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To understand how these can cause a water heater to explode, let’s review how a water heater works, the one common appliance every home has! This big metal cylinder may look simple and ordinary on the exterior, but inside, there is a lot going on. 

Most water heaters are installed in a basement or the laundry room, or today, you can have a tankless water heater that allows it to be installed in more places. In this piece today, we’re going to focus on the old-school tank-style water heater. The tank is filled with water and there is a heating mechanism inside that tank too, along with several other components, all of which are checked during a professional water heater inspection: 

• Dip tube – Located at the top of the tank, the water enters through this and sends it to the bottom where it is heated.
• Shut-off valve –This component is located outside of the tank, usually at the top, and shuts the water off to the water heater. 
• Heat-out pipe –Suspended at the top of the tank inside this allows the hot water out of the tank. 
• Thermostat – The thermometer is device that controls the temperature. Electric water heaters are two, one for each element. 
• Heating element – There are typically two of these in electric water heaters that heat the water. 
• Drain valve – Located the bottom of the tank, on the exterior housing, the drain valve allow the water to be emptied so that water heater repairs can take place, like replacing the elements, and flush sediment from the tank. This is also used to drain the tank to move it or replace it. 
• Pressure relief valve – The PRV is a safety device that keeps the pressure safe inside the tank. 
• Anode rod – Made of aluminum or magnesium, this has a steel core and is suspended inside the tank to minimize corrosion. 

All of these components are necessary for the water heater to function, starting with the thermostat controlling the water temperature inside the tank. Normally, the temperature is set 120 degrees but can be set at 180 degrees. The dip tube takes the water piped to the tank and feeds it to the bottom of the tank. There it is warmed up by the heating element. The heating elements will stay on until the water reaches the desired temperature. 

The water rises to the top of the tank as it heats, it rises to the top of the tank. As we learned in 8^th grade science, hot water is lighter than cold water. From there, the heat-out pipe, located near the top of the tank and separates the hot water from the cold water, which has sunk to the bottom of the tank. 

Can a water heater leak? 

Yes, water can leak from the connections of the water heater or from the tank itself. A professional water heater inspection can catch things like loose connections, tighten them up, and stop any possible leaks. A water heater inspection also will check all the components on the exterior and interior of the tank, as well as the tank for possible small leaks.

What does a water heater inspection consist of?

During a professional water heater inspection, the plumbing technician will check the following for indication: 

• Corrosion
• Leak
• Weak areas 
• This includes checking the water lines and vents. 

What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?

Any of the following are abnormal for a water heater and typically are indications a new unit is needed.  In some cases, having a professional water heater inspection first will confirm that a repair is sufficient: 

1. Wet around or outside the tank: Condensation or moisture on the exterior of the tank often is from a slow leak. It can also mean there is a small leak on the tank, and in either case, you should have a professional water heater inspection to confirm there is a problem. 

2. Rust forming on or around the tank: If you see dark red or orange rust coming from the tank or the faucets, your water heater is full of corrosion. If the water smells metallic, this also indicates rust inside the tank. It is beyond water heater inspection, and time to replace the unit. 

3. Loud or unusual sounds: If you hear loud, strange, or unusual sounds coming from the tank, a water heater inspection could find that flushing the unit or replacing the anode rod is a quick fix. Most of the time, replacing the unit is recommended, based on the age of the water heater. 

4. Insufficient amount of hot water: If the water isn’t getting hot enough or there isn’t enough hot water to complete a shower, you need to replace the unit. 

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

First, determine the age of your water heater. Once they reach 10 years old and have any of the issues listed above, replacement is recommended. Have a professional water heater inspection to resolve any doubt of which is the best method for you. 

What water heater do I need?

If a water heater inspection reveals that you need a new water heater, the same technician can help you determine the best size based on the needs of your household. With a traditional tank-style water heater, the following will give you an idea of what size to purchase:

• Up to  2 people—23 gallons to 36 gallons
• 3 to 4 people—36 gallons to 46 gallons
• 5 people—46 gallons to 56 gallons
• 6 or more  people—add 10 gallons after 56 gallons for each additional person

Which water heater is most efficient?

Choose a brand that is ENERGY STAR rated. With a gas-powered water heater, the energy factor should rate 0.67 and 0.70. If you’re buying an electric water heater, choose a high-efficiency water heater. These extract heat energy out of the exhaust gases for heating the water, and some include a secondary heat exchanger. This provides a maximum in the heat transfer process by extracting as much heat energy from the whole combustion process.

Is there any way to know ahead of time when to replace a water heater, or does it have to be a wait and you’ll know when it quits working thing?  With the water heater being used at least twenty times per day, per person, it is amazing how long water heaters last, typically between 8 and 12 years, some may last 20 years. 

