Tag: heater

Discover Tankless Water Heater Basics

A Quick Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming popular due to their benefits over storage tank water heaters. Tankless systems spring into action whenever hot water arises, providing a continuous supply of heated water. Since tankless water heaters don’t require a large storage tank, they provide space-saving capabilities, making them ideal for smaller homes. But are they right for every household? Read on to find out all about tankless water heaters. 

What Sets Tankless Water Heaters Apart?

heaterThe principal difference between tankless water heaters and their traditional counterparts is the absence of a large holding tank. Instead, they use burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger, delivering it around the house without storing it in a tank. This on-demand heating mechanism ensures a constant hot water supply, eliminating the need to wait for a storage tank to fill up.

Another distinctive trait of tankless water heaters is their compact size, as they do not require space for water storage. This can benefit homeowners seeking to save space, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

The Process Behind Tankless Water Heaters

sinkTankless water heaters function based on a straightforward yet effective process. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the heater. A flow sensor activates the burner, which heats either a gas burner or an electric element, heating the water. The hot water then travels along the piping system to the desired location. Once the hot water tap is closed, the unit shuts down, thus conserving energy.

Gas-heated tankless water heaters tend to heat water faster than their electric counterparts, which could be ideal for larger households. That said, most instant water heaters can provide between 2 and 5 gallons of hot water per minute. And while these water heaters still need regular care (like storage water heaters), tankless water heater maintenance is generally quicker and easier than traditional water heaters. 

The Amazing Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters offer a myriad of benefits. They are known for their energy efficiency, as they heat water only when needed, significantly reducing the energy loss associated with traditional water heaters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than tank-style heaters for households that use 40 gallons of water or less daily.

These heaters also provide a continuous hot water supply, ensuring no shortage during peak use times. They have a longer lifespan, with many units lasting over 20 years—almost double that of traditional models. The compact size of these heaters is great for space-limited homes. Additionally, they reduce the risk of water damage due to tank leaks or ruptures, a concern with traditional water heaters.

Homeowners considering water heater replacement should consult a professional plumber to see if an on-demand water heater is right for their needs. 

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The friendly professionals at Apple Valley Plumbing Company have served Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They provide personalized service from start to finish. They also offer free estimates and back all their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact them today for water heater services in Apple Valley, MN. 

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Indicators of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

Is It Time for a New Water Heater?

Water heaters are best when they are neither seen nor heard. They are one of those appliances that silently do their job and largely go unnoticed. It is often taken for granted. The problem is that this can lead to years without the homeowner realizing that the water heater is breaking down. If a water heater is more than ten years old, it is a ticking time bomb for replacement. Likewise, a plumbing professional may recommend an upgrade if a water heater is not doing its job and constantly needs repair. If these most obvious signs are not present, a few other ways a home’s water heater may be communicating that it may be reaching the end of its functionality. 

Clangs, Rumbles, and Creaks, Oh My!sounds

As previously mentioned, water heaters tend to do their work quietly. When noises begin issuing from that back corner of the linen closet, there may be a problem. Banging and rumbling noises can indicate that there is sediment or calcium buildup in the tank. Several different things can cause this:

What’s In the Water? Foul Smells and Discolorationwater

The above problems can lead to rusty, musty, and smelly water. Whether or not it is coming from a faulty water heater or the pipes needs to be determined by an experienced professional. At the very least, a home will need water heater maintenance if this problem occurs. A tankless water heater may need to be flushed to remove sediment or hard water crystallization from the internal parts. Here are a few maintenance steps a plumbing professional would take to make sure a home’s water is running clear and without icky smells:
  • Flush the Tank: This is emptying the water heater’s tank and cleaning it with solvents that help remove sediment and calcium deposits from hard water.
  • Replace the Anode Rod: The anode rod attracts corroded particles and keeps them out of the water. If the anode rod is not working properly, this will lead to higher particle buildup, so replacing it can correct the problem.
  • Check and Resurface the Tank: A protective coating on the inside of hot water tanks prevents rusting and other types of corrosion. If this coating is damaged, it can cause rusty colored and rusty-smelling water. One can resurface the interior in some cases, but if the problem is extensive, it may require water heater replacement.

Leaks: A Sure Sign that a Water Heater Needs Immediate Attention 

If a puddle or puddles of water are evident from a home’s water heater, it is time to place a call to the pros. While it may be difficult for the average homeowner to determine where a leak is coming from or how to fix it, this is something that the licensed plumber does practically every day. It will be quick work either to repair the leak or advise the homeowner on what steps to take. If a water heater does leak, a person should not ignore it. It can be extremely damaging to a home’s structure.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Serving Apple Valley, MN and the surrounding areas, this company is known for its fast response time, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed workmanship. Call Apple Valley Plumbing Company for water heater services!

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Don't Forget To Schedule Service for the Water Heater

Schedule Now! Don’t Wait Until There’s No Hot Water!

The water heater is the backbone of the home plumbing system. It helps all the appliances connected to the plumbing do their jobs. Cleaning clothing, cleaning and sterilizing dishes, and hot showers and baths could not happen without the water heater. People are no longer required to heat huge amounts of water over a fire to complete daily tasks as they did less that 200 years ago. Just as one must monitor a fire to keep it burning, so a water heater must have scheduled maintenance to keep it working as it should. 

Why Should Regular Maintenance Be a Priority?plumber

Though they know they may need replacement someday, every homeowner wants their fixtures and appliances to function for as long as they possibly can. This is at the very heart of scheduled maintenance. This should be done once a year at a minimum. Some of the benefits of regular maintenance are:
  • Efficiency: Maintenance provides a water heater with the highest possible efficiency, which lowers energy costs.
  • Lasting function: A regularly checked water will have a longer life because one can prevent problems instead of fixing them.
  • Savings: Lower energy costs mean more money in a customer’s wallet.
  • Helps other parts of the home: If the water heater is working well, it better serves the other appliances in the home that depend on it.

Checks and Parts Replacement: What Happens During Maintenance?

So what will a plumbing professional do for a water heater during a check-up? Several things are standard when it comes to water heater maintenance. The primary steps of a scheduled maintenance visit will include most of the following:

  • Flushing the tank: This involves emptying the tank and making sure the interior is in good shape and free of corrosion.
  • Descaling the tank: This process uses a descaler/cleaner to remove the build-up of mineral deposits due to hard water. 
  • Checking/Replacing the PRV: The PRV or Pressure Release Valve is an important safety device on a water heater that prevents pressure buildup within the tank. There can be dire consequences (leaks being the best case scenario) if it is not working properly, so this is one of the main maintenance checks.
  • Checking pipe connections: Making sure the pipes that bring water to and from the water heater are attached properly, are not leaking, and do not need any insulation.

Symptoms of a Troubled Water Heaterwater heater

Despite even the best efforts, sometimes water heaters do break down and need repair or replacement. There are many ways that a water heater can malfunction. If a homeowner observes any of the following signs, they should contact a reliable plumbing company for an inspection or consultation. 

  • Rust-colored water
  • Hot water not lasting as long as usual
  • Water is not as hot as normally expected
  • Hot water temps are intermittent
  • Leaks 

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company 

Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers free phone consultations so customers can be educated and know what to expect. They strive for 100% satisfied customers and work to be on time and provide individual solutions that fit their customer’s needs. Call them today for water heater maintenance and repair in the Apple Valley, MN area.

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