Proudly Serving Appleton, WI and the Fox Valley
24/7 Emergency Service
Your water heater is an important appliance in your home. It provides hot water for showers, cleaning and other daily tasks. Over time water heaters can wear out and become less efficient. But how can you tell if it’s time for water heater replacement Kaukauna, WI, or if a simple repair will suffice? Let’s take a look at the signs that indicate you may need a water heater replacement.
Owning a house is expensive, and heating water is much more expensive than people realize. If you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, take a look at your hot water heater. You may be surprised to learn that heating water accounts for about 18% of your utility bills. That makes it the second-largest energy expense in the home (after HVAC). So, adjusting your hot water heater setup and usage patterns could result in significant savings. In this article, our Fox Valley plumbers share a few easy tips for saving on your water heating bill.
One of our favorite tips for saving on your water heating bill is adjusting the thermostat that can be found on your water heater. We recommend adjusting the thermostat if it’s set higher than 120 Fahrenheit. With every 10 degrees lower, you’ll save about 3-5%.
Do you have a dripping faucet that you’ve put off fixing? Consider the following: A slow leak faucet wastes about 3,153 gallons of water each year. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumber Maplewood, if the leak is coming from the hot water tap, you’re not only paying for the wasted water but also for the energy used to heat it. The same could be true for water heater repairs. If your water heater is acting up, search for the best plumber near me, so the problem doesn’t get worse.
It’s one thing to put off a bathroom remodel, but don’t put off replacing ancient plumbing fixtures. Replace your showerheads and faucets with low-flow ones if they were made over 20 years ago. Modern showerheads consume half the amount of water that older showerheads did.
Make an effort to be more careful of how much hot water you use. Shorten your showers, wash your laundry in cold water, and only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Examine your daily routine and look for ways to reduce your use of hot water. Even cutting your thirty-minute shower could reduce your water waste and energy bills!
It is a waste of money to heat water that will not be used. We suggest installing a timer on your hot water heater so you can save the most energy. If you reside in a region where energy prices are higher during peak hours, you may even use it to turn off your water heater during certain times.
Traditional storage tank hot water heaters have an average lifespan of 15 years. If yours is towards the end of its useful life, consider upgrading to a more efficient water heater. Tankless hot water heaters and solar hot water heaters are significantly less expensive to operate. Aside from the financial advantages, you’ll appreciate the fact that tankless hot water heaters have an unending supply of hot water. Need water heater replacement in Appleton, WI? Contact Tureks Plumbing Services! We offer the best plumbing services in the Fox Valley areas.
Here at Tureks Plumbing Services, we are dedicated to ensuring that all your plumbing queries are answered and needs fulfilled. As we get into the cooler months, more plumbing problems will arise. In this article, we explore some of the most common water heater problems Fox Valley homeowners experience. If you need professional plumbing services in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing today!
A dip tube is a plastic tube, usually long, that is present in almost all water heaters. It is fitted into the inlet of the water heater and hangs about 8 inches above the base of the tank. A dip tube that is properly functioning is designed to shoot the cold water coming into the base of the heater where it is heated quickly and with ease. If no dip tube is present in your water heater, the cold water mixes with hot water, which is at the top of the tank heater on its way to the outlet. This is what results in lukewarm water coming out of your faucets, instead of hot water.
In a scenario where the dip tube in your water heater breaks off, depending on how much of it broke off, you may either have only lukewarm water coming from your water heater into your faucets or the water may run out very quickly. Gilmore Heating and Air, an HVAC, and plumbing company in Sacramento explain that this is because the cold water remains at the top of the tank, where it cannot be heated and mixes with hot water from the hot water outlet, which is also located at the top of the tank—hence resulting in cold or lukewarm water going into your house’s hot water pipes before it has been sufficiently heated.
Water heaters manufactured between 1993 and 1997 are equipped with defective dip tubes, which, depending on the water chemistry in your locality, as well as the pH and temperature setting of the water, may result in these tubes crumbling, breaking, or dissolving into smaller pieces.
To check whether your water heater was manufactured between 1993 and 1997, check the first four digits on the serial number. These represent the month and year of manufacture. If the third and fourth numbers are 97, 96, 95, 94, or 93, your units could be affected.
According to experienced Fox Valley plumbers, there are two options if you indeed have a bad unit. The first would be to replace the water heater and flush all faucet filters and screens in the house. This also applies to water heaters, which have been in use for more than ten years. The water heaters present on the market now are fitted and manufactured with dip tubes that last almost as long as the water heater. For a water heater replacement in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing today.
The second option would be to replace the defective dip tube with a cross-linked polyethylene dip tube then flush the sediment, particles, and debris out of the filters, screens, and the water heater. It is important to note that you may have to flush the system more than once to clean the heater effectively. If you would prefer a professional to handle the matter, please reach out to a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin.
