Suggestions for Cleaning Your Water Heater

Every Vernon homeowner should know the basics of how major household appliances function. In the case of the water heater, there are different types of systems, but ultimately each is responsible for doing one job and doing it well - providing you with hot water when you need it.

Water heater cleaning is a home maintenance chore that is not often mentioned, but it can be very valuable in many ways and especially if an emergency strikes and you need an extra source of water in a hurry! In this post, learn about some expert suggestions for cleaning your water heater and when to schedule this important maintenance service.

Meet Your Dirty Water Heater

There are several kinds of water heaters, but all kinds can develop mineral deposits, sediment and residue in the internal mechanism. This can be caused when small particulates, such as sand, dirt or grit, get mixed in with the water supply.

As well, depending on how hard or soft your local water is, some of the minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium and others) may create a residue on the sides or bottom of your water heater.

These processes are natural and are not caused by anything you have or have not done. But they do result in the need to have your water heater components cleaned and serviced regularly (this applies even if you have one of the newer tankless water heater units).

A Word About Water Heater Cleaning Safety

If you are planning to schedule water heater maintenance, it is very important to know how to proceed with safety foremost in mind! This includes knowing how to turn off the power to your water heater so that there is zero risk it may turn on while service is being performed.

The most common types of water heaters run on either electric, gas (natural gas, propane) or both.

- Electric water heater. Be sure you can identify the location of your circuit breaker box so your technician is able to turn off the power before beginning the cleaning work. You will need to identify which breaker switch or fuse controls your hot water heater to turn it off completely.

- Gas water heater. Whether you have an older unit with an open-flame pilot light or a newer unit with an enclosed pilot, you will need to first note down what temperature your hot water heater is set at, then shut off the gas by turning the dial to "off," "pilot" or the lowest temperature setting available (this may vary by your unit type).

- Hybrid water heater. If you have a hybrid-type water heater that uses both electricity and gas to operate, you will need to turn off both types of power before your technician can begin the cleaning process.

Know What to Expect During Your Water Heater Service Call

If you do not have an existing relationship with a trusted hot water heater service company in your area, you will need to select a company to clean your hot water heater.

One of the best ways to select a new company is to ask them to talk you through the process of cleaning your hot water heater. If they hit each one of these high points, you will know that they are experienced at cleaning hot water heaters.

Here are the basic steps to listen for when you interview a new service technician:

- First, fully disable all power sources to your hot water heater!

- Next, turn off the water supply lines that fill your hot water heater.

- Drain your hot water heater completely.

- As water is draining, notice any clogs or heavy sediment discharge.

- Flush your hot water heater as needed to continue removing sediment and residue.

- When the water runs completely clear, the cleaning process is complete.

- Be sure to successfully reassemble and re-attach all components, including screws.

- Turn the water supply lines back on.

- Re-enable all power sources.

- Test your hot water to be sure the power is reaching your heater system.

Additional Expert Cleaning Tools

During your water heater maintenance process, your technician may need to use cleaning products such as white vinegar to remove the sediment, limescale or mineral buildup. This will be more likely if you have hard water, if your heater has never been serviced or if it has not been serviced in the last few years.

If you have hard water, ask your technician about the possibility of installing a water softener to make it less likely that any kind of severe mineral residue will form in the interior of your heater in the future.

It may also be necessary for your technician to hand-clean the smaller components of your water heater, including drain (purge port) valves. If the sediment or minerals have built up quite a bit, the flushing process may also cause sediment displacement or clogs in your water fixtures, including your faucets and/or shower heads. Here, it may be necessary to detach and clean these fixtures as well during the hot water heater cleaning process.

During the cleaning process, your technician will also look for any other brewing issues that may be impacting your water heater's ability to perform at full function. Some of the most common issues include leaks, damaged/defective parts, combustion issues and thermostat function.

Your Hot Water Heater is a Good Source of Emergency Water

If you ever find yourself in a position where you need an emergency source of clean water, your tank hot water heater is a great place to find it.

Depending on the size of your unit, this may yield up to 50 gallons of water for your Vernon family's use and is a great motivation for keeping your water heater clean and well maintained!

For quality services in your Vernon home, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 or visit company website.

How to Light Your Water Heater

Most Vernon homeowners will have to re-light their pilot light on their water heater at some point, and many will find that this is a process that they complete numerous times over their time in the home. This is because a pilot light can go out seemingly “just because,” such as if there is a sudden and unexpected drop in the gas pressure, and it can also go out because of a mechanical issue with one of the components in the hot water heater.