If you’re an attentive homeowner, there are some indications how to tell if you need a replacement water heater, you just need to be aware of these: 

1. Banging, Knocking, Tapping Sounds: If you hear banging, knocking, or tapping noises coming from your water heater, replacement time is knocking too. That noise is from sediment buildup that has created tears in the metal lining. If you don’t get a water heater replacement soon, you’ll start noticing water puddling up around the heater or leaking from the top. You could come home one day to a flooded house.

2. Insufficient Hot Water: If your water heater is good for one shower or one load of laundry, you either have too small of a water heater or your water heater is filled up with sediment and there isn’t enough water in the tank to heat up for multiple uses. Depending on how old the water heater is and how long you’ve been dealing with this insufficient amount of hot water, it may be time for a water heater replacement. 

3. Fluctuating Temperature: Once you set the thermostat on your water heater, it shouldn’t move on its own. So, if the temperature is getting cool in the midst of your morning shower, or isn’t as hot as it was before, reset the thermostat. If it moves again, the thermostat is bad and you may be able to replace the thermostat to fix the problem. If that doesn’t work though, a water heater replacement is your next option. 

4. Leaking Water: Water leaking from the water heater isn’t something to ignore. Check all the water connections to the water heater and tighten them if needed. If there are water puddles under the unit or water leaking from the top, this is more than just water connections leaking, it is time for a water heater replacement. 

5. Cloudy or Smelly Water: As you’re washing dishes, bathing, or doing laundry, if the water is smelling like rotten eggs, or it is brown rusty color, this is an indication that the inside of your water heater tank has rusted, usually, because the built-in anode rod isn’t doing its job. A professional plumber can change the anode rod out and flush the water heater. If that doesn’t fix the problem though, you’ll need a water heater replacement. 

6. Older Than 10 Years: A water heater hits 8 years, you’ve gotten an average lifespan, if it hits 10 years, you’re beyond the average maximum. How often should you replace a hot water heater? Even if your current water heater is still working, start shopping for a water heater replacement now and make plans to have it professionally installed. 

How do I choose a replacement water heater?

Price will always be the main factor for a water heater replacement, but there are other factors that should be considered too. Like the size of the household, make sure you’re getting a large enough capacity.  A 20-gallon water heater replacement won’t be sufficient for a household with more than one person!  But a 50-gallon water heater is more than a 2-person household needs. 

As far as the energy source, if you have electric or gas, you’ll want the water heater replacement to be the same in most cases. If you’re making any changes, a professional plumber can help you with that choice as well as what brand and the capacity. Trust the experts and ask about rebates and tax incentives.

How much is water heater replacement?

The brand, the size, and the power source are all going to factor into the cost for your water heater replacement. They can start as low as $800 and cost as much as $1,200 or more for the water heater itself.

Labor can run between $50/per hour for a plumber up to as much as $800 flat rate. If you need an electrician, you can expect to pay $150/per hour.  

Can a homeowner replace a water heater?

If you’re a handy DIY homeowner and have the tools, sure, physically you can. However, depending on where you live, there may be local governing requirements for water heater replacement. Do I need a permit for water heater replacement? It is possible that you will need a permit, the water will be shut off during the installation and won’t be turned back on until the local governing body has inspected the installation job. 

A water heater replacement installation isn’t as simple as it may sound. A gas-powered unit will need to be vented, there is an overflow waterspout that needs to be installed to flow outside the house, and the electrical part of a water heater replacement can be challenging. 

It is best to leave the installation to the professionals that know how to remove and replace a hot water heater. The work will come with a guarantee and warranty, and if there is an issue with the water heater, the manufacturer may deny any warranty if not installed by a professional. 

Why do water heaters need to be inspected? 

If avoiding a cold water shower one morning isn’t enough reason, here are three more reasons why getting a water heater inspection is a good idea: 

1. Avoid Expensive Major Problems

Like your car gets an annual inspection and your HVAC system gets an annual inspection, a routine water heater inspection will catch small issues before they become major problems that can be expensive. The more a water heater operates, the more sediment builds up and corrodes the unit. Corrosion and sediment build up can cause a water heater to malfunction or quit altogether. A water heater inspection will allow a technician to catch possible issues and make repairs before your water heater quits. 

2. Lower Your Water Heating Costs

Heating water is a large part of a utility costs, as much as 20% in most homes. If your water heater isn’t working at its full capacity, it is using more electricity or gas to heat the water. With an annual water heater inspection, the technician can keep your water heater at optimum functionality. 

3. Protection For Your Family

A gas water that isn’t working at its prime can create carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can make you ill and is deadly if enough is leaked. This happens when a water heater isn’t vented properly, which is one thing a water heater inspection will catch and something that can be fixed before it begins leaking carbon monoxide. 

What happens during a water heater inspection? 

Water heaters don’t require a lot of maintenance, and the manufacturer’s manual will provide information on what should be included in a water heater inspection. Here is a brief summary of what will typically take place during a professional water heater inspection: 

• Tank Flush: You can do this yourself, using instructions provided in the manual. No matter what the quality of the water coming into your home, there will always be some amount of sediment built up. A technician doing a water heater inspection will flush the tank to remove any corrosion and sediment. 

