Sunday, August 4, 2013

When You Need A Hot Water Heater Replacement

By Brian Winters


Have you ever imagined not having a water heater during winter seasons? Not a lot of homeowners appreciate how heaters are important in doing household tasks. Your water heater generates enough hot water for taking showers, cleaning dishes and doing the laundry. Your unit can come in handy, especially when the climate is cold. Start performing water heater maintenance to extend the lifespan of your unit. However, you might want to buy a new heater if your old unit has been failing you for the last few years.

Avoid accidents by turning off the circuit breaker or gas supply valve of the unit before carrying out repairs. Do not forget to turn off the water supply to prevent water from entering the tank. Always take safety into account by doing these steps whenever it's time to inspect your unit. A water heater can convert into a dangerous appliance, especially if not handled properly. To avoid scalding water, switch the power off the night before the scheduled checkup.

Once your water heater stops producing hot water, have your unit checked if it needs a repair or a replacement. Check whether your dip tube has fully corroded. This tube is responsible for leading cold water down to the burner for proper heating. Once it gets rusty, cold water can hit the hot water pipes directly without even being heated. You can ask a specialist to replace the dip tube properly.

Your hot water can generate less hot water than it used to if there are excessive sediments inside the tank. Expect your storage tank to limit the volume of stored water when this happens. Draining and flushing the tank regularly can prevent hard water minerals from building up. If the sediments get too heavy for the tank to handle, buy a replacement unit immediately.

When the sediment buildup gets too excessive, expect your water quality to be affected. You may notice rusty-colored water coming out of your taps together with a foul odor. Drain the contaminated water to protect your family from ingesting water filled with bacteria and chemicals. Failure to do so can cause major health complications.

To reduce the sediment buildup, always make sure your anode rod has not yet deteriorated. This rod is responsible for attracting all charged water molecules inside the tank, protecting your tank from rust and corrosion. Once it measures less than of an inch, have it replaced as soon as possible.

Decade-old water heaters are more likely to run inefficiently, leading to high electric bill. At this point, you might want to consider looking for a more energy-efficient water heater. Nowadays, tankless water heaters are taking the scene since they save up more of your time, space and energy. No need to worry about flooded basements or waiting until the water is hot. These units heat water on demand when necessary. Expect these heaters to last longer than tank-style units, especially since they come with a high price tag.

To avoid countless water heater repairs, contact a specialist for proper water heater installation. However, do not buy a unit haphazardly and have your old unit checked if the damage is already beyond repairs. Ask advice from a professional to know what kind of unit will suit your household needs.




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