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

Water Heater Installation: Tips for Selecting a New Water Heater

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Investing in any new appliance requires a certain amount of research and a lot of decision making. Before a water heater installation in Olympia, you need to know that you have made all of these decisions correctly. Contact the water heater experts at Brooks Plumbing Company to ensure that you get the right water heater installation in your home. Our professional Olympia plumbers have extensive knowledge of both tank and tankless water heaters. Whatever questions you have about your water heater installation, our team will have the answers. Contact us today for more information.

One of the biggest decisions you will need to make about your water heater is what size is appropriate for your home. In order to make this decision correctly you really need to consult a professional plumber in Olympia, WA. There is simply no way for you to be sure that your water heater is properly sized without the input of an expert. If your water heater is too small it will not provide you with the reliable performance you deserve, and if it is too large it will be heating water you simply don’t need. Get the most efficient performance possible from your water heater by ensuring it is the right size for your home.

You will also need to decide whether you want to purchase a tank or tankless water heater for installation in your home. Both have their benefits, so you should consult a professional Olympia water heater technician to decide which is best suited to your personal needs and habits. Storage tank water heaters are very dependable and hold a large reservoir of hot water at the ready. However, they do suffer some standby heat loss as they wait for use. They also require a certain amount of space. Tankless water heaters do not experience heat loss, as they heat water on demand. They can be overwhelmed if hot water is demanded at multiple points of use, though.

For more information about water heater installation in Olympia, WA, call Brooks Plumbing. We are always here to share our expertise. Our goal is to find you the perfect water heater for installation in your home.

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Water Heater FAQ: Can I Install My Water Heater On My Own?

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Brooks Plumbing Company has been offering Olympia, WA water heater installation services since 1994. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service, and we take pride in the work that we do. Installing a water heater should be handled by a professional Olympia plumber. This is not a DIY job for many reasons, namely because you want to make sure that it is installed properly.

There are other reasons that you should only hire a qualified plumber to install your hot water heater. Gas water heaters, for instance, will require services from a certified plumber in Olympia, WA who is licensed to work with gas piping. There are also ventilation concerns that should be addressed by a qualified professional. Never try to install any type of gas appliance on your own. This is mainly for safety reasons, but you also want to make sure that it is installed to provide lasting results.

Professional installations also prevent repair needs. We see broken water heaters all the time that weren’t installed properly, and usually the repair is a result of this. This will cost you more in the long run, since you will most likely have more repair needs further down the road. You may have to even replace your water heater earlier than expected. Always call a professional Olympia plumber to install a new water heater.

In addition to installations, the Olympia WA water heater experts at Brooks Plumbing, Co. can also compare the different models with you and find the most cost-effective solution for your hot water needs. Call us any time to set up a consultation. Contact Brooks Plumbing Company today!

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Water Heater Installation FAQ: How to Compare Water Heater Models?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Getting a new water heater can be a confusing project. There are so many different brands and models that comparing them can be difficult. The water heater in your home is used every single day for bathing and cleaning. You want to make sure that you get one that fits your home and will be able to provide enough hot water. At Brooks Plumbing, we provide complete water heater installation in Olympia WA. We want our customers to be comfortable in their homes and to get a water heater that is right for their home. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide for how to compare water heater models.

Water Heater Capacity

Perhaps one of the main considerations you need to think about is how big a water heater you need have installed in your Olympia, WA home. There are many useful guides available to help you. If your old water heater wasn’t able to provide you with enough hot water then you would obviously want to compare the tank size and get a larger one. For the average 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms home a 50 or 60 gallon water heater tank is sufficient.

Water Heater Fuel

If you’re interested in changing the fuel you use to heat your water in your Olympia home you’ll need to compare the initial investment and ongoing cost of each system. Gas and electricity are the two main fuel sources for water heaters. Electric water heaters are generally less expensive up front but cost more to operate because they require more fuel. Electric water heaters also don’t need to be vented outside because they don’t burn fuel. However, gas systems normally cost less to run because gas is almost always cheaper than electricity and they require less fuel to operate. Also, gas water heaters are not impacted by power outages.

Water Heater Efficiency

Like most appliances, water heaters are given an efficiency rating. Your water heater likely comprises a large portion of your utility bill so getting an efficient one is crucial. Water heaters are given an Energy Factor (EF) rating that describes how efficiently they convert fuel into heat and how well they retain that heat. You should try to get a water heater with an EF rating as close to 1 as possible. Water heaters with EF ratings of .62 or higher are typically very good.

There are also new water heaters that are not given an EF rating. Instead they are rated based on their Thermal Efficiency. These water heaters can have a 90+% thermal efficiency rating which is very good.

If you’re interested in water heater installation in Olympia, WA call the experts at Brooks Plumbing today. Our Olympia plumbers can help you pick out a new water heater and then install it for you so that it works well for as long as possible. Contact Brooks Plumbing today!