• The Anode Rod: This is an important component to any water heater, but over time, because it is submerged in water protecting the water heater from rusting, it may need to be replaced. A water heater inspection will include the technician checking the anode rod and replacing it if it has started rusting. 

• Additional Checks: The water heater inspection will also include checking all the plumbing connections for gas and water, checking the electrical connection if applicable and checking the pilot light. 

How much does a water heater inspection cost?

A plumbing inspection will include a water heater inspection too, since both are connected and work together, it only makes sense to have your home’s plumbing check too. The average size one-story home can cost around $200.00 plus any parts and labor that is needed. 

How do you test a water heater element?

When your electric water heater isn’t heating the water, it is often an burned out heater element, usually the bottom unit. However, it could be the top element and the following steps will determine which one needs to be replaced: 

1. Turn off the power to the water heater, including the circuit breaker. 
2. There are two wires connected to the water heater element, remove them and push to the side.
3. Unscrew the mounting hardware and slip the wires out, bending them so they are out of the way. 
4. Using a multitester at ohms setting, set it at the lowest reading. 
5. Touch one of the multitester probes to each screw on the element. If there isn’t any ready, the element needs to be replaced. 

How do you test a water heater sensor?

During a water heater inspection, the technician will check the sensor along with the element. The following steps, using a multimeter, can be checked as follows: 

1. Check the power supply to the thermostat terminals, there should be a reading on terminal one and terminal three of 240V. If you don’t get a reading, check the power source is on the high limit switch.
2. Rotate the lower thermostat dial to deactivate and turn the temperature to its highest setting. 
3. Place the multimeter prongs on the terminal one and the heating element blue wire. 
4. If you get a reading of 240V there is power. 
5. Now placing the prong on terminal two and the heating element blue wire. If you don’t get a reading, the water heater thermostat needs to be replaced. 

How do you test a water heater ignitor?

Today, the ignitor, or pilot light, is behind a glass so that the actual flame isn’t in the open anymore. The water heater inspection will require you to repeatedly press the ignitor button, a small blue spark should show behind that glass. If not, then the ignitor is bad and should be replaced. 

How do you test a thermocouple on a water heater?

A water heater inspection will include checking the pilot light flame. If flame goes out when the button is released after 60 seconds, the thermocouple needs to be replaced. A technician can usually do this without having to remove the complete burner assembly. 

Yes, a water heater inspection should be on that monthly list. But what is a water heater inspection? Water heaters are typically reliable appliances, sitting in a closet and quietly doing their job. However, this is why you need to check it out every 30 days. As a homeowner, a list of things to check during your water heater inspection include: 

Test the TPR Valve

• Turn the cold-water supply and electrical power off.
• Position a bucket under the TPR valve, typically located on the side or the top of the tank. 
• Lift the tab on the valve to release some water out. If the water doesn’t stop flowing after shutting the valve, drain the tank some more using a pipe wrench, remove the old valve, and install a new TPR valve. 

Check the Anode Rod

• Connect a hose to the drain cock on the tank and release two to three gallons of water.
• Now, fit a 1 and 1/16 inch socket on the hex head, located on top or under the top plate, and unscrew the rod. If there is any calcium coating the rod, replace it. Use Teflon tape before inserting it into the tank and then tighten.  

Drain the Tank and Remove Sediment

• Drain any water remaining in the tank into a bucket. Open the cold-water valve to stir up any sediment on the bottom of the tank. Drain that water and repeat the process until the water is coming out clear.
• Shut the drain cock, refill the tank, and turn the power back on.

Check the Drain Pan

• Clean any water and gunk from the drain pain using a shop vac.

How often should a water heater be inspected?

In addition to taking care of the things described above monthly, will need a professional electric or gas-powered water heater inspection every two years. However, when a water heater is about eight years old, an annual professional water heater inspection is recommended. 

Who does water heater inspection?

You can and should do your own water heater inspection every 30 days, as mentioned. However, for a professional water heater inspection, call a licensed plumber. They have the skills and equipment to handle most tasks associated with the hot water heater. If there are any electrical issues that need to be taken care of and that are beyond their capabilities, they will have an electrician assist . Examples of when help from an electrician may be needed include problems with circuit breakers or wiring. 

How long will a water heater last?

The lifespan of a water heater is dependent on a few factors: 

• The quality of the water heater
• Your water quality
• Whether a water heater has had routine maintenance and water heater inspections

Both electric and gas water heaters can last between eight and 12 years. However, some have been known to last up to 20 years, though this is in rare circumstances, such as when a water heater is located in a home where the owner is often away.

What are the signs of a water heater going bad?

There are seven common indicators that your water heater is about to call it quits, probably without any notice other than the following signs: 

• Insufficient Hot Water

If you run out of hot water while showering, check the temperature setting. Move it five degrees higher and wait 30 minutes. If the water still isn’t getting heated, check the circuit breaker. If it has tripped, reset it. If you still aren’t getting enough hot water after this is done, it is time to have a professional water heater inspection. 