In some instances, the homeowner will be able to re-light the pilot light again in a matter of minutes, but there are other times when professional repair work from a plumber is needed to fix the water heater so that it can function properly once again. By following the steps to re-light the pilot light, you will be able to determine if you need a plumber to come to your home to diagnose a more significant problem and to provide you with water heater repair work.

Preparing to Re-Light the Pilot Light

The first step to take when your pilot light goes out is to turn gas regulator valve to an “Off” position. You can usually find this valve located at the base of the hot water heater close to the gas line connection and the pilot light, and it may also have other words on it, such as “On” and “Ignite.” Once it is in the “Off” position, take note of any smells that you notice.

If the smell of gas is heavy in the air or if it lingers after you have turned the valve to the “Off” position, you may have a gas leak. This is an emergency situation, and you should leave the house as soon as possible. Then, call a plumber for assistance. If you do not notice an unusual smell, you can proceed with the re-lighting process.

Open the lid that covers the pilot light, and use a flashlight to peer into space. If you see any debris over the gas line area, clear it away so that the space is clean. Now, you are ready to re-light the pilot light.

Re-lighting the Pilot Light on Your Water Heater

It is best to use a long-handled lighter for this process for safety purposes, and this may be the same lighter you use when lighting your barbecue grill or fireplace. Some water heaters have an “Ignite” section on the valve knob, and others have an ignition button that you will need to hold down. Turn your valve knob to the “Ignite” position, or hold down the ignition button, and you should hear a clicking sound that indicates that the unit is read to be re-lit. You can use the long-handled lighter to re-light the pilot at this time.

The unit should light immediately, and you can take pressure off of the ignition button as soon as this happens. You can also turn the regulator valve knob to the “On” position after the light is lit. The light should remain lit at this time. If you have trouble with any aspect of this process, you should immediately contact a plumber for assistance, and you can turn the valve back to the “Off” position while you wait for help to arrive.

Completing the Process

The next step in the process is to close the cover to the pilot light and wait a few minutes. The light should remain lit. If it does, you simply have to wait for the water heater to heat up the water in the tank.

This can take several minutes or longer, depending on the size of the tank. However, if the water does not appear to be getting any warmer, this may indicate that there is a problem with the water heater that requires professional service. Otherwise, as soon as the hot water is accessible from your tap once again, you can rest assured that you have completed the process properly.

If You Need Repair Assistance

As you can see, there are several aspects of the process that you should pay attention to and that may indicate the need for repair work. There are several mechanical components involved in the pilot light and heating process that could be broken, so any deviation from the results that you should expect are signs that repair service is needed. In addition, if you do not feel comfortable lighting the pilot light on your own, rest assured that service is available to help you accomplish this task.

Re-lighting the pilot light is typically an easy enough task for Vernon homeowners to tackle, but there are instances when homeowners need assistance with this process. For example, if there is a strong smell of gas, when the light will not re-light or when there are other concerns with the process.

If you need help from a plumber in Vernon, you can contact Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 today to schedule an appointment for your hot water heater repair needs.

How to Drain Your Water Heater and Why

A neglected water heating system can affect the performance of your Vernon plumbing. If the sediment is allowed to build up to dangerous amounts, the water can harden and the system will fail prematurely. Maintenance specialists recommend that the system be cleaned often to operate at maximum efficiency.

What happens when the sediment builds up?

It only takes a surge of water headed in the wrong direction to cause clogging. The toilet can become clogged along with the other inlet valves. Sediment causes the system to operate with less efficiency. The system may begin to make loud sounds while being operated. There may even be signs of leaking or restricted water flow. It’s best to prevent the problem from getting out of hand to the point where rust is allowed to accumulate.

Why does my water heater system have to be drained?

Draining the system regularly prevents higher utility costs. One of the most common reasons for higher energy bills in a households is the inefficient appliances in the home. The water heater is an appliance that can increase utility costs if not serviced regularly. If the system is a gas heater, the water may take much longer to heat before it becomes available. The water heater can also operate sluggishly when the system is overburdened by sediment if the unit is electric.

What are the steps to properly draining the water heater?

First, the power to the system should be completely cut off. The water supply should also be cut off. A garden hose should be attached to the bottom of the unit. The drain valve where the hose is attached should be opened. The system should be emptied completely. Once the system is emptied, run cold water through the system to dislodge the hardened minerals concentrated at the bottom of the tank. After leaving the cold water valve open for a few minutes, the system should be refilled. Check the temperature settings in order to make sure that the system is operating properly.

How often should the system be drained?

