Water Heater Ogden UT Hard water vs. soft water

Your water heater helps to make your home more comfortable and easy to use, but when it is not properly maintained it can lead to disaster. Water heaters can pose potential risks to your home and family members when they are not maintained, cleaned, or secured. There are ways to help prevent water heater accidents and keep your home safe. Doing even the smallest of tasks can give you better peace of mind when showering, washing dishes, or cooking.

1- Regular Maintenance

The best way to keep your water heater in good condition and prevent water heater accidents is to have regular maintenance from a plumber. Plumbers can help remove sediment buildup, check for corrosion, and adjust the temperature of the heater. When your heater has been making odd noises or is having a hard time producing enough hot water, it is time to schedule maintenance.

You should also be flushing your water heater once a year. You can do this by connecting a hose to the drain valve and allowing the tank to drain until you see clear water. Make sure to turn off the power supply before doing a flush. S&B Plumbing can help complete this task and take this worry off your mind.

2- Temperature Control

There is a sweet spot when it comes to water heater temperatures. The proper temperature will prevent scalding water from burning those who use it and stop bacteria growth inside the water tank. Preventing water heater accidents is easier when your temperature is set at the right number for the size of your heater. The recommended temperature for water heaters is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celcius. This will be hot enough to prevent mold or bacteria growth but has a lower scalding risk.

A moderate water heater temperature is important for families with young children or elderly family members living in the home. Preventing accidental burns and other water heater accidents is possible when you check your temperature at least every year.

3- Prevent Leaks

Water Heater ogden utah
Prevent water heater accidents

Water leaks can cause damage to your flooring, walls, and other parts of your home. When you don’t notice that you have a water heater leak, this can lead to the moisture seeping into more of your home and causing expensive repairs. Regularly inspect the area around your water heater for leaks. Once you notice an issue, call a plumber to either repair the heater or install a new one. You can also place a drip pan underneath the heater to help you check for water. This will catch moisture and prevent it from damaging your home.

4- Install A Temperature And Pressure Relief Valve

Temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valves are a crucial safety feature. This automatically releases water if the temperature or pressure gets too high inside the tank. These devices will help prevent water heater explosions that can cause injury or damage. Regularly testing the TPR valve or installing one if your heater doesn’t currently have one will help keep your heater functioning as well. Regulating the temperature and pressure in a water heater is something that homeowners can keep track of on their own once the valve is installed.

5- Secure The Water Heater To The Wall

In the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster, your water heater could fall over or be ripped from its spot. This can cause the water and gas line to disconnect, leading to damage to your home or injury. Secure the water heater by strapping it to the wall with secure screws. Most plumbers can help you complete this and recommend straps for your specific home. This may seem simple, but taking the precaution could save you from gas leaks, explosions, or water damage.

6- Educate Your Family Members

Telling your family about the potential dangers of the water heater and how to ensure it stays efficient will help prevent water heater accidents. Answering any questions members of the household may have will help everyone know how to protect themselves in an emergency. This is also a great time to locate the water shut-off valve in case of an emergency. There are many resources on our blog and other plumbing sites that can help you glean information on the inner workings of water heaters.

S&B Plumbing wants all of our customers or interested parties to know all about their water heaters. Knowing the mechanisms and how to take care of the heater will save you from heartache later and keep everyone safe. Our blog is full of other insights that can be helpful for homeowners. Have trouble maintaining your plumbing? Call our experts for help! Schedule an appointment near Mariott-Slatterville today!

Heating water for your home can be done in a multitude of ways. One option is solar water heaters that draw all their power from the sun. Solar heaters collect the sunlight to use when you need hot water. Solar options use less fossil fuels to keep your home running. A residential water heater helps homeowners accomplish tasks inside the home. Choosing the most efficient and budget-friendly option can be difficult with all the information on the internet. Here is a simple breakdown of the pros and cons of solar water heaters that can help you make an informed decision.

Types Of Solar Heaters And How They Heat Water For Your Home

Solar water heaters collect the UV rays from the sun and use that thermal energy to heat water. Active and passive solar heaters are available for homes or businesses.

Active

Active solar water heaters use either direct circulating systems or indirect circulating systems. Direct systems pump the water solar collectors to create the hot water. These options are not good for climates that experience freezing temperatures.

Indirect circulation is a non-freezing liquid through collectors and a heat exchanger to help keep the water warm. This water is then put in a potable water tank that can keep it from freezing.

Passive

These heaters store the water for cold days when the sun is not as prominent. They are more dependable than active systems but can run out of heat after an extended cold spell. There are also two types of systems under the passive water heater umbrella.

Integral collector-storage uses the sun to heat the water through a transparent cover. The water is then transported to the plumbing system. These will not work in areas that are prone to freezing

Thermosyphon systems have a collector on your roof that only heat the water when your hot water faucet is switched on. These systems can hold up to 40 gallons of water at a time.