If your house has a storage-tank water heater, sediment buildup is something that is bound to happen. In the water heating process, water entering the water heater tank is often carrying dissolved naturally-occurring minerals such as magnesium and calcium, little amounts of sand as well as other debris. This debris, combined with the minerals, forms into sediment particles, and they settle at the bottom of the tank, explains OC water heater professionals at Do It Right Plumbers. When these sediment particles buildup, you may experience issues with your heating system such as:
Sediment buildup affects the water heater’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature of the water, and it also wears down the energy efficiency of the heaters. As the buildup piles, these sediment particles can replace the water in the tank, block the water lines, block the drain valve, or cause untimely tank failure. If your tank prematurely fails, contact emergency Plumbers in Appleton Wisconsin for help with the installation of a new and far more efficient model.
Additionally, to help prevent sediment buildup, hire a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, to flush your storage tank periodically throughout the year.
Water heaters that have been functioning for 10 to 15 years may be faulty due to old age as well as wear and tear. Also, not flushing your water heater tank periodically throughout the year as recommended by professional plumbers may also interfere with the heating system of one’s water heater.
A water heater may fail mostly in these three areas:
It is best to leave the diagnosis and water heater repairs to a trained and licensed professional plumber. If any of this information resonates with your water heating problems, please contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, today.
To repair or replace? This is an important question every homeowner needs to answer when dealing with water heaters.
Water heaters are important in many homes. Homeowners would wish to repair their water heaters instead of buying new ones. It is more economical. However, there comes a time when replacing the water heater is actually more economical and beneficial. Deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater can be decided upon based on a number of factors.
Here are some of the factors that will determine whether you will call a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin for a repair or a replacement for your water heater.
Water heaters tend to last long. A basic water heater will have a lifespan of about 10 years. If your water heater is less than ten years old and has been providing you with great service, then repairing it will make more sense.
Note that all water eaters do not have the same lifespan. A storage water heater, for example, is likely to last for 15 years while a solar water heater is likely to last for 20 years. A tankless water heater one will last longer.
Therefore, if the lifespan indicated has not lapsed, and the unit can be repaired, then let your plumber in Appleton Wisconsin carry out the repairs.
How efficient is your water heater?
You can tell how efficient your water heater is by looking at the sticker on the side, which estimates the annual costs of operation. Check to the R-Value (the ability for the water heater to resist heat based on its insulation). A higher R-value means better insulation. Replace the water heater is the R-value reads anything below 24 or if it feels hot to the touch.
Additionally, check the water heater’s energy factor. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient your water heater is. Therefore, if your water heater is efficient in its operations, then repairing it will work well.
How satisfied are you with your water heater based on the amount of hot water you need in your home?
If you have or are planning to have a family, then you will need to replace your water heater at some point. Your hot water requirements will increase based on the number of people using it. You will also have more laundry and dishes to clean as well as more people using the shower.
A water heater that served you well when you were, perhaps, two, will not be sufficient when the number hikes to 5. This calls for a replacement.
The same case applies to when your family starts to decrease. There is no point in having a high capacity water heater if people are moving out of the house. You will be wasting money on heating water unnecessarily.
Cost is a major factor in deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater. However, there are a number of questions you need to answer if caught between repairing and replacing a water heater. They include:
Answering these questions will help you determine which one is a more worthy option.
Your plumber will be better able to advise on the level of damage and whether you need to replace or repair it. Some issues like leaks might call for a replacement.
If you are caught between repairing and replacing a water heater in Appleton, perhaps its best to consult a plumber, Tureks Plumbing Services offers you professional services for all your domestic needs to keep you enjoying your home.
Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Water HeaterWater heaters are an important addition to any home. For years, homeowners have relied on hot water to carry out different cleaning activities in their houses. Additionally, technology has allowed the invention of different types of water heaters.
They are mainly divided into two, tankless water heaters and storage tank water heaters. These two vary in many ways and as a homeowner, it is important to understand the differences. To be sure you make the right decisions when picking a water heater in Appleton read on.
Tankless water heaters are unlike the traditional forms of water heaters. Heating is provided by gas or electricity which is able to rapidly heat water on demand.
Tankless water heaters are considered more energy efficient. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan of about 20-30 years and require little plumbing maintenance. This form of water heating system comes with a higher initial cost but will save you money in the long run.
A tankless water heater is ideal for you if there are many users in your home. It also consumes less space compared to a storage-tank water heater. The tankless water heaters we recommend are made by Rinnai.
This is one of the oldest and most common forms of water heating systems. It employs the use of a tank for storage purposes where the required temperature of the water is maintained.
A storage tank water heater has a lower initial cost in terms of purchase and installation. It also costs less in repairs and maintenance allowing you to save money. However, they do not last long compared to tankless water heaters.
Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, a heating company in Placerville, add that you are also likely to have higher utility bills because the talk keeps reheating the water to maintain the required temperatures. Additionally, your water heater is likely to use more energy if you live in colder regions.
They require plenty of space for the tank. Their lower longevity also poses a risk to your property as well. Problems such as leakages can cause damage to other equipment or furniture in your house.
