FAQ’s About Water heaters
Introduction:
A water heater is an essential part of any building, whether it’s a home or a commercial property. Modern Americans have grown dependent on the convenience and comfort of hot water for showering, as well as its sanitary benefits for washing dishes and clothes. Hot water access is even a code requirement by health departments for all commercial buildings, and for good reason. Given how much we rely on hot water, it’s helpful to understand how it’s provided and how different types of water heaters operate and last.
How long does a Water heater last?
A common question is how long a water heater typically lasts, and the answer depends on various factors like the type of water heater, the plumbing system's water quality, and how well it’s maintained. Whether it’s a natural gas tank, electric tank, or tankless water heater, maintenance plays a key role. Tank water heaters, whether electric or gas, usually last 10 to 15 years with proper care, but without maintenance, their lifespan can drop to 6 to 10 years. On the other hand, a well-maintained tankless water heater can last over 20 years, even up to 25 years if the water quality is good.
My water heater is leaking, where is it coming from?
A water heater has several components that can be potential leak points. The most obvious place to check is the top, where you'll typically find the hot and cold water connections—cold on the right and hot on the left, often labeled. You'll also see the anode rod, a magnesium rod that prevents tank corrosion, appearing as a large hex bolt and a possible leak source. Another top component is the T&P valve (Temperature and Pressure release valve), a brass safety valve that relieves excessive pressure by draining water. This valve is sensitive and a common source of leaks, either from the valve itself or its connection to the tank. At the bottom of the heater, leaks can occur at the drain valve or gas valve. Drain valves often fail and leak visibly from the front or less noticeably at the threads connecting to the tank, which may require checking behind the cover and insulation. The gas valve, located centrally at the bottom, can leak only at the threads. If none of these components are leaking, the issue may lie with the storage tank.
Why is my hot water not lasting as long as usual?
There are several reasons why your hot water might not last as long as usual. For an electric water heater, it could be a failed heating element or thermostat. Electric water heaters typically have two heating elements and thermostats, one at the top and one at the bottom of the tank. The thermostat controls the temperature of the heating element. You can test the heating elements by disconnecting the power to the heater and checking their continuity with a multimeter. For a natural gas water heater, the issue could be with the gas components. The burner, located at the bottom, should produce a consistent blue flame. Calcium and debris buildup around the burner can reduce its efficiency, leading to a weaker flame. Another component to check is the thermocouple, which may also collect calcium and fail. You can test its continuity with a multimeter. Additionally, the burner vent can affect efficiency if it becomes clogged or is improperly installed. Ensure the vent slopes upward away from the heater and check its draft by holding a lighter near the flue; the flame should be pulled slightly inward. Lastly, calcium buildup in the tank from improper maintenance, such as not flushing the tank annually, can also reduce efficiency.
What is the sulfur smell coming from my hot water?
A sulfur or rotten egg smell in your hot water is a clear sign that the anode rod in your water heater needs replacing. Water heaters have steel tanks, while plumbing systems often use copper pipes, so rusting is inevitable over time. Rust in a water heater is caused by electrolysis, which occurs when stray electrical currents find their way into the plumbing system. This triggers a chemical reaction between dissimilar metals like copper and steel. To combat this, manufacturers install magnesium anode rods that attract the electrolysis reaction, protecting the tank and extending its life. However, once the anode rod becomes sufficiently corroded, it produces the notorious sulfur smell in your water.
Why is my water heater making popping or banging noises?
Popping and banging noises from your water heater are usually caused by a buildup of sediment and calcium at the bottom of the tank due to a lack of maintenance. These noises occur when the heater overheats, and water bubbles through the debris. Over time, this debris can create various problems, including these sounds. To prevent this, it's important to flush the tank annually to remove the buildup. In electric heaters, another possible cause of these noises is corroded heating elements.
What size water heater should i use?
Having hot water is a luxury many people take for granted, and there's nothing worse than running out of it. So how do you find the right size water heater for your home? If you're using a storage tank water heater, start by determining your peak hour load—the amount of hot water you use during the busiest time of day. This could be in the morning when your family is getting ready, or in the evening when everyone is showering, running the dishwasher, or doing laundry at the same time. For instance, your family's peak hour might involve two people showering while the washing machine and dishwasher are running. Using a table from energy.gov, you can calculate your peak hour load based on the average gallons of hot water used for each task.
Shower: 20 gallons
Shaving(.05 gpm): 2 gallons
Hand dishwashing or food prep(2 gpm): 3 gallons
Automatic Dishwasher: 7 gallons
Top Loader Clothes Washer: 25 gallons
H-axis Clothes Washer: 15 gallons
2 showers = 40 gallons, clothes washer = 25 gallons, dishwasher = 7 gallons
40 + 25 + 7 = 72 gallons
Based on our calculations, the household's peak hour load is 72 gallons. To handle this usage, you'll need a water heater with a 1st hour rating that meets this requirement. You can find the 1st hour rating on the yellow energy guide sticker on the side of your water heater or look it up online using the water heater's model number.
Choosing the right size tankless water heater for your home is different from selecting a traditional storage tank water heater. A tankless system provides hot water on demand, conserving energy by heating water only when needed, rather than keeping a tank of water heated all day. However, this means you don’t have 40-50 gallons of pre-heated water available, so you’ll need to determine your home’s gallons per minute (gpm) water usage instead of the peak hour load. Here are the average gpm rates for common household fixtures:
Shower: 1.5-3 gpm
Lavatory faucet: 1-2.5 gpm
Kitchen faucet: 2-3 gpm
Clothes washer: 3-5 gpm
Dishwasher: 2-3 gpm
Add up the flow rates of fixtures you use simultaneously to determine the right size heater or if you need more than one. Additionally, consider the incoming water temperature and the desired output temperature. For example, in colder climates, tap water might be 45°F during winter, and if you want it heated to 140°F, that’s a 95°F increase. This significant temperature rise can slow down the water heater’s flow rate as it works to heat the water quickly, directly affecting its performance.