Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Water Heaters’ Category

Signs That Repairs Are No Longer Enough for Your Water Heater

Monday, February 24th, 2014

Your water heater is an important part of your daily life, even though it works mostly out of your sight. Without a steady supply of hot water, keeping yourself and your home clean would be difficult.

Water heaters are durable devices that can last for many years if they receive the proper level of maintenance and repairs done when necessary. But water heaters have a limited life cycle, and eventually a time will come when further repairs will do little good to restore its heating efficiency. At this point, you should schedule a replacement.

We’ll look at the some of the signs that water heater repair in Orlando, FL will no longer solve the problems and that it’s time for new installation. Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. for high quality installation and a range of choices of advanced modern water heaters.

Signs a water heater needs replacement

  • Leaks around the base of the tank: Leaks may occasionally occur on a functioning water heater, but if you have a unit that is over 10 years old, extensive leaks that pool around the base of the tank usually indicate that the whole system must be replaced.
  • Erratic operation: Is your hot water supply frequently vanishing without explanation? Do you experience long periods when it won’t come on at all? If you answer “yes” to either question, consider how often you’ve needed to call for repairs to deal with these issues. More than once a year is too many times. Ask your repair technician about replacement options.
  • Rust: Water heaters have anode rods installed in them to prevent rust from entering their tanks. The rods will need regular replacement as they rust through. If you have kept up with regular maintenance and replaced the anode rod when necessary, the appearance of rust on the tank or in your hot water means the system has become too old to avoid corrosion. Schedule water heater replacement.

Look to professional replacement

Whether you have a gas-powered or electric-powered water heater in your home, you will need professionals to put in the replacement unit so it functions correctly and safely. Schedule the installation sooner rather than later when you realize your old unit is failing—you don’t want to be suddenly stuck without hot water.

At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., we install standard water heaters, high-efficiency storage water heaters, and newer options such as tankless models, solar powered-heaters, and hybrid heaters. Talk to us today about your options when water heater repair in Orlando, FL is no longer enough to protect your hot water supply.

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3 Vital Components of Your Water Heater

Monday, November 4th, 2013

Your water heater is one of those silent household appliances that many of us take for granted. It tirelessly does its job day in and day out: providing hot water for cooking and bathing without any work on our part. Only when problems arise do we think about it and the job it does. In order to function effectively, water heaters require a number of smaller components to work as they should. Here are 3 vital components of your water heater in Orlando, FL:

  • Dip tube. The dip tube allows cool water to enter the heater tank without diluting the hot water that’s already there. It sends the cold water to the bottom of the tank to be heated, leaving hot water at the top of the tank ready for your to turn on the faucet.
  • Anode rod. The anode rod is usually made of steel, with magnesium or aluminum wrapped around it. It serves to retard corrosion inside the water heater tank, keeping the walls of your tank intact and reducing rust and similar corrosive elements. Anode rods slowly disintegrate over time, which means they periodically need to be replaced.
  • Pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is just what it sounds like: a device intended to release pressure inside the tank if it ever gets too high. This is a key safety component in the water heater. Without it, your heater runs to risk of exploding if the pressure gets too high.

In terms of water heaters, Orlando FL residents know better than to monkey with an unqualified repair service. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. knows how to address problems with these 3 vital components of your water heater, and with any other heating problems you may be experiencing. Give us a call today to talk about your options; you’ll be glad you did!

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High Water Pressure and Water Heater Repair

Monday, October 14th, 2013

No matter where you live in the globe, from the tropics to above the Arctic Circle, getting hot water is an important part of your daily comfort. Hot water doesn’t just do the job of making a shower a pleasant experience instead of a frigid one; it’s also responsible for cleaning your clothes and dishes effectively by killing bacteria. Whatever type of water heater you have installed in your home in Florida, you need it to work its best for you every time you turn on a tap or start the washing machine.

A problem we sometimes see in water heaters that we repair is high water pressure. Along with rust, sediment build-up, and simple neglect, high water pressure is one of the major foes of your water heater that can lead to the need for serious repair or even a full replacement. It’s also a problem people don’t often consider a danger. High water pressure can cause thermal expansion inside the heater, when the system starts to heat water despite there not being a need for it. This can cause internal damage and other, more severe issues.

The water pressure inside your home should be in the range of 50 to 60 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). A pressure that is too high might violate local plumbing codes, which require that any water pressure greater than 80 PSIG needs to have a pressure regulating valve installed. Even if your water isn’t at that high a pressure level, you should consider getting a pressure regulating valve installed if you are above 60 PSIG.

Getting a plumber with expertise in water heaters over to your house will help guide you through this. For an expert, high water pressure isn’t a difficult problem to remedy. The plumber can gauge your water pressure and then install a valve if it’s necessary. If you already have an existing valve, the plumber will know how to adjust it and help you maintain proper pressure.

Working with a water heater can be risky if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing: accidental blockages can lead to ruptures. It’s always better to stay on the safer side and get a professional plumber to help out. Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) specializes in water heater repair in Orlando, FL, as well as water heater installation. We can handle hybrid and solar water heaters in addition to more traditional models, and we’re available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Contact us now if you need help with problems from high pressure water.

