identify the breaker that controls your water heater and flip it to the “Off” position.
For gas water heaters, turn off the gas supply valve by rotating it 90 degrees.
Finally, close the water supply valve to prevent any leaks.

When you return from your vacation or extended absence, simply reverse the steps above to turn your water heater back on.

2. Seasonal Closures

If you have a seasonal property that remains unused for part of the year, such as a vacation home or cabin, you should consider turning off your water heater during the closure. This will not only reduce energy consumption but also minimize the risk of any malfunctions or leaks that may go unnoticed in your absence.

3. Home Renovations or Repairs

If you’re planning a home renovation or repair project that involves shutting off the water supply, it’s best to turn off your water heater as well. Depressurization of the water system during repairs can cause the water heater to malfunction or even become damaged. To avoid any issues, turn off the water heater before starting your project and remember to turn it back on once the repairs are complete.

4. Energy-Saving Measures

If you’re actively looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills, turning off your water heater during certain periods can be an effective strategy. Here are a few scenarios where it makes sense to turn off your water heater:

Overnight: If you don’t use hot water during the night, consider turning off your water heater before going to bed and turning it back on in the morning.

Peak Energy Hours: In some regions, electricity rates are higher during peak hours. By turning off your water heater during these peak periods, you can capitalize on lower energy rates and reduce your overall costs.

Weekend Getaways: If you frequently go away for weekends and don’t require hot water during that time, turn off your water heater before leaving and turn it back on when you return.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Insulate Your Water Heater: Consider insulating your water heater and the hot water pipes to minimize heat loss. This can help maintain the temperature for longer periods, reducing the frequency at which your water heater needs to run.

Regular Maintenance: Performing regular maintenance on your water heater can help optimize its performance and identify any potential issues early on. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for recommended maintenance tasks and intervals.

Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about when to turn off your water heater or have any concerns about your specific situation, it’s always best to speak with a professional plumber or HVAC technician. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and circumstances.

In Summary

Knowing the best times to turn off your water heater can provide numerous benefits, including energy savings, an extended lifespan for your water heater, and a reduced environmental impact. Whether you’re going on vacation, closing a seasonal property, or adopting energy-saving practices, following the tips and considerations in this guide will help you make informed decisions. Remember to always prioritize your safety and contact professionals when in doubt. Enjoy the benefits of a well-managed water heater and a more efficient home!

Aug '23

What You Need To Know About Water Heaters From Your Local Plumber

Water heaters are an essential component of every household, providing hot water for various daily activities such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. While they are often taken for granted, it is important to understand the basics of water heaters to ensure that they function efficiently and reliably. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of water heaters and discuss why it is crucial to consult a local plumber for all your water heating needs.

The Importance of Water Heaters

Hot water is a necessity in our daily lives, and water heaters play a significant role in meeting this demand. Whether it’s a tank-based or tankless system, water heaters provide the necessary heat to ensure that your showers are comfortable, dishes are cleaned thoroughly, and clothes are washed effectively. A malfunctioning or improperly installed water heater can disrupt these activities and cause inconvenience.

Tank-Based Water Heaters

Tank-based water heaters are the traditional type that comprises a large storage tank filled with water that is continually heated. Here are some essential points to consider:

1. Capacity

The capacity of a tank-based water heater is an important factor to consider. It is determined by the number of people in your household and their hot water consumption patterns. A local plumber can guide you in choosing the right capacity to ensure an adequate supply of hot water for your specific requirements.

2. Efficiency

Newer tank-based water heaters often come with improved energy efficiency ratings. These ratings indicate how efficiently the heater can convert energy into heat. Higher efficiency ratings can help save on energy bills while reducing your environmental impact. A local plumber can advise on the most energy-efficient models available.

3. Maintenance

Maintaining a tank-based water heater is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, checking the pressure relief valve, and inspecting the anode rod, can help prevent issues and extend the lifespan of the unit. A local plumber can handle these maintenance tasks professionally and efficiently.

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and space-saving design.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and space-saving design. Consider the following points about tankless water heaters:

1. Continuous Hot Water

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank. They heat water as it flows through the unit, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water whenever needed. However, it is crucial to choose the correct size and capacity to ensure adequate flow rates for simultaneous hot water usage in multiple areas of your home.

2. Energy Efficiency

Compared to tank-based water heaters, tankless systems are generally more energy-efficient. Since they heat water only when required, there is no standby heat loss that occurs in tank-based systems. This leads to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. A local plumber can help you determine the most suitable tankless system for your home’s hot water demands.

3. Installation and Maintenance

Installing a tankless water heater requires precise sizing and proper venting to ensure optimal performance. It is crucial to speak with a plumber near you who is experienced with tankless systems to ensure a professional and efficient installation. Regular maintenance, such as descaling to remove mineral deposits and checking for any leaks or malfunctions, should also be performed by a professional plumber.

