Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Archive for the ‘Water Heaters’ Category

Water Heater Repair FAQ: What Is a Heating Element?

Friday, September 26th, 2014

While your water heater allows you to do so many important activities around the home, such as cleaning floors, doing laundry, washing dishes, and taking hot showers, most homeowners generally don’t know about the various parts involved in this process. Of course, water heater repair is a complex job best left to experienced professionals, so it’s likely that you’ll never have to deal with the various components of a water heater on your own. However, the heating element is an interesting component of an electric water heater, relying on the principle of heat rising to provide hot water. In this guide, we’ll look at how the traditional storage tank water heater works and the role of the heating element in electric models, as well as what may go wrong.

Storage tank water heaters, the most common type of unit found in homes, use a fairly simple process to supply hot water whenever a hot water tap is turned on. First, cold water travels through a long dip tube at the top of the tank that leads all the way to the bottom. Water is heated at the bottom of the tank and naturally rises to the top over the denser cold water. Another shorter tube at the top of the tank allows water to enter into the pipes and reach your faucets.

With a gas-powered water heater, water is heated with a burner located underneath the tank. For homes without access to a natural gas line, however, an electric water heater may be a better option. Electric units use small heating elements installed inside of the tank rather than burners to heat the water. These metal elements heat up via electrical resistance. There is a heating element toward the bottom of the tank and another at the top in order to help keep water thoroughly heated when the tank is not in use. However, because the bottom element takes on the bulk of the work, it may be more susceptible to breaking down. It’s important to have a technician assess the damage and ensure a replacement element uses the same voltage.

The best way to prevent damages to your water heater is by scheduling regular water heater maintenance with a professional. When you need maintenance or water heater repair in Olympia, call one of the experts at Brooks Plumbing today!

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Signs of Trouble with Your Water Heater

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

You don’t want to be caught on a Monday morning with a shower that suddenly can’t produce enough hot water—or perhaps any hot water. When a water heater fails, it can mean a few days of discomfort for you and your family until a new one is installed.

Luckily, water heaters usually send warning signs that they are experiencing problems that call for immediate repairs to prevent a full failure. If you notice any of the problems below, get in contact with a repair specialist right away. You will be glad you took action sooner rather than later.

Since 1994, Brooks Plumbing has installed, repaired, and maintained water heaters. You can trust us with whatever problems you have with your home’s hot water supply and your water heater in Lacey, WA.

Warnings of a water heater that might be in trouble

  • Discolored water: If you turn on a hot water tap, and rust-colored water flows out, similar to what you might see after a long vacation, then the heater is either developing rust or has a build-up of sediment inside its tank. Rust needs to be remedied as soon as possible, or the whole water tank will need replacement. Excess sediment will require that technicians flush out the tank. If the sediment remains, it could start to block the valves in the tank.
  • The water isn’t as warm as before: When you notice that the water coming out of a hot water tap is lukewarm and not up to the temperature level you expect, a number of problems might be afflicting the water heater, such as reduced gas power to the jets or a broken mixing valve. These problems will almost always worsen, so have professionals on the job as soon as possible.
  • The hot water runs out too fast: On occasions when the hot water supply cuts off before it should, the issue is often due to a broken dip tube inside the tank, which will deposit cold water near the top of the tank and mix it with the hot water that the circulator pump sends out to the taps. The technicians can fix the dip tube and restore your hot water to its regular amount.

For any of the above problems, it’s possible that the heater has simply aged past the point where it can work efficiently and effectively, and the only “repair” that will stick is to replace the system with a new one. Your water heater repair technician will give you a set of options and help you select the one that will benefit your home and budget the most.

For honest answers and quality work for your water heater in Lacey, WA, call Brooks Plumbing today. We service both storage and tankless water heaters.

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Why Are There Gurgling Noises Coming From My Water Heater?

Wednesday, April 9th, 2014

Generally speaking any unusual noise from a major appliance is cause for concern. This is just as true for your water heater – which rarely receives any attention except when something’s wrong – as it is for any other appliance. Gurgling sounds, in particular, are common signs of a significant problem with your heater. “Why are there gurgling noises coming from my water heater?” you ask. Any plumber in Olympia can give you an answer en route to making speedy repairs.