The system should be drained every year. In some cases, it may be necessary to drain the system more often due to the hardness of the water supply. Draining the hard water from the system protects the plumbing and the system while ensuring a steady supply of hot water is always available. Any steps taken to improve the performance of the system cuts energy costs.

Your water heater is designed to last anywhere between 15 and 20 years. Extending the life of the system can be done with routine maintenance steps such as draining the units. Getting your Vernon system regularly cleaned prevents it from failing before it should.

For a thorough professional cleaning, contact Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 to schedule an appointment in Vernon with one of our experienced professionals.

Water too Hot or too Cold? 3 Causes of Faulty Water Heating

There is nothing worse than climbing in your shower in the morning, only to have the water suddenly scaled you for being too hot. Of course, there is also the opposite, where no matter what you do it just isn't possible to get the water hot enough and you are stuck taking lukewarm showers.

So what exactly are you suppose to do? Well, there are possibly a few different problems, all of which can be handled by your local Vernon contractor.

Water Heater Temperature Gauge Off

Check the temperature gauge on your water heater. There is a good chance this is either set incorrectly. If it is too hot, your best guess is the gauge is far beyond the normal level. If it is too cold, it might be set too low.

Now, you can adjust the dial setting yourself. However, make sure to follow the instructions listed on the water heater. If there are none or if it doesn't change the temperature of your water heater, you need to bring in the pros.

Damaged Filament

There is a filament inside of your water heater that controls the pilot light. If you check your water heater the pilot light should always be on. If it is off you have one of two problems. One, it might have just gone out.

That happens from time to time. However, if it stays off after relighting than you have another problem. More likely than not it is because you have a damaged filament that is not holding the flame. This is not something you should attempt to change on your own. Whenever it comes to your water heater and a gas connection, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Pipe Problem

So, perhaps your water heater is acting just fine and heating the water to the proper temperature but it is reaching your shower or faucets too cold. Why does this happen? It is usually because of the water cooling off while running through your pipes.

Depending on the age of your pipes and the condition the plumbing is in, there is a chance the temperature cools off far too much before it reaches the correct outlet. In order to correct this your Vernon contractors can install insulation around the pipes. This keeps the water the correct temperature while reducing your energy bills.

For the very best assistance and services in your Vernon home, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.

The Latest Water Heater Technologies

There are many different types of water heaters available right now. The Vernon homeowner today has more options for water heaters than ever before. We discuss some of the latest water heaters and how they can save you money below.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are also known as on demand water heaters. This is because there is no storage tank that holds hot water. This kind of system is more energy efficient for several reasons. With a tankless water heater hot water is only created on demand. A standard tank storage system constantly heats water even when hot water is not being used. The water in a storage tank also cools when it is stored, in a process known as standing heat loss.

Another advantage to tankless water heaters is that it provides a constant supply of hot water, meaning you will almost never run out of hot water when taking a shower. They are also smaller and take up much less space. Tankless water heaters are a smart investment for homeowners looking to save money on water heating and have better hot water flow rates.

Condensing Gas Heaters

Condensing gas heaters are one of the latest breakthroughs in water heater technologies. These water heaters have a storage tank to hold water. The special thing about condensing gas heaters is that they use exhaust gases to heat water. Instead of exhaust being vented outside as waste, it is used to heat the water using a special coil.

The main advantage of condensing gas heaters is that they are extremely energy efficient. They can be up to 96% energy efficient, which means you can save a lot of money of your utility bills with such a system.

Electric Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters

Electric hybrid heat pump water heaters are a combination of an electric heating system with a heat pump. The heat pump sucks in heat from the surrounding air and uses it to heat water. When demand is great or the air is cool, the electric system heats the water though the coils in the water heater.

Hybrid heat pump water heaters are best used in warm climates for maximum energy savings and efficiency. They can save a homeowner significant amounts of money through lower utility bills.

Professional Water Heater Installation And Repair

If you are thinking about replacing your old water heater or need repairs on your existing water heater in (city), than call (company name) at (company phone number). Our Vernon plumbers will help you select and install a new heater that fits within your budget. For repairs, will make sure that your water heater is up and running to full capacity before we leave.

For quality services in your Vernon home, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.

Water too Hot or too Cold? 3 Causes of Faulty Water Heating

There is nothing worse than climbing in your shower in the morning, only to have the water suddenly scaled you for being too hot. Of course, there is also the opposite, where no matter what you do it just isn't possible to get the water hot enough and you are stuck taking lukewarm showers– or worse, cold ones!

So what exactly are you suppose to do to ensure hot water in your Vernon home? Well, there are possibly a few different problems, all of which can be handled by your local contractor.

