Tankless Water Heaters
Most water heaters in the area are traditional tank-style water heaters and vary in size. These water heaters work by heating a tank full of water through a heat source. Gas water heaters have a burner at the bottom and heat the water in the tank like a pot on a stove, while electric water heaters use elements that heat the water typically in the middle of the heater. Both methods heat the water to a desired temperature in the tank then they shut off. Once you turn on the hot water at a faucet in the home cold water enters the tank and forces the hot water out. As this happens the water in the tank begins to get cooler as the cold water enters. Once the water in the tank starts to cool down, the heating elements or burners come back on. The cold water cools the water in the tank faster than the heat source can heat it and over time the whole tank will be filled with cold water and you will be out of hot water for the home. Once the hot water faucet is turned off the system will again be able to heat up the water in the tank again. Most common issues with these tank-style water heaters are the pilot light not staying lit so the burner will not kick on because of it and you run out of hot water and the tanks tend to leak typically with age and because of the hardness and the quality of the water in our area. Westshore Mechanical would be honored to repair or replace your water heater.
Why Choose a Water Heater from Westshore Mechanical
Westshore Mechanical is built on the foundation that we value our clients and want to install products that exceed expectations. Our water heater installations are no different. We understand that water heater failures can be stressful. Most people never realize just how often they use their heaters and how much damage they can cause when they leak.
Tankless Water Heaters
Due to skyrocketing energy costs and damages caused by leaking water heaters, there is a larger and larger demand for tankless water heaters. New homes are even starting to install these instead of a traditional water heater. It works on demand, so unlike a traditional heater that is always heating, tankless water heaters save on energy costs. Tankless water heaters can also continually run whereas a tank water heater runs out of hot water. They typically last much longer than a tanked water heater and when parts do begin to fail, the repair cost is typically less than a standard water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Energy Factor (EF) on my water heater mean?
The water heater Energy Factor (EF) is a measure of the overall efficiency of the water heater. This is determined by comparing the energy in the heated water used daily to the total daily energy consumption of the water heater. The EF can be used to compare the energy efficiency of water heaters. Water heaters with higher EFs will have lower annual operating costs than comparable models with lower EFs. A higher EF signifies a more efficient model. Water heaters with high EF ratings may cost more initially, but save energy and money in the long run. Eventually, they will pay for themselves through a lifetime of energy savings.
Where is the 'anode rod' and what does it do?
For most water heaters, the anode rod is attached to the hot water outlet of the water heater. If you are facing the front of the water heater (where the labels are), the hot water outlet is on the left hand side. The anode rod is often referred to as a "sacrificial rod".
Most water is rarely "pure". It can contain oxygen, magnesium, fluoride, chlorine and suspended particles. These components, in the concentrations in your water, are usually not bad for you. However, they do contribute to the taste and smell of the water. They also impart a slight conductivity to the water. Through an electrical process called electrolysis, this conductivity will eventually (over a long period of time) cause most metal to rust or corrode. When the water is heated, this electrical process can be accelerated.
Most water heaters are made of a steel tank with a porcelain enamel (glass) lining. However, due to production and assembly methods, it is not always possible to completely cover the inside of the tank. Therefore it is important to provide metal that can be consumed by the electrical process. This is where the sacrificial anode rod comes in. By acting as a lightning rod for the corrosion process, the anode rod draws the harmful electrolytic process away from the water heater tank and focuses the corrosion on the anode rod. Water heaters need this sacrificial anode rod to ensure that the electrolysis does not affect the tanks.
Why doesn't my old water heater make as much hot water as it used to?
The answer may be that you have sediment buildup in your tank. As water heaters age, they tend to accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If the heaters are not cleaned periodically, the sediment may rise to a level that will act as a barrier between the burner and the water, making it harder to heat. An article published in a national ASPE plumbing journal states: for every half inch of sediment on the bottom of a gas fired water heater, it requires up to 70% more fuel to heat the water.
If my water heater was in a flood, do I need to replace it?
Yes. The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommends that any flood-damaged heating and cooling equipment be replaced, not repaired. From the AHRI website, as it pertains to water heaters:
"Whether your water heater is gas-fired, oil-fired or electric, if it was exposed to flood water, the unit should be replaced. In a gas unit, valves and controls will likely corrode. In an electric unit, the thermostat and controls will likely corrode. In both types, the insulation surrounding the unit will be contaminated and will be nearly impossible to disinfect. Additionally, the insulation would take a long time to dry, leading to corrosion of the tank from the outside.
Even if water heater components have been cleaned and the unit seems to operate properly, parts may corrode in the future. Both gas and electric water heaters have a pressure relief valve that can corrode and stick after being exposed to flood water. Therefore, be sure to replace this valve as well."
(Taken from www.ahrinet.org)
At the suggestion of AHRI, be sure to have your inspection and replacement work performed by a qualified professional.
Can I use my water heater with a solar heating system?
With the increasing costs of energy and a desire for environmental friendliness, some customers are turning to the sun as a way to heat their domestic water. Bradford White manufactures a solar water heating storage tank for use with solar systems. This tank takes the heated water from the solar panels and uses it as a heat source instead of conventional gas, oil or electric heat sources unlike other tanks, this water heater has an electric heating element for back up on cloudy days, and when the solar system is not providing enough heat. However, it is important that you use only POTABLE (or domestic use) water in this tank.
Is a drain pan necessary?
A water heater should be placed in an area that will prevent damage to floors, ceilings, and furniture if the heater leaks. When this is not possible, a drain pan must be installed under the water heater. Since a typical drain pan doesn't hold that much water, it must have a pipe to a drain or other outlet for the water. When installed properly, a drain pan and pipe will keep any leakage under control and protect your belongings from water damage.
What type of maintenance should I do on my water heater?
We recommend that you contact a plumbing professional to perform any maintenance or repairs to your water heater - from periodic checks on the anode rod to ensuring that all connections are secure. Recommendations for maintenance are in your water heater's owner manual. However, there are a few things that you can do:
- Ensure that there are no sources of flammable vapors in the same area as your water heater (this includes gasoline, heating oils, lighter fluid, propane, etc.).
- Keep the top of the water heater clean. If you notice water dripping on the water heater from any piping, contact a plumbing professional to have the leak repaired.
- Keep the space around your water heater clean and free of dirt, boxes, paint cans, aerosol cans, household cleaners and trash. It is important to keep the heater accessible for proper operation and easy maintenance.