Water Heater Maintenance Guide

Whether you’ve been working in the yard all day preparing for summer or shoveling snow on the coldest winter day, when you come in from working hard you want to be able to take a nice hot shower or bath. But if you have a problem with your water heater, then that relaxing shower might need to wait. Fortunately, with our water heater maintenance guide, you can prevent issues that could get in the way of your comfort. 

Five Steps for Maintaining Your Hot Water Heater

Keep your appliance in good working order by following these five steps:

 

• Clear space around the appliance. If your water heater is located in a room you typically use for storage, make sure it’s free of clutter. It can easily happen that you don’t notice clutter building up and getting too close to the appliance. However, you should maintain at least two feet of clearance around it in order for it to operate safely.

• Shut off the water supply and the power. In order to perform maintenance, you need to be safe. Turn off the power supply—the switch will be located close to the water heater—and shut off the water supply valve.

• Test the TPR valve. The TPR valve is the temperature-pressure relief valve. This valve opens to release vapor if the pressure inside the tank gets too high, so it needs to be working properly. Place a bucket below the pipe under the TPR and open the valve quickly two to three times. If the valve leaks, it will need to be replaced. 

• Check the anode rod. The anode rod is housed inside the water tank. Its function is to attract minerals and other elements that could corrode the tank. Over time, the anode rod  will either corrode or get coated with calcium, at which point you’ll need to replace it. To check it, lift the anode rod out of the tank and visually inspect it. If it’s coated in sediment or if it’s less than half an inch in diameter, you should purchase a new one. 

• Flush the tank. You need to flush the tank to prevent sediment from building up inside of it. To do this, attach a hose to the drain valve and let all of the water drain out of the tank into a bucket. This will remove most of the sediment. If the water is cloudy, briefly open the cold water supply valve to let more water into the tank. Stir the sediment, then drain the tank again. Repeat this process until the water coming out of the tank is clear. 

 

Call Water Heaters Now Today

Keeping up with routine maintenance will ensure your water heater can reliably serve your family for years. If your water heater is showing any other signs of wear and tear, however, it might be time for a replacement. Maintenance allows for safer, longer use of your water heater but like all appliances it eventually breaks down. When that happens, you can rely on Water Heaters Now to get you back in hot water the same day!

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Signs You Need A New Water Heater Installation

Is it time for a new water heater installation in your home? It might be hard to decide when your current hot water heater has reached the end of its lifespan until it stops working completely. But there are ways to tell that you need a water heater replacement before it reaches that point. If you can spot the signs of an aging or failing water heater, you can avoid losing access to your hot water in the most critical times.

How To Know When It’s Time For A New Water Heater Installation

1. Age of your water heater. Do you know the age of your water heater? If it’s over 12 years old, there’s a good chance it’s beginning to wear down and will need to be replaced soon. If you know your water heater is reaching this point, don’t let it fail on you. Get a replacement before it breaks down.
2. Not enough hot water. If you’re constantly running out of hot water, it’s probably time for a new water heater installation. This could be a sign that the size water heater you have isn’t sufficient for your family anymore, or that the heating elements are not longer functioning correctly. Our professional team can help you choose the right size tank for your home or give advice on newer technology such as tankless water heaters.
3. Leaks. This one speaks for itself! If your water heater has begun to leak into your home, call a professional right away. Avoid water damage by shutting off the water supply to the unit until a technician can arrive. Sometimes leaks can be repaired, but often times they’re a result of age and corrosion in the tank. A new water heater will serve your family for years to come, especially when properly maintained.
4. Rusty water coming from your taps. When you turn on the hot water, does it come out reddish brown? Does it have little brown flecks in it? This is a sign that there is rust in your hot water tank. A rusted tank can quickly turn into a leaking tank if it’s not replaced.

Choose Water Heaters Now For Your Hot Water Needs

We make it easy to get the new water heater installation you need. At Water Heaters Now, replacing and installing hot water heaters is all we do. We are experts in our field and work with the best brands in the industry. Whether you have a conventional tank heater or a tankless model, we can provide the professional replacement services you need while upholding our superior customer service standards. Call our office today to book your appointment or request a free estimate!

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Benefits of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater

If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t really think about your water heater too often. It’s an appliance that for many of us is out of sight, out of mind. However, when your family doesn’t have access to the hot water they need because of an old unit, it’s time to call a professional for a replacement. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, we suggest an upgrade to a tankless water heater in the Twin City metro area.

Why Should I Upgrade To A Tankless Water Heater?

There are many reasons why switching from your conventional storage tank system to a tankless heater will benefit your family. Read below to learn the benefits of upgrading to this modern water heater!

1) They Provide On-Demand Hot Water

The other name for tankless water heaters is an “on-demand” water heater. This is because it supplies continuous hot water whenever you turn on a tap. How are they able to do that?

Unlike a traditional tank-style water heater, there’s no storage tank to refill when the hot water runs out. As you turn on the tap, water runs over a heating element in the tankless heater which heats it on the spot. This means no waiting in between showers or chores for the hot water to come back. When you upgrade to a tankless heater, hot water can last through many showers, the dishwasher, and the washing machine!