• Varying Temperature

Fluctuating water temperature could be a sign of a failing thermostat. However, it could also be a sign your water heater isn’t the right size for what your home needs. A professional water heater inspection can determine the problem and advise on whether you need a replacement unit. 

• Water Heater Leaks

When the water heater is leaking, it’s time to take immediate action. Start with turning off the water and electrical or gas power. Then, do your own water heater inspection to see if you can tell where the leak is coming from. If it is from the TPR or drain valve, you can typically replace the water heater part and stop the leak. If it is coming from the tank itself, you may need to replace your water heater. 

• Reduced Water Flow

If the water flow pressure has dropped, it could be because of buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank. Try to flush the unit, and if that doesn’t fix it, it is likely time for a new water heater. 

• Concerning Noises

When you’re hearing odd and unusual noises coming from the water heater, like banging, boiling, cracking, gurgling, popping, or whining, that could be a sign it is time to replace the unit. 

• Discolored or Smelly Water

If water coming from your faucets that is dirty, red in color, or smelling like rotten eggs, there is likely bacteria and rust in the tank. This could be fixed by replacing the anode rod and flushing the tank. If that doesn’t help, it is time for a new water heater. 

Should I replace my water heater before it fails?

If you want to prevent having a cold shower some morning, yes. It is also easier on the plumbing and your appliances to replace it before it fails, and that’s not to mention the benefits of cleaner and healthier water. 

What water heater do I need?

With a professional water heater inspection by a plumber, you can get help determining what water heater is best for your household.  Suggested sizes are: 

• Up to 2 people: 30-to-40-gallon water heater tank
• Two to 3 people: 40-to-50-gallon water tank
• Three to 4 people: 50-to-60-gallon water tank
• Five or more people: 60-to-80-gallon water tank.

How does a tankless water heater work?

Tankless water heater means there isn’t any storage tank like the traditional water heater we have grown accustomed to having in our homes. Instead, the process of getting hot water has been simplified. Turn on the hot water faucet and you get instant hot water as the cold water travels through piping into the unit. It is then heated by electricity or gas, depending on which type of tankless water heater you have.

A tankless water heater doesn’t require waiting for the water to fill up the tank. Instead, two to five gallons of water are heated instantly. For a home where hot water is needed in abundance, like lots of showers, dishwasher, and laundry all running at the same time, a gas tankless water heater would be the better choice.

Is a tankless water heater gas or electric?

Tankless water heaters are available with both electric and gas power. One isn’t specifically better than the other and the decision of which to get needs to be determined by the expected hot water usage along with the following factors taken into consideration as well:

• The availability of adequate electrical supply or natural/propane gas for the high output required by a tankless water heater
• The initial cost of installation
• The cost for an electric or gas tankless water heater of the appropriate size
• The water usage habits of the household
• The cost difference of electricity and gas for the area now and going forward
• The desired location
• Personal preference

Which tankless water heater is better?

Like anything new on the market, every year another manufacturer releases their version of a tankless water heater. Which brand is better will depend on what is the most important feature to your household.

• Best overall tankless water heater: Rinnai RUR160iN
• Best tankless water heater for a low price: EcoSmart Eco 18
• Best electric tankless water heater: Rheem RTEX-24
• Best point-of-use heater: Bosch Tronic 3000

How big of a tankless hot water heater do I need?

To choose the right size tankless water heater, the flow rate needs to be assessed along with the temperature rise, meaning the whole house or for one particular room.

Step One: How many water devices will need hot water and what is their flow rate. The desired flow rate is the expected demand for hot water.

Step Two: Decide the required temperature rise by subtracting the incoming water temperature from the output temperature.

Step Three: Choose the sizing with an average shower using 2.6 gallons at 104 to 106°, you want enough hot water for two showers simultaneously.

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

Yes, like tank storage water heaters, there is some level of maintenance that should be done.

Frequency of Cleaning

An annual flushing is needed with a tankless water heater, the same as with a tank storage water heater.

Exterior Maintenance

Wipe down the cover with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to keep it dust-free and to help prevent rust from developing. The pipes should be inspected for possible cracks or splits in cold weather. If there is a PRV on your tankless water heater, test it occasionally.

Descaling a Tankless Water Heater

Start by disconnecting the power source and then close the cold and hot water shut-off valves. Open the PRV carefully and connect the flush kit hoses with the water service ports. Place a submersible pump in a bucket with the cold water connected to the pump and the hot water hose inside the bucket, and then pour four gallons of vinegar in the bucket. Open the cold and hot service ports and turn on the submersible pump.

Let the vinegar circulate through the water heater for one hour then turn the pump off and pour out the vinegar. Next, close the cold water service port and open the cold water shut-off valve to flush out the vinegar. Close the valve and allow the water to drain completely. Finish by closing the hot water port.