Gurgling noises usually result from water passing through sediment and build-up on the bottom of the tank. The sediment builds up slowly over the course of time, fed by mineral deposits in hard water that enters the tank. Hard water is usually harmless, but the minerals (usually calcium, magnesium and the like) will settle into the bottom of the tank and may even create strange little structures as they form. When water moves through them, it will gurgle and bubble, creating the noise.

This might not sound like a big deal – and indeed, the water heater will usually still function – but it constitutes a significant problem. The sediment forms an insulating layer between the water in the tank and the heaters intended to warm it. That means your water heater must burn more gas to do its job, costing you money and increasing strain on the bottom of the tank. If left untreated, it could eventually cause a breach in the tank, forcing you to replace the entire unit.

The good news is that a trained plumber in Olympia can help. Draining the tank and cleaning off the sediment is a fairly standard operation for most plumbing services, and some companies can install water filters in your home to cut down on the build-up. If you’re wondering why there are gurgling noises coming from your water heater, then contact the plumbing experts at Brooks Plumbing. We’ll fix the problem and can help you take steps to prevent it from recurring in the future. Pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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Should I Install a Tankless Water Heater?

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Tankless water heaters stand as a viable alternative to traditional tanked models, getting rid of the large, cumbersome tank in favor of a system that heats the water instantly. As the water passes through the heater on the way to your faucet or shower head, it is instantly heated via a series of electrical coils or a gas heater. That spares you the expense of maintaining gallons of hot water in a tank, though installation costs for a tankless heater can be larger and the system works better in some circumstances than others. Here in Tumwater, tankless water heaters are a solid option, but the question remains: “should I install a tankless water heater?” The answer depends on your circumstances.

The first question comes with the number of people in your household. Tankless water heaters can become overwhelmed if they are saddled with too many demands at the same time, which means that smaller households benefit from it more than larger households. That also counts for the number of fixtures a tankless water heater needs to supply. If you have a lot of sinks, you may need to install multiple units in your home, which will increase the overall installation cost significantly.

Then there’s the question of amount of use. A tanked heater can be very expensive to maintain in a second home or a vacation home, as well as requiring regular maintenance in order to keep ahead of general wear and tear. A tankless system can mitigate that, since it doesn’t rely on standing water and can usually be activated instantly. That makes them quite desirable for homes that are left unoccupied for certain parts of the year.

And of course, you need to consider the savings over time versus the initial cost of installation, which can be influenced by your present circumstances and needs. A good advisor can help you with all of that, then set up an installation schedule that meets your specifications. In Tumwater, tankless water heaters can be installed by the experts at Brooks Plumbing. Our staff of trained professionals is on call to answer any questions you may have. If you’re asking “should I install a tankless water heater?” contact us today. You’ll be glad that you did!

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What Are the Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater?

Friday, January 10th, 2014

The standard type of home water heater is known as a “storage” water heater. It keeps a supply of water inside a tank, where it uses gas or electricity to heat the water for use in the home. Many people think that this is the only kind of water heater available, but today you can have a tankless water heater installed in your home.

How does that work? Tankless systems run the water in the pipes through coils that pass over gas burners, heating the water as it is needed at a tap. Some tankless systems use electrical power installed at individual tanks, so the tankless system can be used only for specific taps instead of the whole house.

Brooks Plumbing installs both storage and tankless water heaters in Olympia, WA. Here are some of the benefits we’ve found people get from going with a tankless heater.

  • No running out of hot water: Storage water heaters only have a limited supply of hot water available at any time; once you exhaust the supply in the tank, you have to wait for the heater to heat up more before you get hot water again. With a tankless system, you don’t have to worry about this because it heats up the water as you need it, so you won’t run out.
  • Space-saving: A water tank takes up a large amount of space. A tankless system is relatively small, and some can even be installed hanging on walls.
  • Energy efficiency: Storage water heaters must maintain a constant temperature in their tanks so the hot water is ready for use. Since tankless systems only use heat when someone requires water, they consume far less energy than storage tanks—sometimes up to 20% less.
  • Longevity: On average, a tankless system lasts 5 to 10 years longer than a storage system.
  • No flooding worries: You no longer have to be concerned that a ruptured water tank will flood part of your house.