Water Heater Temperature Gauge Off

Check the temperature gauge on your water heater. There is a good chance this is either set incorrectly. If it is too hot, your best guess is the gauge is far beyond the normal level. If it is too cold, it might be set too low. Now, you can adjust the dial setting yourself. However, make sure to follow the instructions listed on the water heater. If there are none or if it doesn't change the temperature of your water heater, you need to bring in the pros.

Damaged Filament

There is a filament inside of your water heater that controls the pilot light. If you check your water heater the pilot light should always be on. If it is off you have one of two problems. One, it might have just gone out. That happens from time to time. However, if it stays off after relighting than you have another problem. More likely than not it is because you have a damaged filament that is not holding the flame. This is not something you should attempt to change on your own. Whenever it comes to your water heater and a gas connection, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Pipe Problem

So, perhaps your water heater is acting just fine and heating the water to the proper temperature but it is reaching your shower or faucets too cold. Why does this happen? It is usually because of the water cooling off while running through your pipes. Depending on the age of your pipes and the condition the plumbing is in, there is a chance the temperature cools off far too much before it reaches the correct outlet. In order to correct this your contractors can install insulation around the pipes, especially because of the weather conditions here in Vernon. This keeps the water the correct temperature while reducing your energy bills.

For the very best assistance and services in your Vernon home, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.

What Should Homeowners Do To Extend The Life Of Their Water Heater?

Routine Water Heater Maintenance

The number one thing that can extend the life of your water heater is maintenance. A water heater can be maintained by those that live in the home, but the fact is, many will neglect their water heater for many years until something goes wrong or until it no longer works, then they have to call a plumber to fix it.

It’s understandable that those in the home will not know how to maintain a water heater, so getting a professional plumber out to maintain the unit is necessary. Maintenance should be done once a year, especially before any problems occur with the unit.

Check The Pressure Release Valve

This valve is necessary to release excess pressure on the water heater, and the valve can use some maintenance, especially if you want your water heater to last. The valve is located at the top or on the side of the water heater, so lift the lever to see if it releases water. If no water is released, then it’s likely the valve needs replacing. The valve isn’t terribly costly and can be replaced by a licensed plumber.

Consider Adding Another Anode Rod

An anode rod can be made of aluminum or possibly magnesium and can help to prevent corrosion of the water heater’s tank. Adding a second anode rod can greatly help to increase the life of your water heater.

Get An Expansion Tank

It’s possible for the life of your water heater to be doubled with the use of an expansion tank if you have a what's called a closed system. The expansion tank will take excess water that cannot hold inside the water heater, and this in itself can help to prevent problems with water pressure as well as a problem with the water heater itself. It’s also possible for the water heater to cause great problems in the plumbing system without an expansion tank. Having an expansion tank can be very beneficial for those who want a lengthier life for their water heater and less problems with their plumbing system.

Flush Or Clean The Tank

Although many are getting the newer water heaters that may not require flushing and cleaning, those with an older tank should flush it out once a year. Flushing the tank will prevent buildup, and the tank will be more efficient and last longer if it's cleaned properly when it's necessary.

With the help of Water Heater Medic, you can keep the ideal temperature in your Vernon home's water. Just call (860) 896-3342!

Water Heater Maintenance: What Should Homeowners Do To Extend The Life Of Their Water Heater?

The number one thing that can extend the life of your Vernon water heater is maintenance. A water heater can be maintained by those that live in the home, but the fact is, many will neglect their water heater for many years until something goes wrong or until it no longer works, then they have to call a plumber to fix it.

It’s understandable that those in the home will not know how to maintain a water heater, so getting a professional plumber out to maintain the unit is necessary. Maintenance should be done once a year, especially before any problems occur with the unit.

Check The Pressure Release Valve

This valve is necessary to release excess pressure on the water heater, and the valve can use some maintenance, especially if you want your water heater to last. The valve is located at the top or on the side of the water heater, so lift the lever to see if it releases water. If no water is released, then it’s likely the valve needs replacing. The valve isn’t terribly costly and can be replaced by a licensed plumber.

Consider Adding Another Anode Rod

An anode rod can be made of aluminum or possibly magnesium and can help to prevent corrosion of the water heater’s tank. Adding a second anode rod can greatly help to increase the life of your water heater.

Get An Expansion Tank

It’s possible for the life of your water heater to be doubled with the use of an expansion tank if you have a what's called a closed system. The expansion tank will take excess water that cannot hold inside the water heater, and this in itself can help to prevent problems with water pressure as well as a problem with the water heater itself.

