Water heaters are in every home, supplying you with nice warm water. Here we will tell you all you need to know about them.
What is a water heater and how does it work?
The water heater is an appliance in home that heats up all the water when you turn on a hot faucet. Every time you wash your hands, shower, run the dishwasher, etc., the water heater is what provides this warmth to you.
This important appliance heats and stores water in its tank and then releases this hot water when you turn on a faucet or water using appliance. Cold water will enter from the main water supply at the bottom of the tank. A heating element or gas burner then heats the water inside the tank. As the water heats up, it rises to the top of the tank and when you turn on a hot water faucet the heated water flows out of the tank and through the pipes and out the faucet.
How long does a water heater last?
Did you know that with regular maintenance most water heaters need replacing approximately every 5-12 years? Depending on the manufacturer and model, water heater warranties usually vary from 5 to 12 years.
These small steps can increase the life span of your water and save you money on repairs and replacement.
Regular maintenance checks: While it’s important to have a professional (like your favorite West Sacramento handyman ) perform regular water heater maintenance, it’s a good idea to do your own checks around the outside of the unit regularly. You will be looking for any cracks or leaks, those will need to be addressed immediately.
Flush the tank: Once per year, have the tanks flushed and cleaned. Sediment from hard water builds up at the bottom of the tank over time, regular flushing can add to the longevity of your water heater.
How do I check the condition of my water heater unit?
An exterior visual check of the unit and surrounding area, looking for any cracks, leaks or any signs of rust on the unit itself and the connecting pipes.
Checking the age of the water heater will help give you an idea of its condition as they typically last only 7-12 years with regular maintenance.
More concerns or need further help? Call your local Sacramento handyman.
What is the best temperature setting for a water heater?
OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends a hot water temperature of at least 122 degrees to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. So, while setting the temp to 120°F may save on energy costs and avoid scalding, it's ideal to keep things a bit warmer for safety.
Typically, the temperature setting dial is labeled A, B, C or 1, 2, 3, and the last setting is always “Very Hot.”
(A) or 1 = 120-130°F,
(B) or 2 = 130-140°F,
(C) or 3 = 140-150°F and
“Very Hot” around 160°F.
Why do I keep running out of hot water?
There are a few different reasons that you may be running out of hot water.
Too many appliances – If you have multiple water using appliances running at the same time, they’ll consume more of the available hot water.
Thermostat – You may be running out of hot water more quickly if your water heater thermostat is set too low, especially in the colder months.
Tripped breaker – An electric water heater should have its own dedicated circuit in your home’s electrical panel.
Sediment buildup – sediment and minerals can build up at the bottom of your tank over time. This can reduce the efficiency of the heating element and cause the water to take longer to heat up.
Leaking water tank – The tanks of water heaters are designed to not leak, but if there’s water around the base or on the ground around it, it may be leaking. It is best to address this immediately to prevent further damage to the surrounding area of your water heater.
Broken dip tube – The dip tube is a thin cylinder that moves the cold water to the bottom of the tank so it can be heated. If the dip tube breaks it can also cause the water heater to not work as it should.
Faulty heating element – Sometimes the heating element can be faulty. If the heating element is malfunctioning, it wont heat the water.
What size water heater do I need for my family & home?
If you decide on a tank-style water heater, you also need to decide what size the tank should be. Larger tanks provide more water, but monthly costs to heat the extra water will be higher. Here’s a rough sizing guide:
30 - 40 gallons for 1 or 2 people
40 - 50 gallons for 2 or 3 people
50 - 60 gallons for 3 or 4 people
60 - 80 gallons for 5 or more people
You can also use this calculator to help find what size is right for you.
California – Regulations for water heaters
California has introduced some new regulations in 2024 for water heaters. These regulations are to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
When looking to have your water heater replaced some key code requirements for the State of California:
High Standards for Energy Efficiency – California has a high standard when it comes to water heaters being installed, they must meet specific energy efficiency requirements, lowering utility costs and minimizing energy consumption.
Water Shutoff – Properly working shut-off valves on both the incoming cold-water line and gas line are necessary for water heaters. In the event of a leak, this allows you to shut down the unit without shutting off the water to the rest of your home.
TMP Valve - TMP is refers to "Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve" - a safety feature on a water heater designed to automatically release excess pressure and temperature, preventing potential damage or explosions by discharging water when needed; essentially, it's a critical safety mechanism to protect the water heater from extreme conditions.
Water Pressure Regulators – These regulators are recommended to prevent damage to the unit for water heaters with a pressure of 80 PSI and above.
Drain Pans – Also referred to as “drip pans”. These are installed under your water heater and can help prevent water damage if the water heater were to leak.
Expansion Tanks – These are tanks that absorb excess pressure from within the water heater to help prevent spikes or leaks in pressure.
Straps – Also known as earthquake straps, and as you could likely guess, these straps keep your water heater in place in the event of an earthquake.
Ventilation and Installation Guidelines – These codes outline the requirements and guidelines that must be followed to ensure proper ventilation and installation of your water heater unit. This is crucial to the safety of your unit and home.
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