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Water Heater Repair FAQ: What to Do if You Have a Broken Water Heater

Monday, February 4th, 2013

You probably don’t give too much thought to your water heater. When you turn on the faucet, hot water comes out and that’s that. It’s much more difficult to just forget about your water heater when it breaks down or is damaged, though. That appliance that makes your life so much easier and convenient can also cause some serious headaches when it breaks. Are you prepared to handle the situation if this happens in your Tumwater home? Here is some advice about what to do if your water heater breaks from Brooks Plumbing.

There are a number of different problems that you may experience with your water heater. One of the major issues that a water heater may encounter is a leak. Water heater leaks are very messy and can do a lot of damage. You need to act quickly in the event of leaking water heater.

Cut off the power to your water heater before you do anything. If your water heater runs on electricity just go to the circuit breaker and cut the power to your appliance. If you have a gas water heater find the gas valve supplying the device and close it off.

To avoid turning your basement into a swimming pool you should also shut off the cold water that supplies you water heater. This will prevent the water heater from refilling as water leaks out. You may not be able to stop the leak yourself, but this will help you prevent it from getting any worse.

The most important thing that you can do in such a situation is simply to call your local water heater service provider. A professional plumber will be able to pinpoint the location of the leak and resolve the problem. No leak is too small or minor to merit calling a professional plumber for repair service.

If your water heater in Tumwater breaks, call Brooks plumbing right away. One of our expert Tumwater plumbers will be along to resolve your problem quickly and effectively. Don’t let a broken water heater lead to water damage and other issues. Contact Brooks Plumbing today for Tumwater water heater repair services.

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Water Heater FAQ: Why is My Tankless Water Heater Underperforming?

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Tankless water heaters are a great addition to many homes throughout the Tumwater, WA area. They offer many benefits over traditional tank water heaters. However, we often get calls from people that their tankless water heater isn’t providing them with enough hot water or that it is working inefficiently. At Brooks Plumbing, we’ve been providing quality plumbing services in Tumwater for almost 2 decades. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the most common reasons why your tankless water heater might be underperforming.

Gas Supply Problem

Tankless water heaters work very well when there is low to medium demand. When there is very high demand, tankless water heaters tend to experience problems. Tankless water heaters work by heating up water very quickly which a lot of gas. The gas line into your tankless water heater allows for a much higher flow of fuel. If there is a high demand on your water heater, as there is during high demand, the flow of gas might not be sufficient and the unit will shut down.

Tankless Water Heater Exhaust Vent

Your tankless water heater monitors the heat of the exhaust that is flowing out of it. The reason for that is because the exhaust from your tankless system can get very hot and needs to be exhausted very quickly. If that doesn’t happen properly, the unit will shut down.

Corrosion

Many high efficiency tankless water heaters can form condensation in the exhaust vent. This condensation is highly toxic and corrosive. Normally, the condensation is collected and drained away from the system. But if it drips down the system it can cause a lot of damage.

Hard Water

If your home has hard water, mineral deposits can build up in the system and cause huge problems. It can even lead to the system failing completely.

If you’re having issues with your tankless water heater, call the Tumwater Water Heater experts at Brooks Plumbing .We have years of experience offering services for tankless water heaters in Tumwater. Call us today!

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Why Do I Need Routine Maintenance for My Water Heater?

Monday, January 7th, 2013

As with any appliance in your home, your Olympia water heater requires a high quality, professional installation to provide you with the great service that you deserve. If you think that professional installation of your water heater is the last that you have to worry about it, though, think again. It is up to you as a homeowner to schedule regular, professional maintenance for the water heater in your Olympia home. Here is some information about the importance of routine water heater maintenance from the professional service technicians at Brooks Plumbing.

The main reason that routine maintenance is so important for your water heater is that it keeps your water heater in good working condition. During a routine maintenance visit your professional service technician will inspect and tune up every single component of your water heater to ensure its safe, effective operation. Your water heater is put under a lot of stress each and every day, and it is necessary to have it professionally serviced to make sure it can continue to handle that stress.

In addition to keeping your water heater operating properly regular maintenance can also help you save money in energy costs. The better condition your water heater is in the more efficiently it will operate. Of course, the higher the efficiency of your water heater the less money it will cost to operate. The savings do not end there, though.

It is during routine maintenance service that small, developing problems with your water heater are most likely to be discovered. This early detection gives your service provider the opportunity necessary to make any repairs or adjustments to your water heater before any real damage can be done. Cut down on expensive repair services by scheduling regular, professional water heater maintenance service today.

For more information about the necessity of professional maintenance for your water heater, contact Brooks Plumbing. A member of our team will be happy to speak with you. Keep the water heater in your Olympia home as efficient and dependable as possible with routine maintenance service from your local plumbing experts.

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Why Choose a Storage Tank Water Heater?

