Here are heat related plumbing tips that will help you get the most heat, conserve the most energy, and get the longest life out of your heat based plumbing devices.
Consider installing a hot water circulation pump. This device maintains a small amount of hot water flowing through your household pipes so that it will not ever become cold. For example, it can be frustrating when you’re getting ready for work and the shower water is icy cold, yet this can be avoided by installing a hot water circulation pump. By doing so there won’t be a delay before the water gets hot and you will avoid this situation altogether while you will also save water because you don’t have to heat it up for several minutes to a comfortable level.
There is another option available called a demand-based hot water circulation pump which is a bit more advanced. This device is installed at the water heater itself and has a control valve at the plumbing fixtures. It can be programmed to work at certain times and to only reach a specific temperature. This system will save you money and energy as it doesn’t heat up the water when it isn’t being used.
Your hot water heater is most certainly a household device which we rely on every day so it is important to notice when it may be in need of maintenance. When this unit breaks down it causes considerable frustration in your daily routine as the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower become useless. It is important to note that all mechanical devices will eventually breakdown as this includes your hot water heater. The following tips will enable you to prevent issues and get the most life out of the system.
Keep an eye out for leaks or drips and any water which has accumulated in the pan beneath the water heater. If using a gas water heater ensure the flame is blue and not yellow. Notice if the temperature set on the unit aligns with your shower temperature whether it is too cold or too hot. Take note of any rust exiting through your faucets as this is most definitely a sign that you will need to service your water heater. And watch for any cracking or bending in the hot water heater tank as well.
Hot Water Heater Maintenance Tips
A bit of ongoing hot water heater maintenance can go ensure you get the longest life possible out of your water heating system. Perhaps twice a year take the time to note that your water heater is performing optimally. Storage tank water heaters have warning signs such as noticing that the water from your faucets or showers is too hot or too cold. There shouldn’t be any drips or puddles around your hot water heater, nor should there be any rusting or cracking.
Hot water heater maintenance is not a DIY job but there are steps you can take to maintain your storage tank water heater. These include checking that the pressure relief valve isn’t sticking. Open it and make certain that it is opening and closing smoothly. Also, ensure that hot water sprays out of the drain outlet. By flushing the hot water tank you will remove the sediment which can harm your tank over time. Do so into a floor drain, into a large bucket, or away from your home. You can also inspect the anode rod to ensure that it is not spent and is still preventing the tank from rusting.
Insulating your hot water heater tank is a great way to improve energy efficiency. It could be built into your current device if it is perhaps less than ten years old but can be done manually, if not. If you do not have this available on your unit it is possible to use an insulating blanket which is inexpensively sold at home centers and hardware stores. It is a simple DIY job to wrap up the storage tank with holes cut out in the location of each valve, vent, and electronic component but easiest with two people.
Smart technology is another way to approach your water heating system and it doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive. It is possible to retrofit smart monitoring systems into most hot water heaters. This enables you to use an app to adjust the water heater settings and schedule so you can save energy during a period when there is no hot water use in your household. While it is also easy to override setting as well when your schedule demands that you make unexpected changes.
The most reliable way to inspect, maintain, and repair your hot water heater in order to get the longest life possible from it while conserving energy and money is to contact your local plumbing professional for a service call. Call today!
