How To Keep Your Hot Water Heater Working Well
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water heater maintenance

How To Keep Your Hot Water Heater Working Well

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A water heater is one of those appliances you use daily. This is why you should perform key maintenance tasks. By doing this, you will be making sure your water heater runs for many years to come, and save money on costly repairs. When the water heater breaks down, you will be inconvenienced because you have to find other options, which can take a lot of time. Here are some tips that are going to help keep the hot water working well.

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water heater installation
Lowering the temperature setting on the water heater

Water Heater Repair And Installation In Charlotte, North Carolina

The default setting of most water heaters is over 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature recommended by most professional plumbers is between 115 and 120 degrees. When you set the lower temperature for your water heater, you are reducing the chances of the water heater overheating, and you can also expect to see up to 5% savings on your energy bill.

Inspecting the temperature and pressure relief valve

This is the safety valve on the water heater. When the water heater is heating water even after it has reached the set temperature, then it can result in an explosion because there has been a lot of pressure building up inside. To prevent this, the water heater is going to expel excess pressure and temperature through a valve, and the water heater is going to run normally. The three steps of inspecting the valve are;

– Lifting the T & P lever partway then allowing it to snap back.
– You should expect to hear gurgling noise because the valve is sending water to the drain.
– If it doesn’t do anything, then you should make an effort of contacting a professional so the valve can be replaced.

Performing a mini-flush on the water heater

Sediment is going to build up in the water heater tank over time. The sediment can cause the tank to corrode and also reduce the efficiency of your water heater. How often you are going to flush dependence on the hardness and acidity of the water in the area. Below is a simple guide to use in flushing a water heater.

– Shut off the power if you have an electric water heater because safety always comes first.
– Put a bucket under the drain valve or connecting a hose running to a safe place outside
-Open the drain valve of the water heater carefully turning it in a counter-clockwise manner. The water is very hot, and it can easily result in a person getting burned if they are not careful.
– After emptying one to two gallons, turn the valve clockwise to shut it down.

If the water heater hasn’t been maintained regularly, then you can expect to deal with a corroded valve, and it is not going to properly operate. If you don’t feel confident doing this, then you should call a professional plumber to do it for you.

While you can do a lot to prevent the water heater from breaking down, you will still need a professional to do a water heater inspection at least once a year. Call us to schedule this yearly maintenance.

Tips For Keeping Your Hot Water Heater Alive

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A water heater can last for a very long time if properly cared for and maintained. If ignored, then it’s going to die sooner than expected. The last thing you want is to find yourself with no hot water during your morning shower.

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Here is a simple maintenance task you can complete at home that is guaranteed to improve the lifespan of your water heater.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Flushing The Tank

Experts suggest flushing your hot water heater tank once every 1 to 3 years. It’s always best to take the safe route and flush the tank on an annual basis. It’s extremely simple and takes only a few minutes of your time.

The point of flushing the tank is to remove any unwanted sediment build-up that has occurred inside of the tank. If ignored, that sediment can eventually clog water lines and even lead to leaks. It also reduces the overall efficiency of the tank, which results in increased energy prices. The simple act of flushing the tank solves both of these problems.

To accomplish this, start by turning off the electricity to the water heater or the gas if it is a gas heater. Next, shut down the cold water that flows into the heater. Take a standard garden hose and connect it to the outgoing drain valve. The end of the hose should be outside of the home in an area that won’t be harmed by hot water.

Open the pressure relief valve and the drain valve. Wait a few moments as the tank drains completely. After all of the water has drained from the tank you can close the drain valve and disconnect the hose. Close the pressure relief valve. Now walk around the house and turn on each tap with hot water. Turn on the cold water flowing into the tank. Return to the taps one at a time and turn them off as water begins to flow. Finally, after all spigots are turned off, return power to the tank.

Check The Pressure Valve

Any time you are flushing the tank is also a great time to check the integrity of the pressure valve. All tanks have a temperature and pressure valve that functions as a safety mechanism. You can check this valve while flushing the tank after you turned off the electricity or gas to the heater as well as the cold water input.

After shutting off the cold water you should place a bucket directly beneath the pressure relief valve. There will be a trip lever nearby. Pull the lever and you should see water, air, and possibly vapor exit from the valve. This is a sign that the valve is working properly. You can now continue with flushing the tank. If the valve is not working, then you should still continue with flushing the tank, but then replace the valve before restoring power and cold water input.

Flushing a tank and checking the valve shouldn’t take any longer than thirty minutes. Albeit, you should expect it to take slightly longer if you need to physically replace the valve.

These simple maintenance steps can add many years to the lifespan of your water heater.

How Do You Know When Your Water Heater Needs Repairing or Replacement

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A lot of people take a hot shower for granted. After all, a hot shower can be very relaxing after a long and stressful day of work. However, when that hot water fails to deliver, you will surely miss it. Unfortunately, many wait until it is too late to avoid losing hot water.

water heater repair

By understanding some of the common signs of trouble with your water heater, you should be able to know whether it’s time to repair or replace it before you are stuck with a cold shower.

Your water heater isn’t entirely used for showers. After all, you need hot water to do the dishes. Likewise, you need hot water to effectively wash your hands. Even brushing your teeth could get uncomfortable without it. Luckily, there are a few things that you can look for when you are trying to figure out if your water is malfunctioning and is need of repair or replacement.

1. Your Water Is Lukewarm

If you are only turning on your hot water, your water shouldn’t come out lukewarm. If your water isn’t fully heating up as it should, it is a clear sign that something is wrong. If the water that is entering your tank isn’t extremely cold because of the weather outside and you haven’t changed the settings on your heater, it is about time you call on a plumber. A professional plumber will be able to figure out what is happening with your unit.