There are some drawbacks, however, such as high initial installation cost and a longer lag time waiting for the water to heat up. If more than one tap is operating at once, a tankless system can lose its efficiency. Ask an expert in water heaters if your household will benefit from going tankless.

At Brooks Plumbing, we take our motto seriously: “Quality in Everything We Do.” We’ve striven to uphold that promise since 1994, and when you contact us to install a tankless water heater in Olympia, WA, we will give you the quality service that you deserve.

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Common Water Heater Problems

Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

Water heaters occupy an “out of sight, out of mind” position in many homes. As long as the hot water comes whenever you turn on the faucet, most people don’t worry about any problems. Issues with the water heater typically arise slowly over time, then spring upon you when you least suspect it. In Olympia, plumber services are often trained to handle water heaters, but you can help by identifying the possible source of the trouble when it arrives. Here is a brief list of some common water heater problems.

  • Thermocouple/pilot light. The pilot light ignites the gas that heats the water in the heater. The thermocouple serves to regulate the flow of gas, shutting it off in the event of a problem. When the pilot light goes out or the thermocouple won’t function, your heater won’t produce any hot water.
  • Dip tube. The dip tube runs the length of your water heater tank that moves cold water to the bottom of the tank. The hot water at the top moves into your home through the pipe system, while the cold water is warmed by the heater. If the dip tube has a breach or is broken in some way, you’re apt to get lukewarm or even cold water instead of hot.
  • Leaks. A breach in the heater tank or troubles in the various fittings between pipes can result in a leaky hot water heater. A repairman will need to hunt down the source of the breach and seal it, or else the problem will likely get worse.
  • Anode rod. The anode rod prevents rust and other damage to the heater. It slowly dissolves over time. When it doesn’t, you’re apt to discover black or rusty water coming out of your pipes, and will need to replace the spent rod with a new one.

In Olympia, water heater service is provided by the trained professionals at Brooks Plumbing. We handle all manner of common water heater problems, and can deal with replacement and installation operations in the event your water heater needs replacing. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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Reasons to Consider Replacing Your Water Heater this Fall

Monday, September 16th, 2013

Water heaters in Olympia can be a blessing when faced with our traditional cool rainy environment. There’s nothing that makes the cold and rain less bothersome than a hot bath or warm beverage waiting for you when you get home. That depends on a reliable water heater, and while regular maintenance and upkeep can extend the life of your current unit beyond what it’s intended, sooner or later, you may need to consider replacing your water heater. This fall makes a good time to pull the trigger, since it gives you the benefits of a new water heater before the temperatures get too low. Here are some reasons why such a move might make sense for you:

  • Your water heater is old. You may have a warranty on your existing water heater and if it’s well maintained, it should last for a long time. If it’s over ten years old, however, and evincing other problems, then replacement may be your only option.
  • Repairs costs are mounting. If your water heater is showing signs of rust or corrosion, if the pilot light steadfastly refuses to stay lit, if puddle of water repeatedly appear on the floor, or if scaling and sediment build-up are creating problems in your system, the cost of fixing them may no longer be worth the aggravation. While the initial set up fee for a new water heater may be expensive, you’ll see returns with lowered monthly heating bills and a lack of repairs.
  • The water heater isn’t working. If you use an excessive amount of hot water, you may notice the heat fading over time as the heater works to keep up with demand. If your water heater can’t produce hot water at all and/or multiple service calls can’t seem to fix the problem, then you need to consider a new water heater

When it comes to water heaters in Olympia, WA, Brooks Plumbing has the expertise you need. We’re locally based, so we understand the needs of Washington home owners, and our trained Olympia, WA water heater technicians can install a new water heater before the winter storms arrive. If you have reasons to consider replacing your water heater this fall, contact us to make an appointment today.

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The Benefits of Using an Electric Water Heater

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

If you’re looking to replace your old water heater, you’ve probably been debating whether to go gas or electric. While the price differences between gas and electric hot water units and the efficiency of gas water heaters may lead you to shy away from the electric tank heater, there are a number of reasons why you should go with an electric water heater instead of a gas tank. Here are just some of the reasons to go electric.