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Water Heater Question: Why Is My Water Heater Rumbling?

Monday, September 9th, 2013

Your water heater works hard for you every day that you need hot water in your Florida home. One of the first signs that something might be wrong with it is when it makes an ominous rumbling noise. You might at first be afraid that the heater is in danger of rupturing, but it doesn’t need to be so catastrophic. However, a rumbling heater is something to checked, or it could suffer additional problems and cut off your daily supply of hot water.

Even with an emergency, you can count on Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to handle your water heater trouble in Orlando with our 24/7 service.

Some of the reasons for a rumbling water heater include:

  • Cold and hot water mixing: If there are leaks around the input valve, then too much cold water might be entering your heater. As the cold and hot water mix together, they create the rumbling sound you hear. The addition of too much cold water will make your heater work harder, which is both inefficient and will hasten wear… leading to more repairs.
  • Hard water: You might have heard the term “hard water” before but didn’t understand what it meant. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, which can cause build-up inside your water heater called “limescale.” Too much limescale can cause overheating, leading to the rumbling problem. A skilled technician can descale your tank and stop the problem.
  • Too much sediment: Sand and silicate can infiltrate your heater through the main water supply or through leaks in underground pipes. As with a build-up of limescale, too much sediment in your water heater can cause it to overheat. Regular, professional maintenance can alleviate this trouble by flushing the system.

A rumbling water heater can be a bit frightening, but trained technicians can take care of your worries. For Orlando water heater needs, Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) is ready to answer your questions and provide the service that will add you to our growing list of satisfied customers. We also serve Winter Springs as well as all of Seminole County, Orange County, and Osceola County.

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Is a Hybrid Water Heater in Orlando, FL a Good Fit?

Monday, August 12th, 2013

Traditional water heaters use a large tank to warm up the water before distributing it into your home’s plumbing. Some Orlando, FL homes use tankless water heaters instead, which generate hot water according to need instead of maintaining a reservoir the way tanked modes do. Both types have their benefits and drawbacks, but there may be a third option – hybrid water heaters – that successfully provide some of the benefits of both models.

The biggest drawback to a traditional tank water heater is inefficiency; the tank itself loses a great deal of heat over time and the cost of maintaining that hot water can be considerable. Tankless water heaters eliminate that waste, since they heat the water when you need it rather than keeping it heated all the time. Instead of being stored in a tank, cold water passes through a heater that quickly raises the temperature, then passes it on to the faucet, eliminating the need for storage.

On the other hand, tankless water heaters can’t always keep up with a high demand for hot water; according to the U.S. Department of Energy, they work best when you use less than 41 gallons of water a day, and their efficiency drops when you use more than that.

To save energy while giving you plenty of hot water, hybrid water heaters make use of a heat pump, which helps pull the heat from the surrounding air and use it to warm the water stored in the tank. That makes them much more efficient than more conventional water heaters. They are hybrids because they can switch back and forth from the heat pump to a traditional electric water heating. They can be installed fairly easily by a trained professional. Their energy efficiency lets homeowners save money while still taking advantage of standby heated water.

If you’re wondering whether a hybrid water heater is a good fit for you, contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. for a consultation. We can inspect your existing water heating system and determine if you could benefit from the installation of a hybrid heater. Our trained experts are available throughout the Orlando, FL area, so don’t hesitate to call!

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Common Water Heater Repairs

Friday, June 7th, 2013
Orlando Water Heater

Photo by Brian Cantoni

Considering all the use that it gets on a daily basis during the course of a year, it’s no wonder that your water heater may sometimes need professional service from an Orlando plumber. While there are numerous types and brands of water heaters on the market, there are some common water heater repairs that are more or less shared by all hot water systems. Let’s take a look at a handful of them. If you’re in need of comprehensive, thorough water heater repair, look no further than Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI).

  • Sediment and scale buildup: Over time, your water heater accumulates sediment. Because of the volume of water that it processes, this sediment can accumulate on the bottom of the tank and begin to causes problems. The heat exchanger, which is responsible for safely transferring heat from the combustion chamber (if gas) or coils (if electric), can become inhibited by the amount of sediment buildup, and this can cause it to overwork itself. If you hear a rumbling or boiling sound, this is often the result of this problem.
  • Sacrificial anode decay: The anode rod in your tank water heater is designed to sacrifice itself to protect the steel of your water heater. The interaction between water and metal can create problems for the integrity of the container; most commonly, the problem of rust, or oxidization. The anode rod is there to absorb this interaction, so that it doesn’t occur to the sides of your tank. But it needs to be monitored periodically and replaced to avoid significant problems.
  • Leaks: Leaks occur anywhere water is contained. Your water heater is a pressurized cylindrical tank that is susceptible to leaking. If you notice a water leak, make sure you have it checked out by a professional plumber.

Call MPI today for quality plumbing services in Orlando, including water heater repair and replacement.

 

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Water Heater Question: What Is The Water Heater Anode Rod?

