Which water heater is right for my home?

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The Difference Between a Tankless Water Heater and a Tank Water Heater

South Windsor Water Heater Installation

The water heater in your home provides your home with hot water for various different reasons. The hot water used in your dishwasher and shower call comes from the same place, your hot water heater. For most of us the water heater in our home is a tank water heater, meaning it stores hot water for later use in our home. There is also the tankless variety, which is exactly that; it does not have a storage tank. I would discuss the differences between the two in further detail.

As I stated most of us have a storage tank water heater in our home, but some of us may have the tankless variety. With a tankless water heater, there is never a shortage of hot water. This is because the water is not stored in a tank and is heated as it is used. However, there is usually a limit on how much water can flow in a given amount of time. This is the exact opposite of a storage tank.

Tankless water heaters are also more energy efficient than their tank counterparts. This is because they do not produce the loss of heat caused by standby energy loss. This is the amount of heat that is lost while the water is sitting in the tank. Although the tanks are insulated, this only keeps so much heat in the tank.

Tankless water heaters also require more maintenance than a tank water heater does. This is especially true for the outdoor models, which require additional freeze-protection systems. Not only does a tankless water heater require more maintenance, it also is much more difficult to install than a tank water heater.

There is also the issue of cost. The cost of a tankless water heater, including the cost to have it installed, is much more than a tank water heater would be. However, over the life of the tankless water heater it is supposed to save you more money by being more energy efficient.

Do you need to get a new water heater for your South Windsor home? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and get started today!

Why does my hot water run out so fast?

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Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Repaired

South Windsor Water Heater

Hot water is one of the modern luxuries that would be very hard to live without. Most people never stop to consider the amount of wear and tear that a home water heater endures every day to provide a continuous supply of hot water. Each day a family relies on important life support activities like showers, washing laundry, cleaning dishes and other types of household cleaning. With this amount of daily wear and tear, it is not surprising that a water heater needs frequent maintenance and repair. It is important for homeowners to call a licensed plumber to perform regular maintenance and repairs on their water heater. However, there are a few common signs a homeowner can look for that point to a possible need for water heater repair.

One typical concern that homeowners frequently report is an inadequate amount of hot water. There are several reasons why there may not be enough hot water. Other than the heater being too small to accommodate the family’s needs, the dip tube could have loosened. This will cause all of the cold water that comes into the water heater to accumulate at the top of the tank. Another cause could be that the thermostat on the water heater is broken.

It is also common for water heaters to develop leaks. Any appliance that processes a lot of water can eventually begin to leak. A water heater can start to leak because of faulty gaskets, worn out valves or from too much pressure building up inside of the tank. If water spots are visible around the heater, it is advisable to notify a plumber immediately.

Another common complaint is noise. The resident will start to hear strange rumbling or rattling noises coming from the water heater. This most likely indicates that minerals have collected on the bottom of the tank. The resulting layer of sediment from minerals makes air bubbles form when it is heated. The air bubbles produce the rumbling noise that is heard.

It is important for homeowners to watch for these tell-tale signs that the water heater may need repair, especially if the water heater hasn’t been serviced for a long time.

Is the water heater in your South Windsor home not producing any hot water? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and let us handle the problem for you!

Signs Your Water Heater is in Need of Maintenance

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Is your water heater in need of maintenance?

South Windsor Water Heater

A water heater is very important to a home, commercial, or industrial property. Without it, there will be no hot water. It is very important to make sure that a water heater is always in tip-top condition. To do this, it is important that a water heater receives regular maintenance, especially when there are signs that something may be wrong.

The most obvious sign that a water heater needs maintenance is when the water isn't getting hot. If the water coming out of the sink, shower and washing machine will not heat up at all, you may have ignored signs for too long. Before this happens, usually, water will not stay hot for a long time. For instance, when someone is taking a shower, they may have hot water for a few minutes, but it will then turn cold. The problem could be the thermostat or have something to do with the heating elements in the water heater. It is always best to have a professional look at it and figure out the problem as soon as possible.

If a person notices leaks coming from the water heater, it is a definite sign that maintenance is needed. Puddles under the water heater, mold around the area and anything else that looks abnormal should immediately be checked out. If a person delays and does not take care of these problems when they should, the water heater may not be able to be repaired, and they will have to buy a new water heater.

A foul smell from the water that comes out from a sink or shower may also be a reason to schedule maintenance. Many times, this is due to the anode rod becoming damaged. Low water pressure and the smell of gas are also signs that maintenance is needed.

Is the water heater in your South Windsor home acting up? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!

Tips On Maintaining Your Water Heater

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How to upkeep your water heater

South Windsor Water Heater

During the course of our hectic days we don’t think about water heaters. Why should we? We take water heaters for granted. They’re quiet and efficient. Whether electric or gas water heaters they are durable and can last up to 10 years. These are three tips to apply to the maintenance of water heaters.

First, the temperature settings should be checked. These settings are verified on the thermostat located behind the electric water heater panel; a knob is attached to the gas valve. Next, recommended temperature settings for a water heater are between 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower temperature setting protects the water heater from overheating and reduces energy use.

The second step to maintaining a water heater is to check the pressure and temperature relief valve. This is important in maintaining the efficient operation and safety of the water heater. A temperature and pressure valve should be tested by lifting the lever and then quickly releasing it. With this procedure a gurgling sound will occur as the valve will allow some release of water into the drain tube. If, during this process, the temperature and pressure is unresponsive it is recommended that the valve be replaced.