A standard time for a shower can use up to 10 gallons of water. When you count how many people in your home take a shower at night or in the morning is there any surprise a 40 gallon water tank would run out? Even with a tankless water heater, they can’t supply hot water to more than one or two fixtures at a time. A water heater auto booster can resolve that issue by heating up more water before its needed. 

Installing a water heater booster isn’t difficult, but it isn’t for a person will no basic household repair skills.  The following steps will guide you through the process.

#1. The Location 

Decide where you want the water heater booster installed. The standard location is past the main water shutoff valve in an easy to access place for emergency need. You want the install to the water pressure booster to have as little elbows and pipes as possible. 

#2. Measurements

With the location decided, take accurate measurements of that area and the main water line. Include the size of the pipes to be used, the elbow sizes, and other factors. As the old adage says: Measure twice, cut once. Include measurement for bypass piping if needed. This bypass piping will give you the ability to retain water inside your home should the water heater booster needs to be replaced. 

#3. Mounting The Booster

The water heater booster should be instead on a solid base or on the floor if the flooring is concrete. This solid base is needed because of the amount of vibration a water heater booster makes. 

#4. Turn Off & Drain the Water

The water should be turned off at the main water shutoff valve and allow all the pipes to drain of water. Open faucets to drain to assist with the draining. 

#5. Cut the Pipe

With a tube cutter tool, cut the require amount of piping section need for installing the water heater booster. Use sandpaper to remove any burrs and shaving from the pipe ends so the pipe will make a good connection to the water booster pump. 

#6. Drain Remaining Water

Make sure there isn’t any water left in the pipe by check the lowest faucet location where the pipe was cut. By making sure the highest point faucet is open, any residual water should drain. Place a bucket under the pipe where it was cut to catch any water that drains. 

#7. Install Pump

Install the elbows needed to the main water line so they point towards the water heater booster. Next, install a check valve as a safety to high water pressure that flows back into the street. Professional plumbers recommend a PRV and low pressure cutoff switch is installed for safety purpose. 

#8. Turn the Water On

Slowly turn the water back at the main shutoff, checking for leaks as you turn it on. If any leaks are found, turn the water back off immediately. 

#9. Prime the Pipe with Running Water 

Before you plug the water heater booster on, make sure the faucet are open so any air in the lines can be removed. Once the water begins flowing, turn the faucets off. 

#10. Plug the Water Heater Booster

Plug the  water heater booster into a GFCI outlet and let it run for a while, which it should shut off automatically after reaching the target pressure point. 

If you’re not sure that an instant hot water heater booster is worth the expense, rest assured those who have them recommend them.  An instant water heater booster will minimize your downtime of waiting for water to heat up for the next shower.  If the only area not getting ample hot water, consider having a compact water booster heater installed, perhaps at the washing machine or in the kitchen for dishwashing. Need a water heater booster installed in Chattanooga, TN? Call 423-718-7342 today.

A gas water heater that is designed with a continuous gas pilot light should keep functioning even with an electrical power outage. With that a continuous gas pilot light, a gas water heater and power outage is the better combination. Many homeowners prefer a home with both electricity and gas appliances just reasons like power outages. When the electricity is off, then you still have gas to cook with, heat your home, and with the continuous gas pilot light, you’ll still have hot water.

 A gas water heater with an electric pilot light will even keep working if it doesn’t rely on electricity. However, if your gas water heater does rely on the electricity, it will usually keep hot water in the tank for a few days during a power outage. 

What causes a water heater to not stay lit?

The most common issue for gas water heaters that won’t stay lit is the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a device that measures the temperature of the water and regulates the gas flow inside the gas water heater. A gas furnace has a thermocouple too. 

There are 2 wires coming from a thermocouple on your gas water heater, one to the thermostat and one to the pilot light. When the wire to the pilot light gets bend, damaged, or dirty, it can’t send the electric signal to open the gas valve so that the needed combustion can take place. 

Can a gas water heater leak?

Yes, a gas water heater can leak either gas or water. If it is a gas leak, turn the gas supply off immediately. Every gas water heater is installed with a dedicated gas valve at the gas line. Turn this to the off position and call a plumber immediately. 

If it is the water leaking from your gas water heater, turn the water off to the water heater tank using the dedicated shutoff water valve at the cold water inlet pipe. There are two options your gas water heater may have: 

• Gate-style valve: This type of water valve is a wheel. You need to turn the valve clockwise as far as it will turn. 
• If the shut-off water valve is a ball-style, turn the handle 180 degrees.
• If either water valve is broken, turn the water off at the main water shut off valve. This will shut the water off to your entire house. 

Why is gas water heater leaking?

There can be a variety of reasons a gas water heater begins leaking water.  You can inspect the following to determine the leak yourself or call a plumber for service.  