Monday, March 4th, 2013

We rely on our water heaters every day for hot showers and baths, and clean clothes and dishes. One of the most overlooked components of your water heater is a piece of equipment known as the anode rod, commonly referred to as the sacrificial anode. The anode rod may be the most single important factor affecting the lifespan of your water heater.

What Is An Anode Rod?

Anode rods are typically about 39” in length and ¾” in diameter. They are often made out of a steel core wire and wrapped in magnesium, aluminum or zinc. Often screwed to the top of your water heater, the anode rod “sacrifices” itself chemically to the water inside. All metallic elements are reactive on some scale. Because the metal used on the rod’s outside is less “noble” than the steel on the inside of your water heater, the electrolytic reaction with the water in your tank will eat away at the rod instead of damaging the tank itself.  It’s an age-old method to make sure your tank water heater doesn’t begin to rust.

Why Get Regular Water Heater Repair and Maintenance in Orlando, FL

The lifespan of your anode rod depends on the composition of the water, the quantity of water running through your water heater on a daily basis, water temperature as well as the quality of the tank itself. The inspection and replacement of your anode rod is an essential part of any homeowner’s maintenance. If you don’t catch a depleted anode rod before it’s too late, then the inside of your water heater’s tank may start to rust. Moreover, it can also break off and bounce around inside your tank, which can cause damage to the tank’s liner.

Knowing how your anode rod affects your hot water supply may help you to avoid water heater repair in Orlando, FL. For water heater repair, maintenance and installation services, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today. 

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Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Sponsors Taste of Oviedo

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Modern Plumbing Industries | Oviedo | Taste of Oviedo

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) will be sponsoring the Taste of Oviedo event on March 9th, 2013. The event runs form 11am to 7pm, with a fireworks show following. Admission is free and celebrates the cultural heritage of Oviedo. There will be a car show, food and entertainment.

MPI is proud to support the local community. We provide top quality drain cleaning, sewer services, emergency plumbing and water heater services in Oviedo and throughout the Orlando area.

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GE Hybrid Water Heaters in Orlando

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Whether you are building a new home and need a water heater installation or you are finally ready to upgrade your old water heater, call Modern Plumbing Industries (MPI). Our team of water heater experts can ensure that you find the best water heater for your home and personal hot water usage habits.

As concerns about environmental impact – as well as the cost of energy – increases, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their home more efficient and environmentally friendly. If this is a priority that you have, ask MPI about the installation of a GE hybrid water heater in your Orlando home. These innovative devices make using hot water in your home more efficient than ever before.

The GeoSpring hybrid water heater from GE is an industry leader in efficiency. Boasting the best energy efficiency levels of any 50 gallon water heater on the market, the GeoSpring can help you cut down on energy use in your home while still heating water effectively. The key to the efficiency with which GE hybrid water heaters work lies in their use of energy.

Hybrid water heaters use a built-in heat pump to draw in existing heat from the surrounding environment. This allows them to use much less direct heating fuel, such as natural gas. If the system is overwhelmed it can make use of direct heating sources such as natural gas to increase its output. In eHeat mode, the water heater will use the heat pump exclusively.

You are also able to lower the temperature that your water heater works to attain, further boosting energy efficiency. Make use of settings such as vacation mode to trim costs when you are away. The amount of control that a GE hybrid water heater, paired with its highly efficient operation, makes reducing energy consumption in Orlando simple.

For more information about GE hybrid water heaters in Orlando, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We are always happy to help our loyal customers save money in their homes. Let us handle your GE hybrid water heater installation, maintenance and repair services so that you can enjoy the full benefit of your device. Call today for more information.

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3 Benefits to Installing a New Water Heater

Monday, January 21st, 2013

If your water heater has stopped working, your immediate reaction is probably one of dismay. However, there are several benefits to replacing your water heater that can help turn your mood around. At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we’ve been offering complete water heater installation and water heater replacement in Orlando for years.  Here are some of the benefits of replacing your hot water heater.

Efficiency

Almost without exception, new hot water heaters offer customers greater heating efficiency. Water heaters are generally given an Energy Factor rating that measures their efficiency. This rating describes how much actual hot water is produced per unit of fuel consumed. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the water heater is. New gas-fired water heaters typically have an energy factor rating of .5 to .7. By investing in a new water heater, you’ll be able to take advantage of that efficiency.

Hot Water Recovery Rate

Two other important metrics for water heaters is the First Hour Rating which measures the availability of water during the period of highest demand. The Recovery Rating is also important because it describes the water heater’s ability to replenish hot water after it has been depleted. If you have an old hot water, you may have been taking cold showers if you got in after the rest of your family. With a new hot water, it will likely have a better recovery rating which will give you access to more hot water at the times when you need it most.

Space Savings

If you’ve decided to upgrade to a tankless hot water heater, then you will probably have more available space in your storage area. Tankless water heaters are small, rectangular units that can be mounted on a wall. If that’s the case, then you likely have a much larger area for storing other items besides your water heater.

If you need water heater installation or water heater replacement in Orlando, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We have experience working with many different types and brands of water heaters. We would love to help you pick out a unit that matches your home’s needs and your budget. Call us today.

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