2) They Have A Longer Lifespan

Many tankless water heaters have longer average lifespans than their storage tank counterparts. While a tank water heater may last 8-12 years with the proper maintenance, when you upgrade to a tankless water heater they can last up to 20 years according to the U.S. Department of Energy. While your initial investment may be a bit more than a traditional model, the years of continuous and reliable service will be well worth it.

3) They’re More Efficient

Because they avoid the heat loss associated with conventional water heaters, tankless models are more efficient to operate. For a home that uses around 40 gallons of hot water per day, they can be 34% more energy efficient. If you have a large family with more water water needs, they can still be 15% more energy efficient than a tank water heater. If you’re an energy conscious home, then a tankless water heater is the right move.

Call Water Heaters Now For A Tankless Water Heater Today

Before you make any purchasing decisions, call our professionals and make sure that an upgrade to a tankless model is right for you. Installing and repairing water heaters is all we do, so our team can give you the trusted guidance you need. At Water Heaters Now, we work with the best brands in the industry and ensure our customers get the best products on the market. Call today and get a free quote on your new tankless water heater! 

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Save By Switching to Tankless

Start Your New Year With Savings from a Tankless Water Heater Installation

If you are looking to save on your bills in the coming year, investing in a tankless water heater may be just the solution. Tankless water heaters, also commonly called on-demand water heaters, are the new standard in water heaters. There are many benefits to switching to this model of water heater that can save you money. 

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

• Efficiency: A tankless water heater can be 30% more efficient than a traditional tank water heater. With this increased efficiency comes savings for you. Energy Star estimates that the average family can save $100 per year by using a tankless water heater. 
• No Heat Loss: When a tank water heater runs, it needs to keep 40-50 gallons hot at all times. This means your tank is burning fuel constantly to keep the water at temperature. Tank models also lose heat as water sits in the tank and travels through pipes. Tankless water heaters lose no heat because they do not store water. You only use the water you need at any given time with on-demand heating. 
• No Leaks: If you’ve had a water heater leak in your basement, you can recall the frustration and cost associated with repairs. Because tankless heaters do not store water, you will never have to worry about leaks causing damage to your home. 
• Longer Lifespan: A traditional water heater has a lifespan of 10-12 years. A tankless heater can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance! This longevity will save you money since you can rely on this model for many years past the traditional water heater.

We’re ready to help you today. Check out our guarantee! Call Water Heaters Now to schedule your service.

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Stay Warm with These Holiday Water Heater Tests!

The holidays are almost here and it’s a great time to have friends and family over. However, the fun can quickly stop when you aren’t getting hot water. During the winter months, one of the last things you want is for your water heater to stop working. To keep the hot water flowing over the holiday season, you’ll want to give your water heater some tests.

Here are some basic tips to follow this holiday season to keep your water heater in good condition:

 

Stick to 120°F

If you’ve never adjusted your water heater’s temperature before, it’s likely at the factory setting of 140°F. However, you can save energy and avoid accidental scalding by dropping the temperature 20 degrees. At 120°F, the water heater will use less energy, it’ll have a lighter workload, and hot water will be less likely to scald you. There are times you should stick with 140°F, but it’s generally best to err on the side of energy savings.

 

Test the TPR valve

Water heater tanks have a valve on the side or top called the Temperature Release Valve. This valve acts as a fail-safe that detects if there’s a dangerous level of pressure in the tank and will vent water to reduce the pressure if needed. As you can guess, the tank can fail catastrophically if the valve isn’t working properly. To test it, just lift the tab on the valve to let a little bit of water out. You want to see water come out only when the valve is open. If it leaks, drain the tank and get a replacement valve.

 

Install insulation

During the winter, the cold weather can adversely affect your water heater. Not only can it make it harder to heat water, but it can also cause pipes to freeze and crack. The best way to prevent these problems is by adding insulation to your pipes and the water heater. Pipe insulation can prevent condensation from forming on your pipes while water heater insulation can make it more efficient. Keep in mind that some models, particularly newer ones, come pre-insulated.

 

Drain the tank

Sediment is one of the major problems for any water heater that uses a tank. To keep it from causing major damage, you should flush out the tank once or twice a year. You can learn how to drain and flush your tank in our blog post on some basic water heater maintenance tips.

 

Why call Water Heaters Now to handle my problems?

Master Plumber Raymond Snesrud has been plumbing in the twin cities for 10 years and he says, “I have noticed that there are hundreds of plumbing companies who do thousands of plumbing types of repairs. I have had dozens of employees over the last 10 years, and I have found it very difficult to hire technicians who will respect people and their homes the way they deserve. One day five years ago, it occurred to me that if we only install and repair water heaters, we could become the leading experts at doing one thing.” Call Water Heaters Now today to learn more about how to keep your water heater working its best this winter!

