The technology behind water heaters has advanced a significant way since the only type of water heater available was a storage tank system. The standard storage tank water heater is still around and can still do an effective job for a home. However, if you are in the market for a new water heater, you should know about some of the newer types of models available, such as a hybrid water heater.
Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Water Heaters’
3 Benefits of Hybrid Water Heaters
Monday, June 22nd, 2015Is Rust a Sign I Need Water Heater Repair?
Tuesday, January 6th, 2015Rust on anything is evidence of corrosion that has developed from excess moisture, which typically isn’t a good thing. When it comes to water heaters, the big question is: where is the rust located? The reason this question is important is that there is a big difference between rust being only on the outside of your water heater or on the inside. This does not mean that rust on the outside of a water heater is a good thing, but it is better than rust coming from the inside.
Sacrificial Anode
Water and metal are usually a bad combination, but there are a lot of instances where the two have to come together. When it comes to water heaters, there are two ways in which the process of corrosion via rust is inhibited: first, by insulated lining in the water tank and second, by a component known as the sacrificial anode. As its name suggests, the sacrificial anode’s job is to attract the electrolytes that help create corrosion. Sacrificial anodes are made of highly active metals, so the anode is the part that will corrode first out of all of the water heater’s components. This is done purposefully so that the less active metals that comprise the water heater won’t rust and corrode.
So What If You See Rust?
This is where you need to see where the rust is. Sacrificial anodes have an average lifespan of about 6 years. Once the anode is fully rusted, the electrolytes inside the tank will likely move on to other parts of your water heater.
Rust Prevention
So what can you do to help prevent rust and know the state of your sacrificial anode? One of the best ways is to schedule annual water heater maintenance. During a water heater maintenance appointment, all the components of your water heater are checked, including the anode; if the anode is rusty, it can be replaced during the appointment. Flushing your water heater twice a year also helps, as it removes any built-up sediment and bacteria in the tank.
If you are seeing rust on your water heater, and aren’t sure if it’s coming from a problem inside the tank or outside, it’s best to play it safe and make an appointment for water heater repair in Winter Park, FL. The experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., can help with any water heater issue you may have, so call us today!
Why Install Both Low-Flow Fixtures and a Tankless Water Heater
Wednesday, August 27th, 2014Most people would love to save money every month on their utility bills, but many do not know that there are some simple ways to do so. Many homeowners waste water and energy with inefficient appliances that increase water, gas, and energy bills. Installing new appliances and fixtures may decrease your bills and help the environment in the process.
Two things you may choose to install in your home to help manage your utility bills are low-flow fixtures and a tankless water heater. In this guide, we’ll detail these items, showing you how they waste less hot water than your current fixtures and how you can save money every month by making a simple change.
Low-Flow Fixtures
If you replace your current showerhead with a low-flow showerhead, or if you install a faucet aerator for your sink, you can save a significant amount on your energy bills, up to sixty percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy. These relatively inexpensive fixtures reduce the amount of water produced per minute, as do low-flow toilets.
Tankless Water Heaters
With conventional storage tank water heaters, water is heated and stored in a large tank. Water fills the tank through a dip tube which leads to the bottom. A burner or electric heating element heats the water, and it naturally moves to the top of the tank where it exits through a smaller pipe. The problem with this type of heater is the standby energy loss that comes with leaving the water heated at all times. A tankless water heater heats water immediately as it passes through, eliminating the need for a tank. When combined with a low-flow fixture, you’ll use significantly less energy and water whenever you turn on a hot water tap.
Other Ways to Save
Installing low-flow fixtures and tankless heaters is not the only way to save hot water. Switching to energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers can also reduce your bills. You should also be sure to call a plumber for professional repairs at the first sign of water leaks in your pipes. For water heater installation and other plumbing services in Winter Park, save money every month by calling the professionals at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!
Signs That Repairs Are No Longer Enough for Your Water Heater
Monday, February 24th, 2014Your 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.
3 Vital Components of Your Water Heater
Monday, November 4th, 2013Your 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!
High Water Pressure and Water Heater Repair
Monday, October 14th, 2013No 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.
What You Need to Know About Water Heaters and Pipe Replacement
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013Your water heater get s a ton of use every single day. It is probably one of your most-used appliances. While you are probably aware that problems can develop with your water heater itself, did you know that you can also have issues with the pipes that lead into it?
Your water heater uses several different types of pipes in order to deliver cold water to it and to pump heated water into your home. There are probably some copper pipes as well as some plastic pipes as well leading into or out of your system. Here are a few common things that you need to know about these pipes.
- Copper pipes – These types of pipes are used to carry water because of their durability and resistance to corrosion. Because your water heater uses so much water it can take a toll on plastic pipes. However, these types of pipes are more difficult to repair because the copper must be cut and soldered in order to replace the pipes.
- Plastic PVC – Another common type of pipe you might see near your water heater is PVC. This will usually only be used for fresh water intake as this kind of pipe is not often used with hot water. This is an easier type of pipe to work with because it doesn’t need to be soldered.
Causes of Pipe Replacement
There are a couple common things that can cause your water heater’s pipes to need replacement. One common cause is corrosion. If your home’s water supply is of a certain acidity or if you have hard water, it can cause minerals or corrosion to build up inside the pipes. This will cause huge issues for your water heater. Rust is another issue that can develop and cause the need for pipe replacement. While copper is very resistant to rust, the soldering material used to fit the pipes together (referred to as “flux”) can start to rust. And, of course, there are pipes made of other materials that can be used in your home, such as steel and polybutylene, which can can also have issues with both rust and corrosion. If you are not sure what your water heater pipes are made of, call your local Orlando plumber to examine your system.
If you need water heater repair in Orlando, make sure that you call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) .
Common Water Heater Repairs
Friday, June 7th, 2013
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.
Water Heater Question: What Is The Water Heater Anode Rod?
Monday, March 4th, 2013We 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.
GE Hybrid Water Heaters in Orlando
Monday, February 4th, 2013Whether 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.