Hot Water Heaters
We’ve had some scalding hot questions about where our hot water comes from, so Jack talked with expert plumbers about hot water heaters;
what kinds,
what to do with them
and why.
If you have the most common type of water heater, the Storage Tank Water Heater, did you know that performing a simple task like draining it annually can increase its lifespan and decrease your energy bills?
Discover why this routine maintenance is the unsung hero of long-lasting, efficient water heaters!
And remember when in doubt, instead of DIY, you can contact a local plumbing Pro in Jack of All Homes to do the job for you. Like Albert Einstein once said: “If I had to do it all over again, I’d be a plumber.”
1. Storage Tank Water Heater (Tank-style)
These are the most common type of water heater, with an ever-ready hot water reservoir in different sizes, typically 40, 50 or 90 gallons of water.
How it Works: These have an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until needed.
Identification: They have a large cylindrical tank, often in basements or utility closets. Features like a temperature and pressure relief valve, cold water inlet, and hot water outlet should be visible. Rating labels may specify tank capacity
2. Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heater
Tankless units only heat water as the home demands for it. There is no storage tank and you can never run out of hot water during long showers, a plus if you are the last one to shower!
How it Works: It heats water directly without using a storage tank. When a tap is on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where it's heated instantly.
Identification: This type of unit is a compact, wall-mounted, box-like unit. There is no tank, but there are heat exchangers inside. It may be labeled as "tankless" or "on-demand."
3. Heat Pump Water Heater
These are more energy-efficient than standard electric water heaters and are hybrid with a tank and a pump.
How it Works: Uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground to warm water, rather than generating heat directly.
Identification: Combination of a tank with a pump-like structure on top, which might look like an air conditioner's outdoor unit.
4. Solar Water Heaters
Want a super environmentally friendly way to take a hot shower and wash your clothes? These are the most environmentally friendly option harnessing solar power to heat water.
How it Works: It uses solar panels on the roof to absorb sunlight and convert it into heat, which heats the water stored in a tank.
Identification: The presence of solar panels or collectors connected to a storage tank indoors or on the roof.
5. Condensing Water Heaters
They are a little more environmentally friendly, ideal for homes using natural gas as a heating source.
How it Works: The unit functions much like a tank-style heater but captures hot exhaust gases, which otherwise would be expelled from a home, and uses them to heat the water in the tank.
Identification: It looks similar to tank-style heaters but is tailored for natural gas. A flue runs through the center of the tank.
6. Point-of-Use Water Heaters
Delivers hot water quickly to a specific location with less loss of heat.
How it Works: The unit heats water near where it's used, like under a sink or near a shower, reducing the time for hot water to travel through pipes and reducing the cooling off of the water through those pipes.
Identification: They have a small tank or box-like unit, usually situated under sinks and other places near where hot water is needed, such as a barn or pool house.
7. Portable Water Heaters
Compact and mobile heaters for outdoor activities, for those of us on the go!
How it Works: Designed to be mobile and provide hot water in activities like camping and fantastic for long outdoor film shoots. They typically connect to propane tanks.
Identification: They are small units with handles and hose attachments. It may have connections to propane tanks or other fuel sources.
Why Should You Drain Your Water Heater?
1. Sediment Buildup:
Over time, minerals like calcium, lime, and other debris can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This sediment buildup can reduce the heater's efficiency and increase energy costs.
2. Improved Efficiency:
Regular draining ensures that the water heater runs more efficiently. It helps remove sediment that can prevent the water from being warmed by a burner in a gas heater or the elements in an electric heater, requiring more energy to heat the water.
3. Longer Lifespan:
Draining and flushing the tank extends the lifespan of the water heater. Sediment buildup can cause the tank to corrode and develop leaks over time.
4. Safety:
Sediment buildup can also lead to the overheating of the tank, causing the pressure relief valve to fail, potentially leading to an explosion. Regular draining helps prevent this.
5. Water Quality:
Draining also helps improve the quality of the hot water. Sediment buildup can cause discoloration and an unpleasant odor.
How Often Should You Drain Your Water Heater?
1. Once a Year:
For most households, annually draining the water heater is typically sufficient. It’s a good maintenance practice to keep the system running efficiently.
2. Twice a Year for Hard Water Areas:
Consider draining the tank every six months if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water contains more minerals, leading to quicker sediment buildup.
3. Inspect Regularly:
Regular inspections can help determine the need for draining. If you notice issues like reduced efficiency, noise, or discolored water, it might be time to drain and flush the tank.
If you’re feeling interested and/or DIY-ish, here’s the steps taken by the expert plumbers we talked with on how they drain hot water heaters. They do recommend contacting plumbing experts to do it safely if you’re not experienced.
Materials Needed:
Garden hose
Screwdriver or pliers
Gloves
Safety goggles
Bucket (optional)
Safety First:
1. Turn Off the Power Supply:
Electric Water Heater: Turn off the circuit breaker.
Gas Water Heater: Turn off the gas supply.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply: Turn off the cold water supply valve.
Draining Process:
1. Cool Down:
Allow the water inside the tank to cool down for a few hours to avoid any accidents due to hot water.
2. Attach Hose:
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the water heater's bottom.
3. Place Hose End:
Place the other end of the hose where the water can drain safely, considering it might be hot and contain sediment.
4. Open a Hot Water Faucet:
Open a hot water faucet in the house (like the sink or tub) to allow air into the system, which will help the water to drain more effectively.
5. Open Drain Valve:
Open the drain valve where the hose is connected to allow water to flow out. This process can take some time, depending on the size of your water heater.
6. Use a Bucket (optional):
If the water is not draining well, you can open the temperature and pressure relief valve for faster draining, but be cautious as the water will be hot. Use a bucket to catch any water if needed.
7. Flush the Tank (optional):
Turn on the cold water supply with the drain valve open to flush out any remaining sediment. Be cautious, as the water will be hot.
8. Close the Valves:
Once the water has completely drained and the tank is flushed, close the drain valve, temperature, and pressure relief valve (if opened).
9. Refill the Tank:
Turn on the cold water supply to refill the tank. Close the hot water faucet in the house once the water starts flowing out.
10. Restore Power:
Electric Water Heater: Turn the circuit breaker back on.
Gas Water Heater: Relight the pilot light and turn the gas back on.
11. Check for Leaks:
Ensure there are no leaks from the drain valve.
12. Safety Check:
For gas heaters, ensure the exhaust vent is positioned correctly and securely.
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