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Water Heaters 101: Just the Basics

Go Back to School With Water Heater Essentials

Everybody loves a nice hot shower, clean clothes, and clean dishes, but they may not immediately think of the fact that all of these things result from the silent hero of the home water system: the water heater. What was once considered the height of luxury is a daily necessity in today’s world. The rich had servants to heat water for their baths, and tourists still visit hot springs in the hopes of soaking away aches and pains. Humans have always depended on hot water, but it is now much easier to obtain. In the spirit of the Back to School season, here are a few basic things every homeowner should know about their home's water heater!

The Many Varieties of Water Heaters

water heater Plumbing technology is quickly evolving, just like the rest of the world. There are so many different options for water heaters that a local professional can help any homeowner find the type of water heater that will best fit their needs. There are two basic types, those with a storage tank and those that are tankless.  Within these two major categories, however, are many other subcategories.

Storage Tank Heaters

  • Electric Water Heaters: These use heating coils connected to electricity to heat the water in the storage tank. 
  • Gas Water Heaters: These heaters heat the water using flames from natural gas.
  • Solar Water Heaters: These heat a storage tank with the use of solar panels.
  • Heat Pump Water Heaters: These can be used in conjunction with a home heating system or without. These heat the water by moving heat into the tanks rather than directly heating the water. 
  • Condensation Water Heaters: These are an excellent choice for a home that uses natural gas as a primary energy fuel. This heater uses the gas fumes to heat the water storage tank.

Tankless Water Heaters

  • Coil Heater: This sends water through a superheated coil producing instant hot water.
  • Non-condensing: This type of heater uses a single heat exchanger to produce hot water. The exhaust from this unit can be very hot.
  • Condensing: This unit uses two exchangers, the second one using the heat from the first to create greater energy efficiency. Because of this condensing or recycling, the exhaust is cooler on these units.

Water Heater Maintenance

To keep a home’s water heater running efficiently, several annual checks need to be made.  Here are the top items:

  • Flushing the tank: Draining the water and refilling
  • Descaling the tank: Cleaning the tank to remove rust and hard water buildup
  • Testing pressure release valve: Making sure this important safety feature is working properly
  • Checking for leaks: Any water around the tank? Leaks can mean a cracked tank or supply line.

Trouble Signs: What Happens When the Water Heater Needs Repair

plumber

Even if a homeowner gets annual maintenance performed, there are only so many years a water heater can last. Here are a few of the signs that may indicate a need to repair or replace the water heater in the home.

  • Rusty-colored Water
  • Cooler water than usual
  • Longer periods for water to reheat
  • Leaks

About Henco Plumbing Services Vancouver, WA

Honest pricing and award-winning service are the hallmarks of Henco Plumbing Services. With financing and same-day service available, these are the plumbers that are ready to keep all of the Vancouver, WA area homes comfortable and safe with professional water heater services.

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