• The inlet and outlet: This is where the water pipes connect to the gas water heater. Make sure the cold water intake and the hot water output connections are tight and not leaking. You can tighten them using a pipe wrench.
• The T&P valve: This is the pressure relief valve, and it is designed to release water in case of a pressure build up, it is a safety feature to keep your gas water heater from blowing water out from other areas of the water heater. 
• The thermostat settings:  Make sure the thermostat settings aren’t turned up too high. This can cause the pressure at the hose bib and cause your gas water heater to leak water. Most gas water heaters are set at 140 degrees by the manufacturer. 
• The water pressure: Check the water pressure at the hose bib. An inbound water pressure that is more than 80 PSI, you need to have a PRV (pressure reducing valve) installed.  
• The drain valve: The drain valve is at the bottom of the water tank and should be closed at all times. Depending on where your gas water is located, it could accidently be opened and start leaking. 
• The water heater bottom: If there is water leaking from the valve, it will run down the tank sides, making it seem the tank is leaking. If you have determined that is not where the leak is coming from using the steps above, then check the tank itself along the seams and at the bottom. If you gas water heater is leaking at any of those areas, your water neater needs to be replaced.

If you aren’t able to determine where the water leak is coming from, call a plumber for assistance. 

If I need to replace my gas water heater, which gas fired water heater should I get? 

Buying a new gas water heater is an investment in your home, and while they aren’t super expensive, you don’t want to have to replace it again too soon either. So, choosing one that will give you a few years is important. The following are three of the top recommendations by many experts:

• BEST OVERALL GAS WATER HEATER: Rinnai High Efficiency 6.5-GPM Tankless Water Heater
• RUNNER-UP GAS WATER HEATER: A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater
• BEST FOR THE MONEY GAS WATER HEATER: Sure Comfort 40-Gallon Natural Gas Tank Water Heater

What size gas water heater do i need?

The best way and most recommended way to determine what size of gas water heater you need is by how many people live in your home. A 40-gallon gas water heater is typically plenty for a household of 4 people. The following is the basic recommendations: 

• One to two people—23 gallons to 36 gallons capacity
• Two to four people—36 gallons to 46 gallons capacity
• Three to five people—46 gallons to 56 gallons capacity
• Five or more people—no smaller than 56 gallons capacity adding 10 gallons for a 6^th and 10 gallons for every additional person

While gas is a dangerous power source, known for explosions and fires, gas water heaters today have ingenious mechanisms that make it highly unlikely to happen.

For the power, gas is cheaper than electricity. However the purchase point of the gas water heater is more than an electric. You do get your money back fairly quick though with the gas water heater. Need gas water heater installation in Chattanooga, TN? Call 423-718-7342 today!

The water heater in your home is working hard to provide your family hot water when you need and want it. Just like you, the water heater gets tired and because it doesn’t get any paid time off, it will begin to weaken and start having problems. For of the most common problems for water heater are as follows, along with tips on doing your own water heater repair. Before you start any troubleshooting and repairs, turn the circuit breaker off first: 

1. Water temperature – The water temperature is a common issue households have with their water heater. There are three things that can be the problem: 
   • Cold Water – Check the circuit breaker and make sure it is in the on position or replace any fuses. Make sure the water heater power switch is in the on position. Then as a last resort, make there the water heater is getting power. 
   • Insufficient Warm Water – If the water is only getting warm, the water heater you have may not be large enough for your household. First check the cold and hot water connections to make sure they are turned on and not switched by turning the water supply off. Then turn the hot water faucet on, and if water is flowing out but cold or warm, then your connections are reversed. If that isn’t proving to be the problem, then call your plumber for water heater repair service. 
   • Too Hot Water – If the water is getting too hot, you can lower the thermostat a few degrees. The recommend temperature is 120° F for a balanced and efficient heat level. 
2. Leaks – Try to do your own water heater repair by checking for loose connections and tighten them. Check the heating element bolts and tighten if loose. If the leak appears to be coming from the heating element, you’ll need a professional plumber water heater repair service. If the tank is leaking, it is time to replace your water heater.  A water heater leaking can be caused by a few different issues like these:  
   • a faulty T&P valve (temperature and pressure valve)
   • inappropriate water pressure
   • water heater overheating
   • valve stuck
   • a plumbing connection leaking
   • bolts loose to heating element 
   • gasket gone bad 
   • the tank is leaking

3. Water is Discolored – Dirty, rusty looking water coming from your water heater usually indicates either the anode rod needs replacing, or the lining has rusted. If a water heater repair of replacing the anode rod doesn’t stop the dirty, rusty water, then it is time to replace the water heater. 
4. Noises and Sounds – A water heater should be fairly quiet, but when sediment has built-up in the tank, it will cause odd noises and sounds. A fairly easy water heater repair that may fix this is to flush the tank. The owner’s manual will provide instructions on how to do this. If you don’t have the manual, you can find instructions online. If the odd noises and sounds continue after flushing the water heater, you’ll need replace the water heater. 

What would cause a hot water heater to stop working?

Hot water is a luxury that we assume will always be there when we need it, but one day, there is no hot water for your morning shower. It was working fine last night, what could have happened overnight?