Most of the traditional equipment in your home is being replaced by newer and more efficient equipment. The same goes for water heaters. You are better off picking a tankless water heater if your finances allow you. The money you spend will be recovered from the money you save throughout its lifetime. You are also going to spend a lot more if you are replacing your tank storage water heater with a tankless one.
Tankless water heaters can function well if placed outside the house. These work well if you live in a place where space is an issue.
Storage tank water heaters are also ideal for anyone who cannot handle the initial cost of installation. However, you will be required to spend a little more on repairs and maintenance. It also not a very convenient way to heat water if you are many in the house since it requires some time to heat the water.
If you need a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin to help you pick the best water heating mechanism then look no further than Tureks plumbing services.
Today, instant hot water is no longer considered a luxury; it is now more of a necessity. When you have a water heater, you don’t have to run the bath for several minutes to get the right temperature. You won’t suddenly be drenched by cold water in the middle of enjoying a warm bath as well.
The key to enjoying a warm or hot water every time you need it is to install your water heater properly. Although this is a job best left to experts, there is nothing wrong with trying to install it yourself. And once you have any problems going through with any of the installation steps, you have to call a professional plumber immediately.
Below are the steps on how to install a new water heater properly and safely:
Shut off the circuit breaker for the line where you will connect the heater. Next, turn off the home’s main water shutoff valve or the shutoff valve at the cold water supply line running to your current heater.
Turn off the cold water supply to the heater. This is often located at the top of the unit. Next, connect a hose to the water heater’s drain valve and open the valve. Place the end of the hose near a floor drain or into a pail.
Make sure you drain the tank completely before you turn off the valve and remove the hose.
Next, disconnect the water heater’s electrical wires. Label the wires or take a picture so that you can easily use them later when connecting your new heater’s wires. Once done, disconnect the hot and cold water supply pipes.
If your current heater used copper piping, you may need to cut the pipes. Use a pipe tubing cutter to do this and leave as much of the pipe as possible.
Once you have taken down the old tank, place the new heater into position. Make sure you line it up with the existing electrical and plumbing connections.
Next, install the different fittings. These include the temperature and pressure relief or TPR valve and discharge drain pipe. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
If the cold water supply does not have a shutoff valve, now is the time to install one. When done, use the correct fittings to connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet on the water heater to their respective pipes. Be sure to use the correct type of fittings.
Use the previous wire connections as a guide and connect the new wires in the same way that you removed them. Make sure you follow the labels when connecting the cables to the electrical source.
Turn on the cold water supply valve to the water heater and turn on the main water supply valve to fill the tank with water. Next, restore power to the water heater circuit. Set the temperature between 110 and 125 degrees F and wait until the water in the tank comes up to temperature. Leave the water turned on for a few minutes to ensure that the heater maintains the desired temperature.
As you can see from the steps above, installing a new water heater is not an easy task. You will need a number of plumbing tools which you may not have as well.
If you don’t want your new water heater to become a fire, explosion, and health hazard, hire a pro to install it properly.
By hiring a plumber to handle the installation, you:
By letting a trusted Appleton plumber handle the water heater installation, you will be sure you can use your newly installed electric water heater as soon as possible. You will be able to use it safely for a long time as well.
Water Heater Maintenance | Reasons to Flush Your Water HeaterThanks to modern water systems, the water you drink is reliably clean, safe and healthy for your household’s use. That’s because the sediments and minerals you don’t want in your drink have already been filtered by the system.
But these substances do not completely disappear. Some of the materials simply settle at the bottom of the water heater tank. This residue — or more accurately, sludge — is not only extremely unappealing to look at. The worst thing about excessive sediment build-up is that it can cause several problems in the performance of your water heater which can lead you to experience extreme inconvenience and unnecessary expenses.
These problems are the main reasons you should invest in a water heater maintenance. If you want to avoid these problems, you need to make it a habit to flush your water heater on a yearly basis. Doing so will deliver the following benefits:
Sediment build-up can make it difficult for your tank to heat water up. When you get rid of sludge, you enable your water heater tank to run more smoothly and reliably.
If your heater is in good condition, it won’t need to work as hard and consumer energy that’s more than necessary. You’ll see a reduction in your power bills once your water heater regains its efficient operations.
An overworked water heater due to excessive sediment at the bottom can easily leak, get rusty or even burst.
A leaking or faulty water heater tank can cause water to seep into your property. As you know, moisture and excessive water can cause water damage, weaken the structure, and ruin your walls, ceilings, electrical systems and more. You significantly lower the possibility of all these when you vigilantly flush your water heater annually.
Some homeowners who are confident with doing DIY work can do it themselves. The process entails opening the drain located at the bottom of the tank and then removing the sediment by running clean water on it.
However, many prefer the more practical and efficient way: hiring professional plumbers to complete a water heater maintenance. When you get reliable experts to do it for you, you ensure thorough results. Moreover, reliable Fox Valley plumber at Turek’s Plumbing will not only focus on solving the excessive sediment issue, but they will also look into the overall condition of your water heater, ensuring good performance for the years to come.
