Brooks Plumbing Co. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Water Heaters’

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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Plumbing Tip: Basic Water Heater Components

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you are looking for ways to extend the life of the water heater in your home, we’ve put together some tips for you. We’ve also included an outline of the basic water heater components so that you can understand how the equipment works and how to take care of it. Call the Olympia water heater experts at Brooks Plumbing today!

Most homes have a standard tank water heater, and these will need routine maintenance to ensure worry-free and lasting results. Tankless water heaters do not have a storage stank, but they still need basic maintenance. We are focusing on the tank water heater since these are more common and require a little more maintenance.

One of the safety features in a tank water heater is the cold water supply valve, which is a shutoff valve that will need to be turned off before any repairs or maintenance is done on the tank. The sediment in hot water heater tanks needs to be flushed out regularly so that it doesn’t burn inside the water tank from being heated by the burners. The cold water runs through a dip tube.

Because cold water is denser than hot water, the cold water settles at the bottom of the tank and rises as it is heated. Once this happens, it is supplied to the showers, sinks, and other applications through the hot water discharge.

In some models, there’s a metal rod in the tank called a sacrificial anode that attracts corrosion instead of the tank itself getting corroded. Some have alarms that alert you when it is time to replace the anode. If you hear popping noises, there could corrosion or sediment burning inside the tank.

Contact Brooks Plumbing if you have questions or would like to hire a Olympia plumber for routine maintenance.

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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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Issues with Your Storage Tank Water Heater

Monday, October 29th, 2012

The good news about water heaters that use a storage tank is that they are fairly simply contraptions. They hold a bunch of water, heat it and distribute it the rest of your home. But like everything else in this world, things go wrong. Eventually, you’ll start to have problems with your water heater and you’ll need water heater repair services for your home in Olympia. You should always consult with a professional heating technician about any issues that you’re having with your water heater. While they are fairly simple devices, you could do irreversible damage to your system. Here are a few of the common water heater problems that we see in Olympia.

Water Temperature

If you don’t have any hot water or if the water coming out isn’t hot enough, there are a few things that could be wrong. This could be an issue with the thermostat on the tank. It may have been turned down accidentally or it could be faulty. The other issue could be that the heating element (for electric heaters) or the pilot light (for gas heaters) could be at fault. For a pilot light, it could be that it is dirty. The electric heating element could be broken or the water heater could be unplugged.

Rust Colored Water

If you turn on your hot water faucet and rust colored water comes out, this might be a huge problem. Inside your water heater is a “sacrificial rod”. This rod is made out of some metal, normally magnesium or aluminum, and it sacrifices itself for the sake of your water tank. The rod attracts the tiny electrical current in the water that would normally erode your water tank. But when the rod is consumed, the inside of your tank will start to rust. By the time you start to see the rust flowing out of your water heater, the damage is most likely done. You will probably end up having to replace your water heater.

Stinky Water

If your hot water starts to smell like rotten eggs, this could be caused by a bacterial infection in your water. Sometimes, bacteria can start to grow as they feed on the hydrogen released from your anode rod. If this is the case, a professional heating technician can drain your water heater and clean it to remove the smell.

Noise in the Water Tank

If you start to hear noises inside the water heater tank, this could be due to sediment or mineral build up at the bottom of the tank. As it heats up, it produces popping sounds. A professional heating technician can also help you fix this problem.

If you’re experiencing any of these water heater issues in your Olympia home, call Brooks Plumbing today. We have years of experience offering high quality plumbing services in olympia and would be happy to help you as well.

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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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How to Lower Energy Costs for Your Home: Water Heater Tips

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

If you want to lower the energy costs for your Lacey home, the water heater might not be the first place you’d think to save energy. However, when you add up the savings from a few easy steps that can improve your water heater’s efficiency, it can make a significant difference in your utility bills.

Here are some of the ways you can reduce the use of hot water in the home and increase your energy savings.

Saving Energy by Using Less Hot Water

Even if you own an energy-efficient, tankless water heater, and you try to conserve water as much as possible, hot water usage can always be reduced in other areas. Installing low flow faucets and fixtures can provide up to 60% in water savings because they reduce the flow rate (gallons per minute) for each fixture. Tankless water heaters are also more efficient when they are used with any application with a lower flow rate.

Replacing older appliances that require a lot of hot water with more energy-efficient models is worth the money and effort because of the energy savings you will get in the end. Make sure you fix any leaks on older hot water faucet or fixtures. A leak that costs a dollar or two extra per month doesn’t seem like much, but it will add up over time.

Lower the Temperature on Your Hot Water Heater

For every 10°F that you lower the water temperature on your hot water heater, you save between 3% to 5% in energy costs. The manufactured setting for most water heaters is 140°F, but most homes only require a maximum temperature of 120°F. Check your owner’s manual before you lower the temperature on your water heater to find out what the recommended settings are and how to change them.

Insulate Your Water Heater Tank and Water Pipes

Whether you have a gas or electric hot water heater, you can find fairly inexpensive and easy-to-install insulators or “jackets” for your water heater tank. Every tank has an R-value that determines how much heat it loses, so unless it is a high value, your water heater tank needs insulation. Call a Lacey plumber or check your owner’s manual for the R-value of your hot water heater, but the general rule is that if the tank is warm when you touch it, you need more insulation.

You can reduce emissions and your energy costs simply by paying more attention to how much hot water you are using in your Lacey home. For more tips and expert advice, call Brooks Plumbing Co to speak with one of our technicians.

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