We want you to be water heater experts, too
It’s okay – we know you can’t be an expert on everything. Stick to all of the things you’re good at, and we’ll use our water heater expertise to fill you in on everything you need to know about these systems.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions surrounding water heaters and we’d like to share the answers with you. Before you make a water heater purchase, we want you to know all that you can.
How hot is the water in my heater? Most manufacturers recommend you keep your water heater at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Actually, most systems come with that temperature preset.
Is there a way to lower my water temperature without calling a professional to do it? Some showerheads and faucets offer a feature that helps prevent scalding by shutting off the water if the temperature exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You could also install a master mixing valve at the hot water line coming out of your heater that will allow your water to stay at 140 degrees, but deliver water at less than 122 degrees.
Are all water heater companies the same? We answer this one because there are things you should know before signing up to rent a water heater. You should be aware of who your service provider is and what exactly you’re signing up for. Keep these questions in mind before you sign a new contract – What company do you represent? How long is the contract for? Are there charges to exit the contract if I’m unhappy? What is the size and experience level of your technicians? How long have you been in the water heater business?
What is a tankless water heater? You can click around on our site to learn more about the benefits of a tankless system, but in short, it is an “on demand” type of water heater. This means that water is only heated on an as-needed basis, saving you money on energy bills.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my water heater? Rust colored hot water, moisture around the base of the tank, and insufficient hot water are only a few of the ways you’ll know if it’s time for a replacement.
Why do water heaters make so much noise? Truthfully, a water heater really shouldn’t make much noise at all. If you hear any loud noises, that probably means to have a lime buildup inside of the tank.
Why do I smell rotten eggs coming from my water heater? This is caused by bacteria forming on the anode rod. At that point, it would probably be best to change the anode rod out.
Is it beneficial to drain my water heater? Yes! Manufacturers suggest you do it on a six month basis to rid your tank of sediment.
What is the purpose of the red reset button on my electric water heater? That is the temperature safety button. It pops out when the water heater controls have failed and the water temperature has gone up to an unsafe level. Pushing the reset button is only a temporary solution, and chances are you’ll have to replace the failed part.
What size water heater should I choose? There are a few things you can consider when choosing the size of your water heater. If your family has grown in size recently, for example, then you probably run out of hot water a little quicker. This means you should think about getting a larger gallon tank. However, if you have less people living in the home than you once did you may be wasting money heating more water than necessary. If your family size has stayed the same and you’re generally happy with the amount of hot water you receive, then you may not need to change the size.
Should I purchase a gas or an electric water heater? Natural gas water heaters are less expensive to operate, and they tend to last longer. However, electric waters heaters are cleaner and can be installed in more enclosed areas. You need to decide what types of conveniences are better for you and your family!
We hope we cleared everything up for you – We want you to be a water heater extraordinaire! If you have any more questions about water heaters, or need to have one replaced or repaired, call Essig Plumbing & Heating today.