• No Power: Whether you have an electric or gas water heater, if the power source is connected or working, you’re not going to have hot water. If all the other electric or gas appliance and features of your home are working, then you need to check the circuit breaker or the gas connection to the water heater. If these check out okay, you need to schedule a water heater repair service call. 
• Cold Water: If all you’re getting is cold water, it could be the built-in thermostat, your water heater may have two thermostats. Did you know that a thermostat can fail though, and when it does, all you’ll get is cold water. A professional plumber can complete a water heater repair for this type of issue quickly and save you from buying another unit. 
• Sludge Clog: If you’ve never drained and flushed your water heater, it probably has built up sediment and sludge in the tank. This can keep a water heater from heating the water, or worse, cause the tank to leak and flood your home. Call a professional plumber for water heater repair to drain and flush your water heater, or you can do this yourself following the instructions in the owner’s manual. 
• Water Heater Age: Water heaters last on average, a maximum of 12 years and by the time they are 10 years old, they start performing poorly. If you have had several water heater repair calls in the past year and the unit is 8 to 10 years old, it is time to buy a new water heater. 

Do you call a plumber to fix a hot water heater?

Yes, when there is a problem you can’t do your water heater repair as we’ve discussed here, then put that water heater repair on a professional plumber!  They will inspect the unit, do some testing and if they find is water heater repair or replacement is necessary. They will provide you a written water heater repair estimate or installing a replacement unit. 

What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?

Here are some key indicators that a water heater repair isn’t going to keep you hot water any more and it is time to buy a new one: 

• The Age: Unfortunately, your water heater, like all the other household appliances, won’t last forever. You can usually get 10 years from a good quality unit that you’ve taken the maintenance steps like draining and flushing duties. Having a water softener installed will give your water heater a longer life too and require less water heater repairs. The first 2 numbers in the serial number will tell you the year your water heater was manufactured. 
• Leaks:  A leaking water heater is never a good thing, and it isn’t always visible. Often, a water heater has a small leak behind it dripping into the drip pan. Check your water heater connections all around it and on top, if you see any leaks, all a professional plumber for water heater repair, or you may need to replace it, the plumber can give you the best advice. 
• Cloudy or Rusty Water: When the water is coming out of the faucets is cloudy or rusty, or has a metallic smell, it could be the pipes between the water heater and faucets, or it could be inside the water heater tank. A possible water heater repair would be replacing the anode rod but depending on the quality of the water and the age of the water heater, then you need to get a new water heater. 
• Short on Hot Water: If you run out of hot water fast or it takes forever to get hot, your water heater is about to quit. If you have taken the recommended maintenance steps of draining and flushing your water heater and you’re still having these issues, you definitely need a new water heater. 
• Water Temperature Varies: Three things can get your morning off to a bad start. One is no coffee, two is no water heater, and the third is the hot water gets cold, then hot, then cold again. When a water heater isn’t keeping hot water flowing steadily in your morning shower, it is time purchase a new water heater. 
• Strange Sounds: If your water heater has popping and rumbling sounds coming out of it, that is a sound of needing a new water heater. This sound is emitting because there mineral and sediment buildup formations inside the tank hardening. With that extra thickness inside the tank, the water heater is not heating water efficiently and it is highly likely the tank could crack any time now and flood your house. 
• Expensive or Multiple Repairs: A regular tune-up for your water heater shouldn’t be costly. As it gets older and parts begin to wear out, however, maintenance work will likely get more expensive. Smart homeowners know to compare the rising cost of fixing the unit with a replacement. When repairs become too expensive, replacing the water heater will be the clear solution.

The recovery rate is the volume of hot water a water heater can produce during a specific time frame. There are several factors that can affect that volume of hot water be produced: 

• Heating element wattage
• Size of burner
• Temperature setting
• Time frame allowed

The Recovery Rate is commonly specified out by the number of  gallons that are produced based on a 100º ascent in temperature within an hour. Today, 90 degrees is used for the baseline in most places versus the 140 degrees in the past. 

To determine how long it will take a water to recover the amount of water drained to get at the same temperature, this generic number is an example of how to calculate that information: BTU times recovery efficiency = pounds of water heated one degree. Take that number and divide it by 8.33 then divide that by the required temperature increase desired. 

How long does it take for a water heater to fully recover?

Water heaters may be the hardest working appliance in every home. It is faithful in creating hot water for every bath, load of dishes or laundry, and cooking. The average home with 1.5 bathrooms have a forty-gallon water heater. 

The hot water recovery time varies between electric water heaters and gas water heaters. An electric forty-gallon water heater will recover the spent hot water in two hours on the average.  A forty-gallon gas water heater recovers its spent hot water within one hour. 

What is recovery efficiency in a water heater?

For example, a gas water heater is said to have a recover rate of 75%, meaning that 75% of the gas burner heat is actually used to heat the water and 25% of the heat is wasted up the vent.  An electric water heater however, with a heating element that is immersed has 99% recovery rate, meaning only one percent of the energy is wasted. 