It’s also possible for the water heater to cause great problems in the plumbing system without an expansion tank. Having an expansion tank can be very beneficial for those who want a lengthier life for their water heater and less problems with their plumbing system.

Flush Or Clean The Tank

Although many are getting the newer water heaters that may not require flushing and cleaning, those with an older tank should flush it out once a year. Flushing the tank will prevent buildup, and the tank will be more efficient and last longer if it's cleaned properly when it's necessary.

Any hold ups regarding your Vernon water heater? Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 today for any of your repair needs.

How to Know When Your Water Heater Needs Repair

Most Vernon homeowners seldom think about their water heaters until they act up; however, there are tell-tale signs that their water heater needs to be repaired. One of the most obvious is that your water heater is not heating water to a comfortable level. If this happens, check the thermostat.

If you find that it is set correctly, it may be time to flush out the tank. Water will not heat up entirely if there is a buildup of mineral deposits. If you have already flushed your tank in the last weeks or months, you may want to check the dip tube on the heater.

No hot water or are you hearing Strange Noises?

Another tell-tale sign is if there is no hot water coming from your water heater. This could mean the pilot light is out. If it has gone out, relight it. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, call a water heater specialist. Hearing strange noises is another sign that your water heater needs to be repaired. Unusual noises coming from your water heater means that hard water has accumulated in the tank and has broken off. For this job, you will needs to call a plumbing company that specializes in water heater repairs.

Look for water on the Floor

Most importantly, if you see water on the floor near the water heater, water is probably leaking from the tank. Water could be coming from a loose value or leaky pipe. Of course, an older water heater may get to the point when it needs to be replaced instead of repaired. Water heaters that are older than 10-12 years may need to be replaced.

Is Water Flow Inconsistent?

Another indication that something is wrong is if the water flow is inconsistent when you turn on the faucet. In this case, your heater may be clogged and may need to be serviced. In addition, if you notice that the hot water is not as hot as it normally is, find out if someone turned off the thermostat. If; however, the thermostat is on and the water is cooler, the tank is probably struggling to reach the right temperature. The heating element could be the problem or the thermostat may not working.

Hot water is not Hot?

If you notice that the hot water is not as hot when you take a shower, then the tank may be struggling to reach the right temperature. There could be a problem with the heating element in the tank, or the thermostat is not working. This should be checked as soon as possible before the problem escalates.

To conclude, water heaters last a long time; however, there comes a time when they need to be repaired or replaced. Talk with a Vernon water heater specialist when you detect a problem with your water heater!

Make sure your Vernon water heater is in working order. Call  Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.

Flood Prevention: What Causes a Water Heater to Flood and How Can it be Prevented

Water heaters dramatically improve our quality of life.

Imagine waking up every morning and having to take a cold shower, or boiling water to wash dishes! Once water  are installed, many Vernon homeowners don’t think about them again until something goes wrong. Just like other appliances, water heaters can fail with catastrophic results.

Several things can cause a water heater to fail in big and small ways. Typically caused by a faulty thermostat, an exploding water heater can flood an entire hours within minutes. Sediment build up in the bottom of the tank allows rust to build up and left unchecked the tank bottom may completely corrode away. Older tanks, especially ones that lack maintenance, develop rust and corrosion both inside and outside the tank.

Leaks are also common hot water heater problems.

A small leak, most likely caused by loose drain valves, or too much pressure can flood a house if left unchecked. When building or remodeling your home, check to see what size water heater you require. The recommended size depends on the number of people living in your home. A water heater that is too small will have to work harder to heat water for you home. As a result, it will wear out more quickly.

The best way to prevent flooding from your water heater is to perform regular check-ups and maintenance.

You should frequently check the appliance yourself for moisture around plumbing connections. Pay attention to any standing water on or under the water heater. Check nearby walls for moisture. Water quickly soaks into walls and insulation, and can destroy an entire room before it is noticed. Most damage from these appliances comes from undetected leaks. If your water heater is positioned in an out of sight area, such as a basement or attic, create a reminder to check it monthly.

In addition to monthly checks, you should contact a professional to check your water heater every so often.

A professional will flush sediment from your tank, and check the thermostat, the anode, and valve gaskets. He or she may also replace the anode, a device located in the tank to prevent rust buildup on the inside.

Water heaters are a necessity for the convenience we expect in our Vernon homes. However, they should not be forgotten and left alone for years without proper maintenance. Doing so, invites a host of problems including, leaks, mold, and possible explosion.

If you need a water heater repaired or replaced in your Vernon home, call the experts of Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342!