The third and final step in maintaining a water heater is to be certain all trash and sediments are removed from the water heater bottom. This prevents rust, corrosion, and enhances optimum water heater use. It is recommended there should be a full flush and water heater tank draining. This is an intense operation that demands the water heater be shut off. A mini flush of the water heater tank can also be performed and requires less time and with no water heater shutdown.

Sediments can be removed from the water heater by putting a bucket under the drain valve. The valve must be turned off in a counter-clockwise direction to release a bit of water into the discard materials. The procedure ends with the valve being closed in a clockwise direction thus allowing for water drainage.

These are just three essential tips for properly maintaining a water heater. If your water heater is acting up, call us at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!

Ways To Tell If Your Water Heater Is In Need Of Repairs

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Signs your water heater needs to be repaired

South Windsor Water Heater

A water heater is a crucial part of the mechanical system that keeps a household going. As a result, it's important to repair any problems that may arise before they get worse. This will ensure that the water heater will not have to undergo any major repairs, which will take a lot of time and money. This will also keep the water heater from having to be replaced prematurely.

One important sign that a water heater is failing is if the water will simply not heat up to the temperatures that it used to. A drop in available temperatures may indicate that the hot water heater is having gas valve or dip tube issues. A second sign is if there isn't as much hot water as there was when the system is first installed. This might indicate a problem with the heating elements or burner assembly.

A third sign that a water heater is in need of repair is if there is an unusual odor coming from the general vicinity of the heater. If the odor seems to be gas, immediately shut off the heater and seek professional repair services. If the odor is simply disgusting, but not of gas, the water inside the tank might need to be treated. Another sign that repair might be necessary is if pilot light is not working. This might be the result of a loose or broken bulb, or it could indicate more serious problems.

A fifth sign that a hot water tank might need repair is if the unit is leaking. A leaking unit can indicate that the water pressure is too high, or that the flex line needs to be replaced. If there is rust or other unwanted particles in the water that is coming from the hot water tank, that might indicate that the tank is corroding and needs to be replaced. Finally, a water heater might need to be repaired if, when in use, there are banging pipes or if the unit itself is simply noisy. Excess noise can indicate a sudden increase in water pressure.

Is your water heater acting up? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and let us take care of the issue for you.

Signs Your Water Heater Is In Need Of Repairs

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Does Your Water Heater Need Maintenance?

Does Your Water Heater Need Maintenance?

Every residence contains a hot water heater. Knowing the signs of a malfunctioning water heater is essential in order to avoid the frustrating crisis of the unit going out completely. There are numerous signs that you may need to call in someone to assess your hot water heater.

With usage, sediment has a tendency to build up in the bottom of the tank on a hot water heater. When this happens, you will notice a rusty color to your water, or it may be cloudy when you run hot water. This can be rectified with a fairly simple maintenance procedure that is relatively inexpensive.

Hot water heaters contain elements that are essential for the water to heat up. If you are seeing a decrease in the hot water available or have no hot water at all, you may need to have an element replaced. Water can also get too hot. This can be a serious issue because flesh can get burned by water. When water is getting too hot, there's a possibly that the thermostat has gone bad and should be replaced. Whether you can't get enough hot water, or your water is coming out scalding hot, you should check the settings of your thermostat before calling in a professional. Mistakes happen, and sometimes the setting gets switched without anyone realizing it's happened.

One of the most serious issues is a leaky hot water heater. A professional should be called immediately to assess where the leak is coming from. Be sure to turn power sources off as soon as you notice the leak. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Worst case scenario, the tank may possibly need replacement but sometimes repair is a possibility.

If your hot water heater has hit its 10 year anniversary, you should seriously consider replacing it. The newer models of hot water heaters are much more energy efficient and will save you money, thus paying for themselves over time.

Is your water heater in need of repairs? Call The Water Heater Medic, your South Windsor water heater specialists, at (860) 896-3342 and set up an appointment with one of our experts today!

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance

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Is your water heater up to speed?

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance

There are a few signs that can show problems with your water heater. But you don't need to run out and replace it right away, it could just need some maintenance. Knowing the warning signs that something needs to be checked on your water heater could save you a lot of money in the long run. Most problems with water heaters are minor, and don't require a lot of time, money, or effort to remedy.

The first thing you might notice is cloudy or rusty water coming out of your faucet. If this only happens when the hot water is on, this means that there is some sediment built up in the bottom of your tank. This happens after years of use, and shouldn't happen with a new water heater. But don't be alarmed, it can easily be cleaned out.

Secondly, you may notice an increase in the amount of time it takes your water to heat up. If it has always taken a while, this might be harder to pinpoint. If not, you probably have one or both elements that need replacing.

Last, if you notice that the water isn't getting as hot as it used to, the top element of your water tank may need to be replaced. If only the bottom element is working, you will get lukewarm water instead of hot. If the bottom element is the one that needs to be replaced, the water will get hot quickly but won't last.

Routine maintenance is important to keep your hot water heater running properly. Small problems can turn into big disasters if they aren't taken care of in a timely manner. If you suspect any of these problems with your water heater, don't delay. Get it taken care of immediately and enjoy knowing that all is well.

Is your water heater in need of repair and maintenance? Call The Water Heater Medic, at (860) 896-3342 to schedule an appointment with our friendly, knowledgeable staff today!