It is important to note that while an electric water heater uses less energy to heat the water than a gas water heater, however, because the gas unit takes less recovery time, less gas is used compared to the amount of electricity used. A 50 gallon high recovery water heater offers hot water fifty percent faster than a standard 50 gallon water heater. This attracts the attention of homeowners a jacuzzi or teenagers. 

How do I know if my water heater is working?

The following are indications that your  water heater is not working: 

1. You run out hot water: If all you’re able to get from your water heater is one shower or one load in the dishwasher, then you need to replace your water heater. If you have a busy household, aka, kids, then consider upgrading to a high recovery water heater. 
2. Water temperature varies: If you have really hot water one time and the next time you have to wait for it to get lukewarm, it is time to replace that unit with a new water heater. 
3. Leaking water heater: when you hear water dripping in the drip pan or you find water in the floor around the water heater, it is past time to replace the unit. 
4. 4. Water flow reduced: If you have  sudden drop in water flow or water pressure, it could be your water heater needs to be flushed to remove any buildup of sediment. However, if your water heater is close to 10 years old or older, replace it now!  
5. Noises and sounds: A water heater should not be noisy to the point you hear it above everything else in your house. Any banging, boiling, cracking, or gurgling sounds indicates your water heater is full of sediment and sludge. Flushing it out may help, but chances, it simply needs to be replaced. 
6. Discolored and smelly water: When you notice a strange odor like rotten eggs coming from your water faucets, or the water heater smells like burning, or the water is discolored in a muddy or rusty color, that water heater is done. That is what you’re bathing in and cooking with and it is full of bacteria you don’t want to ingest.
7. The age of your water heater: The average water heater will give you up to 10 to 12 years of use, after that 10^th year, start shopping for a new water heater.  

1. The TPR Valve

• Turn off the power and the cold-water supply.
• With a bucket placed under the pipe connection to the TPR (temperature-pressure-release) valve, usually located on the top or side of the water tank. 
• Lift the tab to release some water from the tank then let go. If water doesn’t stop flowing, partially drain the tank and with pipe wrench, unscrew the old valve and install a new TPR valve.

2. The Anode Rod

• Attach a hose to the drain cock on the tank to release some water.
• Using a 1 and 1/16-inch socket with hex head, unscrew the rod and if there is half inch thick calcium build-up, replace it with a new one, wrapping the threads with plumber tape and return to tank, securely tightening it. 

3. Drain Tank, Rinse Out Sediment

• Drain any remaining water into the bucket and open the cold-water valve to stir up the sediment in the tank’s bottom. Drain and repeat the process until clean water is coming from the hose
• Shut the drain cock and refill the tank, the turn the power on.

4. Tweak the Temperature

• Unscrew the cover on the temperature dial and with a flathead screwdriver, remove the cover and adjust the temperature dial to 120 degrees. For every ten degrees you lower the temperature, you’ll save as much as five percent in energy costs.
• If you’re not home for 3 or more days, you can turn the water heater off or turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting.

5. Pipe Insulation

• Slide 3/8-inch-thick foam insulation that will matches the pipe diameter over both the cold and hot water pipes.

6. Heater Insulation

• Cut an insulating blanket so that it fits around pipes, temperature control, and TPR valve that are outside the tank.
• Wrap the tank and then use foil tape to seal the cuts. Do not cover the top!  

Do water heaters need maintenance?

A water heater is like any other basic household appliance – it needs to be maintained and kept up to get a longer lifespan.  When a water heater maintenance is properly cared for, you can get up to 12 to 15 years lifespan. Recognizing the following signs and addressing them as soon as possible, you could extend its lifespan, or have is professionally repaired or replaced before it leaves you without hot water. 

Inconsistent or no heat

Obviously, if there is not any hot water at all, there is a problem with the water heater. If the heat is fluctuating, that is an indication the heating element is covered in mineral deposits, blocking, and interfering the heating process.

Low pressure 

Mineral build-ups can block the water pipes that are connected to the water heater.

Strange sounds

A water heater should naturally make some sounds, but when those sounds get so loud they are disturbing the household, it may be time to replace the unit. Loud banging, cracking, or popping sounds need to be addressed.

Water pooling at base

If the water heater has water puddled around the base or is leaking, it could be under high pressure that needs to be released or it could be cracked and needs to be replaced. 

What is the lifespan of a water heater?

Water heaters did good to last ten years not that long ago, but today, water heaters are designed better and last longer than those older models. With water heater maintenance routine, a water heater can last as long twelve, even fifteen years.  The condition of the water running through the water heater can affect the lifespan as well.  This is why water heater maintenance is so important to stay on top of with a regular routine.

We recommend a routine of regular water heater maintenance, but how often should a water heater be serviced? For most homeowners, it is recommended a water should be flushed every six months. If you live in an area with hard water, you may consider installing a water softener and flushing your water heater every three months. Need water heater maintenance in Chattanooga, TN? Call 423-718-7342 today.