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Some people don’t adjust well to change. Others simply like to stick with whatever has been working for them in the past. Whatever the reason, many people just don’t feel the need to embrace new technologies, at least not in all parts of their lives. While many people will sing the praises of tankless on-demand water heaters and attempt to call those sticking with the tank style models old fashioned, this is one of those cases where the oldie is, in fact, a goodie. At Brooks Plumbing we know that newer tankless water heaters are great devices, but we also understand that there are many valid reasons why you may want to stick with a storage tank model in your Olympia home.

Storage tank water heaters keep a constant reservoir of hot water at the ready. Many people will point to the fact that they must continually heat this reservoir when arguing for the superiority of tankless on demand water heaters. While older storage tank models certainly may lack the efficiency of a tankless model, though, the improved storage tanks of modern water heaters have better insulation, reducing the amount of energy that must be used to keep that reservoir warm. Plus, you are much less likely to run out of hot water with a storage tank model, whereas tankless on demand water heaters may have a hard time keeping up in homes with a high demand for hot water.

Storage tank hot water heaters also give you a great variety of fuels to choose from. There is always an ongoing debate about which fuel type is better, gas or electricity. Many argue that natural gas is the way to go, as it is produced domestically, burns pretty cleanly and is cheaper to purchase than electricity. However, you must also consider the efficiency of the particular water heater model in question. After all, if an electric water heater is much more efficient than a natural gas model then the electricity-fueled model may actually wind up saving you money over time in operational costs. Additionally, electricity is available pretty much anywhere, whereas some houses don’t have natural gas hookups or access to a gas line at all. In addition to natural gas and electricity tank water heaters also can be fueled by oil or propane, though these options are much less popular.

We hope that this information has convinced you not to rule out storage tank water heaters just yet. There is nothing wrong with tankless on-demand models, of course, but there is a reason that tank water heaters are so popular. In fact there are several. If you have any more questions about why you may want to choose a storage tank water heater in your Olympia home, call the experts at Brooks Plumbing today.

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Water Heater Tip: Improving Water Heater Efficiency

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Improving the efficiency of the water heater in your Olympia area home will depend on several factors. The type of water heater installed in your home is the first factor, and improving efficiency can be easy if you know what to do.

If you want to increase the efficiency of your water heater, there are a few initial steps to take. If you have questions or would like more water heating tips, call the expert plumbers at Brooks Plumbing. Here are some ways to get you started today on cutting back on the energy used to heat the water in your home and to lower your utility bills.

Installing a high-efficiency tank water heater or a tankless water heater to replace your old inefficient model is only one way to more efficiently heat the water in your home.  You can also make small upgrade, such as installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. Other areas include the dishwasher and washing machine. Use cold water when possible to wash your clothes, and only use the hot temp settings on the dishwasher for heavier loads. Using less hot water means using less energy to heat the water.

You can also lower the thermostat on your hot water heater, which can save you up money on energy costs and reduce the chances of scalding if the water is too hot. Most manufacturers recommend 140°F for water heater thermostat settings. In reality, many people don’t need hot water to be heated above 120°F. Call a plumber or check your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to locate the thermostat on your water heater or if you have other questions about proper temperature settings.

If you have an older tank water heater, one easy way of improving efficiency is to insulate the tank. This will help prevent heat loss while the water is being heated at all times. You can find water heater “jackets” easily, but keep in mind that you may need to know the R-value of the water heater tank before you make your purchase.

Call the Olympia water heater specialists at Brooks Plumbing if you have further questions.

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Plumbing Question: Why Is My Hot Water Heater Not Heating Water?

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Hot water heaters that stop working can affect an entire home.  Not only do water heater problems create cold showers, but they lessen the effectiveness of doing simple tasks such as laundry.  The Olympia plumbing specialists at Brooks Plumbing understand the most common water heater problems and can not only help you understand them but provide quick and easy water heater repairs.

Common Water Heater Problems: When the Water Heater Is Not Heating Water

  • Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse: If the circuit breaker has been tripped or blown to the circuit that gives power to the water heater, the water heater will not work.  If there are any blown fuses this will also cause water heater to not heat water.
  • Pilot Light Problems:  If the pilot light goes out, it will cause the water in a water heater to not heat properly.  Because it is a gas appliance it will need to be lit again by a trained professional.
  • Bad Thermocouple:  A faulty thermocouple or other gas control can mean that it fails to open the pilot control valve which would result in no water heating.
  • Faulty Thermostat: If a thermostat doesn’t work properly it will not sense the temperature well and will result in water not being heated to acceptable temperatures.
  • Sediment Buildup in the Water Tank:  If too much sediment has built up inside the water tank, the water will not heat properly.  With proper water heater maintenance any sediment buildup will be addressed by the water heater technician who does the inspection.
  • Water Leaks:  Plumbing connections that are not tight can cause water leaks.  If the water tank itself is leaking it is possible that the entire tank needs to be repaired or replaced professionally.

All of these common water heater problems can be fixed by the Olympia water heater service professionals at Brooks Plumbing. Call us today!

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