2. The Hot Water Isn’t Sustaining

If you used to get around 15 to 20 minutes of hot water but it isn’t even reaching 5 minutes, it is a very good sign that your heater needs to be checked. Having your hot water quickly run out is one of the common signs of a malfunctioning element. However, calling on a professional will help you get someone experienced and with the expertise to diagnose the problem no matter what the issue is.

3. The Heater Has Become Audibly Loud

While your water heater may have made noises in the past, you should know what your heater sounds like when it’s functioning properly. If you start to hear a bunch of newer and even louder noises coming from your heater, it might be a sign that something isn’t working properly. This can happen after a number of years go by. After all, there can be sediment that can accumulate towards the bottom of your heater. This can end up causing hardening in that area and it can lead to rumbling from your heater. This is a common sign that you need to have your water professionally serviced in order to get rid of this excess sediment.

Call a Plumber If You Need Water Heater Service

If you’re experiencing any of the above mentioned problems then it’s time to call us so we can send an experienced local plumber out to you right away. We provide 24 hour service as well, so if your water heater is creating an emergency we can help immediately.

Choosing The Right Water Heater For You

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When choosing the best heater for the home, one needs to select a system that can provide water in enough quantities, smartly, and efficiently. Doing this will save you money in the long run and will make it last longer than the other conventional models.

plumber working on a water heater

With the growing modern trends, today’s heaters are better than their older counterparts and even have an energy factor(EF). The higher it is, the more efficient it is. But this is not the only thing to consider when choosing a water heater. Below are some additional points to consider.

Capacity

Tankless water heaters are one of the new trends that are there right now. The best thing about them is that they only heat water when it is needed and will never run out of water. It also requires a little space to function.

You can save up to around 50% off your normal water heating bill by using this heater, depending on your consumption. It avoids standby heat loss while still supplying an endless amount of hot water as opposed to the storage tank water heater that has a limited supply.

Warranty

Water heaters have coverage that spans for around three to twelve years — the more extended the warranty, the better the quality of the heater. You may have to pay for a bit more for those that have a longer warranty, but it will be worth it.

They have larger elements that will speed up the water heating process. They also have thicker insulation for ensuring the heat loss is way lesser than their counterparts. Choosing the heater with the most extended warranty will be a plus for you.

When it comes to choosing a new water heater, keep in mind efficiency is critical.

The more efficient it is, the longer it will last. With the above points, you can now select the best heater for you comfortably.

3 Signs Your Water Heater Is In Trouble

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Many homeowners in Charlotte and the surrounding areas don’t truly appreciate the importance of having reliable hot water until something goes wrong. Hot water has a wide range of daily uses within a home including washing dishes, laundry, taking a relaxing bath or shower, and so on.

However, for you to have a constant flow of hot water, you need to ensure that your water heater is in good working condition.

3 signs you need to call a plumber to have your water heater inspected and/or repaired

1) Your Hot Water is Dirty

In case your water heater uses a tank, the water first enters the tank where it is heated then sent through the hot water pipe to your faucets, shower stall, or tub. However, the water can easily become contaminated in case the heating tank itself is damaged or corroded.

water heater repair

If you happen to notice that dirty/rusty water is coming out while taking a shower or washing dishes, then you might be dealing with a damaged water heater.

2) The Heater is Making Unusual Noises

If you start hearing strange sounds coming from the hot water tank when you turn on your hot water faucet or shower/bathtub, this is another sign that your water heater is in trouble. This noise could be caused by the build-up of sediments. Considering that the water your heater receives from the city supply isn’t usually 100% clean, sediments tend to build up inside it over time.

When this build-up becomes excessive, it can start to harden. Based on where the sediment has hardened, this can cause your heater to produce bangs and rumbling sounds, as it struggles to overcome this obstacle.

3) Leaking Water Heater

If you notice that your heater is leaking, you should call an emergency plumber immediately. This is something that you can’t afford to take lightly. Having a heater that is leaking is an indication of a very serious problem.

Call a plumber now to fix your water heater

We hope this information has been helpful. Of course, if you need a plumber to come look at and possibly fix your water heater we should be your first choice in the Charlotte area. We are available 24/7 and will send a top-notch plumber to your home or business immediately after you call.

3 Signs That Your Water Heater Needs To Be Repaired

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When you own a hot water heater, there are a few points that you need to understand about its maintenance. It pays to stay on top of these sorts of things, so that you always are able to jump into action whenever you believe that your hot water heater needs to be repaired. With these hot water heater points below, you will be able to know exactly when it is time for a repair.

water heater repair

Check your warranty or hot water heater maintenance plan

The easiest way to know that your hot water heater requires maintenance is by checking with your warranty or maintenance plan if you purchased one. These sorts of plans issue timetables by which you should do certain types of hot water heater repair. If you do not already have one of these maintenance and repair plans.

Contact a boiler or hot water heater contractor in Charlotte.

Your filters are clogged or dirty

You also need to check with the filters for this water heater to make sure that they do not back up on you or create issues. These sorts of components are very important for your hot water heater and will give you the best performance, so if you are noticing problems with them, get them changed at once.

It is making a lot of noise

Finally, noise is always a telltale sign of some sort of hot water heater issue. If you are beginning to notice rattling, clinking and any other types of noise of your hot water heater, you should reach out to a repair professional who will be able to serve you.

Follow these tips so that you are able to heed the warning signs that your hot water heater needs to be repaired.

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