Installation Costs

When you install a new gas water heater, you have more work cut out for you in the installation process than you would if you purchased an electric heater. Because gas heaters operate on, you guessed it, gas, you need to install a vent and vent hood above your heater. This vent system will allow for the excess gas to leave your home, but that also means you need to install enough piping to allow the gas to leave your home. With an electric water heater, however, you don’t have to install a single piece of pipe. Once you have your heater in place, you install a special outlet so as to power your heater, and you’re good to go.

Necessary Space

Now that you know about the need for a vent when you use a gas heater, it’s time to discuss the space issues that can arise when you don’t go with an electric water heater. A gas tank water heater requires no less than six inches of ventilation around the tank’s top and sides. Unfortunately, if you’re working with a tight space, such as a bedroom closet, you can’t simply throw a gas unit in there and call it good. However, an electric unit is a great choice for small confines, as you don’t have to worry about gas building up, or possibly exploding.

Greater Safety

Have you ever heard the horror stories of when a gas water heater explodes? Well, two things can ultimately cause a gas heater tank to explode. In newer gas models, the bottom of the tank is sealed, making it more difficult for the gas vapors to hit the open flame. In older gas heaters, though, there was no seal, leaving the bottom of the tank vulnerable. The second thing that can lead to a gas heater explosion is a malfunctioning pressure relief valve. When the valve is unable to relieve pressure built up within the tank, and when the tank can no longer take the pressure, the tank can explode.

No Pilot

Further touching on water heater safety, you’ll never have a need to relight your electric water heater, where you would need to do so if your gas water heater’s pilot light goes out for any reason. Though, newer models of gas heaters use electric ignitions, which eliminate the need for the pilot light. However, this creates a rather large issue that gas heaters didn’t have in the past.

No Longer at a Disadvantage

In the past, when the power went out, you were in luck if you had a gas water heater. Older models allowed for your home to always have hot water, even in the event of a big storm or power outage, since they required you to light the heater’s pilot light with a match. Well, as we just discussed, newer models are no longer equipped to have you light the pilot by hand. Well, now using electric ignitions, gas water heaters no longer have the edge in a power outage. If you lose power with either type of heater, you lose the ability to heat your water.

While there are reasons to buy either type of water heater, your electric heater is the safer option for a number of reasons. With natural gas and electricity costs expected to rise, there isn’t much to say about the gas heater being your cheaper option. If you’re in the market for a new tank water heater, consider going electric.

Rachael Jones is a blogger for DIYMother, where women aren’t afraid to use power tools in a dress.

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Installing a New Water Heater

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

Before you’re left with a pool of water and subsequent flooding, consider replacing your hot water heater, especially if your current model is more than a decade old. While this is a fairly common household plumbing project, replacing your heater has several potential dangers to be aware of. If you’re looking for information in order to replace your old water heater, here are the necessary steps to follow to ensure a proper hot water heater installation.

Out with the Old

In order to install your new water heater, you must remove the old heater. Begin by turning your energy source (gas or electricity) off and drain your heater tank. Then, open your hot water faucet to allow air into your system. This will help the water in your system drain much more quickly. If you have a gas heater, you need to separate your vent pipe from the draft hood, which should easily lift off after removing the sheet metal screw holding it in place. Once you are certain your pilot light is out, disconnect your gas line at the heater and cap it off.

Next, you will need to remove your heater from the water pipes. If you’re lucky, you’ll find that your pipes are connected by a removable, threaded fitting, in which case all you will need is a pipe wrench to remove your pipes. However, if you aren’t one of the fortunate ones to have these threaded fittings to work with, you will need to use a hacksaw in order to remove your pipes. Once you’ve removed your pipes and have allowed them to drain completely, you’re ready to remove and properly dispose of your old water heater.

In with the New

Now that you’ve removed your old water heater, you’re ready to being installing your new heater. Using a dolly, guide your new water heater to its new location. Position the heater so as to keep your piping easily within reach. It is of utmost importance to do this if you are installing a gas water heater, as you will also need to line your heater up with your gas vent pipe.