Pros Of Solar Heaters

Limited Environmental Impact

The biggest benefit of implementing a solar water heater is that it limits your carbon footprint. Using renewable energy, like the sun can reduce greenhouse gases and protect the environment. Solar water heaters can be implemented in many homes that want to lower their environmental impact and save money.

Low Operating Costs

All water heater types require maintenance, but solar heaters have the most minimal requirements of all heaters. Consistent inspections and service appointments are all you need to keep the water heater running. This will save you money over the years.

Save On Energy Bills

The less energy you need to use in your home the less you will have to pay in utility bills. Once your heater is installed, you have free access to the sunlight, which means that you will see a reduction in your energy bills within the month.

Longevity

The right solar water heater will last for over 20 years. Some of the components may even last longer when they are properly taken care of. Making the investment in a solar water heater is always worthwhile.

Government Incentives

Because solar water heaters are good for the environment, many government entities offer incentives for installing one in your home. Tax credits, rebates, or other incentives are offered to those who implement solar options in their homes.

Cons Of Solar Water Heaters

Weather Dependent

When you are utilizing the sun for energy, you are at the will of the clouds. When the weather is cloudy or stormy, your water heater may not be able to heat water as quickly as normal.

Hard To Install

Installing a solar water heater is complex. It should be done by a professional to ensure that it will last for its lifetime. It involves plumbing mechanisms and could require structural alterations to your building.

Space Requirements

Adequate roof space is needed for solar water heaters. This can be a con when it comes to homes that are smaller, or who may already have solar panels on their roofs. For densely populated areas, it may not be possible to install multiple solar units.

Aesthetics

Having solar panels on your roof that help to create hot water can change the aesthetics of your home. Some homeowners will not like the look of multiple solar panels across their entire home.

Concerns Of Freezing

Homes that are in colder climates may not be able to implement solar water heaters because of freezing temperatures. Some solar heaters will be able to implement antifreeze solutions to keep the system flowing, but not all heaters have this option. If you live in a climate with harsh winters, solar heaters are not for you.

tankless water heater Ogden Utah
Questions about tankless water heaters

Homes need to have a water heater if they want to use hot water for showering, washing clothes, washing dishes, or cleaning. Tankless water heaters are becoming more in more popular in homes as their water heating source because of their smaller size and ease of installation.

Before installing a new water heater it is typical for homeowners to have questions. In this blog, we will answer some of the most common questions about tankless water heaters. These answers should help you determine if a tankless heater or a traditional heater is better for your needs.

1- How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?

Understanding how a tankless water heater works is the best way to know if one is right for your home. The biggest benefit of tankless water heaters is they heat water on demand. As soon as your tap is turned on the water heater heats water and pushes it through the pipes. Once the tap is off, the burners inside the heater turn off to save you energy.

Questions about tankless water heaters also include thoughts on how they compare to tank-style heaters. Traditional tank heaters constantly are pulling energy to have hot water on hand. Instead of heating water while you are not using it, tankless heaters only produce what you need.

2- Do Tankless Water Heaters Run On Gas Or Electricity?

Both gas and electricity can be used to run a tankless water heater. The majority of tankless heaters run on gas because it takes far less time to heat up. Some electricity is required to run the water heater as well, but the gas is what is used as the heating element for the water.

3- What Size Heater Do I Need To Fit My Needs?

Finding a water heater to fit your needs is one of the most common questions about tankless water heaters that plumbers get. This question is important because running out of hot water is never fun. You will want to consider how many people are living in the home, what demands they have, how many bathrooms are in the home, and how big your home is when purchasing a tankless water heater.

Everyone is unique and their water usage can vary, so working with a plumber or other expert can help you choose the right size and type for your home.

Water heaters produce gallons of water per minute, which can help you determine what kind of size will be needed if you have a larger home. Some typical water production options for tankless water heaters include 6.5 GPM, 9.8 GPM, and 11 GPM. Some tankless heaters can be used for your entire house if they can keep up with simultaneous hot water demands.

4- How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?

Because tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, they can typically last longer than heaters with tanks. The average lifespan of a tankless heater is 20 years. When any plumbing mechanism is properly maintained, it can last for much longer. Typically, tank-style water heaters last for 10-15 years, so installing a tankless water heater will save you money not only on the amount of energy you use but also on heater replacement costs.

5- What Maintenance Do Tankless Heaters Need?

All plumbing should have regular maintenance if you want it to keep running properly. Tune-ups are vital to keeping your water heater running smoothly. It is recommended that all water heaters be flushed and inspected at least once a year. This will help to flush out any sediment or bacteria that may have accumulated. This not only helps your water to stay safe but also improves the performance of the water heater.

If your water heater is on the outside of your home, it may need some external cleaning or dusting to ensure that they work. Fans and filters may need to be cleaned or replaced to prevent the system from overheating.

Have More Questions About Tankless Water Heaters?

Still have questions or concerns about installing a tankless water heater? We would be happy to answer them! A tankless water heater is often the ideal solution for homeowners on a budget or those with smaller homes. There are additional uses for tankless heaters including: