If your household has too many hot water demands for your current heater, it may be time to replace it. This is also a good opportunity to upgrade to a larger tank.
Leaks from any area of the tank indicate that it is eroding. Leaks can soak and ruin belongings in the vicinity and cause expensive damage. For professional help, contact Hot Water Heater Replacement Denver now!
You won’t have any hot water when your heater’s thermostat fails. It’s important to replace it immediately. A professional plumber can help you determine whether it’s worth repairing or replacing the old one with a newer one.
Thermostats are found in your heater’s upper and lower sections. They control the temperature of your water by sending electrical currents through them. The upper thermostat controls the heat transmitted to your water, and the lower thermostat is responsible for the heating. If the lower thermostat goes out, you may notice your showers take longer to reach a high temperature or are warmer than usual.
A leaking water heater is another sign that it’s time for a replacement. The leaks aren’t just annoying; they can damage the surrounding area and soak your belongings. A leaking tank is particularly dangerous, as the hot water can corrode and break down the metal.
If you’re noticing more rust in your hot water than usual, it could be a sign that the interior of the tank is starting to wear out. Rust is not a good thing to see on your water heater, and it’s probably time for a replacement, especially if it’s in the garage or basement, where it can cause flooding.
Sometimes, you’ll run out of hot water before your water heater is ready to be replaced. This can indicate that the heater is undersized for your household or family’s needs. A new unit will be able to meet your household’s demands and provide you with plenty of hot water.
Another reason to replace your water heater is if the pilot light won’t stay lit. This is due to a faulty thermocouple, which prevents the gas from being released. A professional plumber can replace the thermocouple and restore your gas to normal.
While gas and electric units are available, if yours is a gas water heater, you’ll need to get a natural gas line. This will add to the installation costs. You’ll also need a qualified professional to install the new gas and water lines for safety and efficiency.
An anode rod is a long metal rod typically made of magnesium or aluminum with a steel wire core. When inserted into your water heater tank, it degrades, drawing the corrosive minerals away from the interior lining of the tank and protecting it. The rod should be replaced regularly. A rotten egg smell or discolored water may be the first clue that it’s time.
You’ll want to replace your anode rod about every five years, and it is possible to do this yourself. It is very easy to access – it’s locked in place with a hex head and can be loosened using a crescent wrench, channel locks, or socket wrench. Spray a little lubricant like WD-40 on the hex head to help you reduce it.
After you have loosened the hex head, pull out the anode rod. It will be covered in white deposits of calcium carbonate. This is normal, as it protects the rod from rusting further. You can wipe it off if you’d like. Alternatively, you can switch to a powered anode rod, which plugs into an outlet and uses a small amount of electricity to fight the corrosive particles that would otherwise attack your water heater’s lining.
Most anode rods are magnesium or aluminum, which are more effective than steel. Magnesium anode rods are ideal for homes with soft water, while aluminum rods are appropriate for hard-water areas. You can also use a zinc anode rod, which is less expensive but less effective than either of the other two.
If your anode rod has rusted to the steel wire, it’s time to replace it. It’s possible that you could get away with a few more years, but it’s better to replace the anode rod and be safe than to risk it going bad and damaging your water heater. Replacing the anode rod is an inexpensive and simple way to keep your water heater operating safely for many more years.
Hot water is essential for a clean and sanitary home, whether showering, washing dishes, or doing laundry. That’s why keeping your water heater working well is important. If you are experiencing frequent cold water or notice a residue around your faucets, it could be caused by a broken dip tube. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix that can be done at home with the right tools.
Dip tubes direct incoming cold water into the bottom of your gas or electric tank, where a burner or element heats it. This process allows for a steady supply of hot water without the need to refill your tank as often. Over time, constant exposure to hot water and sediment erodes the plastic of the dip tube. The resulting small particles float in your water and can cause your hot water to be inconsistent or run cold.
If your water heater is older and you have a gas model, check the dip tube periodically to ensure it’s in good condition. If it’s not, consider a replacement tube. You can purchase a new dip tube at any hardware store. They are available in a variety of styles, some with a pipe nipple attached and others that are permanently installed into the nipple. If you use a permanent version, use one of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) that won’t break down in the tank.
When replacing the dip tube, turn off the power to your water heater. This is usually a circuit breaker located outside of your home. Next, drain the tank by opening the drain valve on the cold water inlet port. After emptying the tank, disconnect the hard water inlet line from the dip tube. Once the old tube is removed, connect your new tubing, choose a dip tube made of a durable material like PEX, and insert it into the inlet port on the cold water side of your tank.
Once the new tubing is in place, reattach the cold water inlet line and restore power to your tank. Once the water heater is back on, drain it to remove any plastic specks that may have accumulated in the tank.
Located on the top or side of your water heater, a pressure relief valve includes a metal discharge tube that points up. The valve opens when it senses increased temperature and pressure. This prevents the tank from bursting, thereby protecting your home.
Homeowners should test their relief valves by positioning a bucket under the discharge tube and pulling the lever to open it. Then, they should watch to see if the lever snaps back into place. If not, the valve must be replaced, which is best left to a Carter professional plumber.
The replacement process involves:
- Removing the old valve.
- Coating the threads of the new one with Teflon tape.
- Screwing it into place.
For safety, using two pipe wrenches is a good idea to avoid stressing the valve. It’s also important to coat the threads of the new temperature and pressure relief valve with a pipe joint compound before screwing it in.
Once the pressure valve is replaced, it’s time to reinstall the vent. The best way to do this is to take a six-inch length of copper pipe and attach a new adapter to each end. Then, the new copper pipe can be soldered to the nipple of the gas line. Finally, the new nipple of the gas line can be screwed into place and then pushed over the draft hood to secure it in place with screws.
Before a professional plumber installs a new water heater, they may drain the current one to check for leaks around the bottom and base. Water leaking from these spots can soak belongings and lead to mold. In addition, it’s a good idea to look for any physical damage, such as rust or visible corrosion. These issues are indications that your water heater is nearing the end of its useful life and that it’s time for a replacement. This is an excellent opportunity to upgrade to a high-efficiency model, which can save you money over the long run by using less energy to produce hot water.