For gas heaters, you will need to install a new draft hood. Most hoods have small legs which insert into holes on the top of your heater. A gas hot water heater demands proper ventilation that is no smaller than the draft hood collar. You should also consider replacing your vent pipe elbows as well, as they have likely corroded over time. Once you have made sure your vent is as perfectly vertical as possible, the vent should slope upward approximately one-quarter inch per foot. In this situation, the lowest place along the vent should be where the pipe goes from vertical to horizontal.

After connecting your vent pipe with sheet metal screws, you’re ready to make your cold and hot water connections. Use flex connectors if possible, as these are easy to bend and will come in handy when you’re ready to reach the connection. However, depending on the type of pipe fitted in your home, you will need to handle your water line accordingly. Though, regardless of the material and size of the pipe, your heater should be fitted with a cold water gate valve, which should be placed vertically in your water pipe to prevent sediment from building up within the pipe.

Now, when you are working with threaded pipes, you should have removable, threaded fittings on both the hot and cold lines, replacing all old fittings. You will also need to install new nipples for the top of your heater, the length of which will depend on how far the fittings are located from your water lines.

If you have plastic piping, you will need to use transition fittings between your plastic pipes and the metal heater threads. Some recommend using foot-long threaded steel nipples between your heater and the transition fittings so as to disperse heat over a greater distance. However, be careful when purchasing your piping. PVC, PE and ABS plastic piping will not take hot water, and will leave you with yet another job to complete when these plastics deteriorate.

Relief System

Installing a temperature and pressure relief valve and line is an integral step to properly installing your water heater. This relief system will automatically release excess pressure and heat within your system. Once all of your plumbing is installed, you will be able to close the water heater’s drain valve and open the cold water inlet valve, allowing you to fill the tank, should you not be installing a tankless water heater. Open the hot water faucet releasing the air trapped within the top of the tank. Then, close the faucet, and check for leaks.

Connecting the Power Supply

In order to complete your installation, you will need to connect your energy supply to your new heater. For a gas connection, install a shut-off valve on the gas line if you didn’t have one previously installed. Use a new fitting to complete the gas line installation with a threaded pipe. However, if you used flex connectors, make sure to install a male flare adapter into the inlet opening of your heater’s gas valve.

Connect your gas flex connector collar to your flare adapter, tightening it with an adjustable wrench. When this is complete, verify that you set your thermostat to the off-position, and you’re ready to turn the gas back on.

The process is slightly different for an electric connection. In this case, the wires which bring electricity to your heater must be the right size and provide the right about of amperage and voltage your heater was intended to run on. If you are not familiar with wiring jobs, you should hire a professional. This isn’t the easiest skill to acquire, and if you don’t have a background as an electrician, you will find that the job is quite elaborate, and you could put yourself and your family at risk should something go awry. Though, once the electrical work is complete, turn on the heater circuit and make certain to inspect the electric meter. If it is spinning, it is indicating that the heater is functioning properly and that you successfully installed your new water heater. Now go relax and let everyone know they’ll have hot water for days on end.

Rachael Jones is a blogger for DIYMother.

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Water Heater FAQ: How Do I Know What Type of Water Heater to Install if I Upgrade?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Are you thinking of upgrading the water heater in your Olympia, WA area home? Your first step is calling the water heater experts at Brooks Plumbing for advice and to help you in your selection. We can help you determine the load calculation for the amount of hot water you need to adequately supply your entire plumbing system with hot water. This will help size your new water heater and ensure that you aren’t left without enough hot water for everyone in your home.

Your hot water usage will also help you determine which type to install as your upgrade. There are two basic styles of water heaters: tank and tankless. Most homeowners heat the water in their homes with a tank water heater, but if you find that you run out of water often, you may need a larger tank, a more efficient water heater, or you may consider upgrading to a tankless water heater.

The newer tankless hot water heaters are a great solution if you want on demand hot water without having to wait on the tank to refill, or if you are losing energy in standby losses. If the recovery time on your tank water heater has increased gradually, it may be time for a new one. Replacing a water heater is not an easy decision, but one that can offer energy savings and more reliable hot water for you and your family.

Make sure you hire a professional contractor you can trust. If your water heater isn’t sized correctly, or if another type would benefit you more, you won’t get the most out of your new investment. Call the Olympia, WA water heater specialists at Brooks Plumbing, and get started today! Contact Brooks Plumbing!

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