Why Consult a Local Plumber?

When it comes to water heaters, it is always advisable to contact a local plumber for various reasons:

1. Expertise and Knowledge

A local plumber specializing in water heaters has the necessary expertise and knowledge to guide you in selecting the appropriate type, capacity, and model based on your specific needs. Their experience allows them to provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

2. Professional Installation

A water heater installation requires technical skills and knowledge to ensure it is done correctly and safely. A local plumber will not only handle the installation of a water heater but also ensure proper sizing, venting, and compliance with local building codes. This helps prevent potential hazards and ensures the longevity and efficiency of your water heater.

3. Timely Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance and repairs are essential to keep your water heater functioning optimally and extend its lifespan. A local plumber can provide regular maintenance services, including inspecting and servicing various components. In case of any malfunctions or issues, they can promptly diagnose and repair them, minimizing any disruptions or inconvenience.

4. Local Regulations and Codes

Plumbing regulations and codes can vary between regions, and it is crucial to comply with them when installing or repairing your water heater. Local plumbers are familiar with these regulations and ensure that all work is performed in compliance with the associated codes, ensuring the safety and legality of the installation or repair.

Conclusion

Water heaters are vital for our daily activities, and understanding their key aspects is essential for proper usage and maintenance. Whether you opt for a tankless water heater installation or a tank based model, speaking with a local plumber is highly recommended. Their expertise, professional installation services, and timely maintenance will ensure that your water heater functions efficiently, providing you with a continuous supply of hot water whenever needed.

Jul '22

How to Drain a Water Heater Correctly

Issues with your water heater are one of those home maintenance problems you never want to deal with. A malfunctioning water heater will bring many of the simple everyday things you take for granted in your home to a screeching halt.

When the water heater fails to work as it should or doesn’t work at all, taking a bath will go from being a pleasant experience to an ordeal you must endure. As Nest Finders Property Management points out, lack of warm water for household chores like washing clothes and dishes will make your life a lot harder than it needs to be.

But why do water heaters fail in the first place?

Most water heater issues are the result of not taking the small steps you need to ensure the health and efficient function of your water heater. One of the steps for keeping the water heater in your home in good working order is draining the water heater.

Why do you need to drain your water heater?

The reason is the water from the municipal supply looks clean to your eyes, but actually contains quantities of dissolved and suspended materials. Although these substances inside your water are harmless to you, they can present a problem for your water heater.

That is because as the water travels through the water heater and is heated to the evaporation point, its suspended or dissolved content is deposited inside the unit. These become sediment that lines the sides or bottom of the water heater and impedes its performance.

How does sediment affect the performance of your water heater?

The water heater has to work harder to heat water because the deposit creates an insulating layer between the water inside the unit and the heating element.
There is a significantly higher risk of corrosion, leaks, and blockages. The lifespan of your water heater may be severely shortened by these sediments.
Due to the increased possibility of overheating, the risk of the tank exploding is higher. Chances that someone will get burned by excessively hot water also increase.
You will pay more for energy because your water heater will use up more energy. Furthermore, you will need to replace the water heater sooner than you expect.

How to drain your water heater

To prevent sediment buildup inside the tank of your water heater, you should flush the tank once every year. This simple measure will make it easier to avoid water heater repair emergencies and also help your water heater last longer. Here is how to flush a water heater.

Turn off the unit’s heat source. If this is an electric water heater, you need to unplug the heater or find the breaker and flip the switch to the off position. For gas water heaters, turn them off by changing the temperature settings to vacation or pilot mode.
Find the water supply valve – the inlet pipe that supplies cold water to the unit – and shut it off. To do this, turn the valve until it is at a 90-degree angle to the pipe.
Find the drain spigot at the base of your water heater and connect a garden hose to it. The other end of the hose should be outside your home, where you want to release the water.
To let air into the tank, open the pressure relief valve on the side of the water heater. This will allow the water in the tank to flow out when you open the drain valve.
Turn the valve of the drain spigot at the bottom of the water heater. You should feel the water flowing through the connected garden hose; note that the water will be hot (do not let children or pets play in the water).
Wait until the water stops flowing. Your tank is empty but not yet clean; the flow of water was not forceful enough to agitate the sediments at the bottom of the tank. Open the cold water valve to release a spray of water into the tank for 15-20 seconds.
Repeat step six several times (3 – 4 times) until there are no more particles in the water. To check if the water is clean, run some of it into a clean (preferably white) bucket and inspect for particles.
Close the drain valve, along with the pressure relief valve, and open the cold water valve to fill the water heater tank. Close the cold water valve and open both the pressure relief valve and drain valve to empty the tank one last time.
Close the drain valve and disconnect the garden hose. Close the pressure relief valve on the side of the tank and open the cold water valve. If it is a gas water heater, return the unit’s heat settings to the previous position. For electric water heaters, plug the unit back into the wall or flip the breaker to the on position.