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4 Reasons Your Water Heater Is Colder in the Winter

Winter is almost here, and that means colder temperatures and plenty of snow. However, the winter also represents challenges for your water heater. Your water heater works every day of the year, but sometimes it winds up underperforming. When the ground temperature drops, your home’s water can become up to 25°F cooler. If you don’t want to lose your supply of hot water, you’ll need to know what can cause your cold water problems.

Here are four common reasons your water heater isn’t as effective in the winter.

 

Lower outdoor temperatures

The most obvious reason your water heater’s water isn’t as warm is because of how cold it gets outside. The lower temperatures make both the air and the ground colder, and that cold ground cools the water going to your home. As your water heater works to heat the water, it’s constantly getting refilled with colder water, making it hard to get the right temperature.

 

Lack of insulation

Not only do pipes need insulation so the water doesn’t freeze, but so does your water heater. Proper insulation can prevent a drop in water temperature and even raise the temperature by a few degrees. The best insulation for water heater depends on its power source. Electric water heaters work best with neoprene foam while gas models often use a fiberglass wrap secured with aluminum foil or tape.

 

Increased hot water usage

During the winter, you’ll likely be trying more things to stay warm. You’ll make hot chocolate, turn up the heater, and occasionally have a hot shower. However, some of these activities can take up hot water. The increased usage of hot water in the winter means you’ll find it tends to run out more often than other seasons.

 

More standing heat loss

Where do you keep your water heater? For many people, it’s in the basement or somewhere else that isn’t well-heated or insulated. These areas tend to get colder than the rest of your home, so your water heater will be surrounded by cold air. Because of this, more heat will escape from your water heater, forcing it to run harder to reach the temperature you set.

 

What makes Water Heaters Now a trusted name in the Minneapolis area?

Master Plumber Raymond Snesrud has been plumbing in the twin cities for 10 years and he says, “I have noticed that there are hundreds of plumbing companies who do thousands of plumbing types of repairs. I have had dozens of employees over the last 10 years, and I have found it very difficult to hire technicians who will respect people and their homes the way they deserve. One day five years ago, it occurred to me that if we only install and repair water heaters, we could become the leading experts at doing one thing.” Call Water Heaters Now today to learn more about how to keep your water heater working its best this winter!

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5 Simple Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Keeping your water heater working by keeping it well-maintained is always important. However, it gets even more important during the colder winter months. We’re always around to help you with your water heater when it needs help. However, there are some things you can do yourself to keep your water heater in good condition. Proper water heater maintenance can improve its energy efficiency and allow it to work longer.

Here are five simple water heater maintenance tips to help keep yours running:

 

Watch the anode rod

The anode rod is a water heater accessory that helps prevent the tank from rusting. You should take a look at it every year or so to see how it’s doing. They can generally last four to five years, but you should replace yours if:

• More than six inches of the core metal wire is exposed.
• The rod is under half an inch thick.
• The rod is coated in calcium.

 

Drain the tank

Draining or flushing the tank annually or bi-annually is key to keeping the tank free of sediment. To do this, you first have to turn off the gas/power and cold water supply to your tank. Then, get a hose and bucket, and open the hot water tap and pressure release valve. Drain the water into the bucket until it looks clear or there’s no water left. If you still have sediment, turn on the cold water supply so any sediment at the bottom is washed around and repeat the draining. You should do this last step at least once, but keep doing it until the water comes out clean. When you’re done, close the drain cock, refill the tank, and turn the power/gas back on.

 

Change the temperature

If you read our blog post on setting your water heater’s temperature, you’ll know that setting the temperature to 120-125°F can save you a bit of money. That blog post can give you more info on how and why to set your water heater to that temperature.

 

Test the pressure release valve

Boilers aren’t the only heating appliance that’s capable of exploding. Water heater tanks can also blow up if too much pressure builds up inside of them. That’s why water heaters come with a switch and pipe on the side as a safety measure. If there’s too much pressure in the tank, the switch flicks and the copper or plastic pipe directs released water safely to the floor. When you test it, put a bucket under the pipe and flick the switch on and off two or three times. If water comes out and there’s no leaking after you test it, you’re good to go.

 

Look for leaks

This last tip is a simple one, but it’s an important one, nonetheless. Every couple of months, you should give the water heater and its pipes a thorough visual inspection to make sure everything looks fine. Be on the lookout for leaks, corrosion, and deformities in the metal. If you see anything and aren’t sure how to handle it, give us a call.

 

Why rely on Water Heaters Now’s knowledge to keep my plumbing working fine?

Master Plumber Raymond Snesrud has been plumbing in the twin cities for 10 years and he says, “I have noticed that there are hundreds of plumbing companies who do thousands of plumbing types of repairs. I have had dozens of employees over the last 10 years, and I have found it very difficult to hire technicians who will respect people and their homes the way they deserve. One day five years ago, it occurred to me that if we only install and repair water heaters, we could become the leading experts at doing one thing.” Call Water Heaters Now today to learn more about how to keep your water heater in top condition!

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