The Truth about Water Heaters

So the Water Heater is out!?

What now? Do you know what brand it is, how many gallons is it, is it a Water Heater or a Water Maker?

Lots of questions you have to answer to get a replacement. These answers can equally eat up your time if you’re talking with a plumber as well. I mean lets face it. Most investors don’t know the basics when it comes to Water Heaters. They think, turn the left handle on and its hot.

I once had a service call where the older gentleman was convinced the hot water to his shower was blowing cold, in truth, he got them backwards. He was very embarrassed (and for those of you wondering, I did not charge him)

So I wonder then. Are you aware that the new Water Heaters coming out are different?

“Water heaters produced after April 16, 2015 must conform to new energy efficiency standards. These translate to a mandatory increase of 3% – 30% greater efficiency vs. current models.”

With greater efficiency comes what?..... That’s right, more expense.

The new ones will be slightly taller and/or wider, so swapping like for like will not be possible, and for those of you with already tight quarters for your tank, it could mean some remodeling.

So a couple of things I wanted to Mention about Water Heaters that I feel are overlooked are this.

• 1.Change is coming. Besides the change in size and make, will come the changes to code as to where you put your water heater. If you’re looking at a property with a water heater(s) in the crawl space, then odds are they will have to be relocated when they give out. The point? Start planning now for those upcoming changes when figuring your numbers.

• 2.When the hot water is hot but not for very long then one of two things is happening: 1. Sediment, and quite a bit, or 2. One element is bad Note to self: if the element is shot, replace both, and the thermostats that run them. If you do it one at a time it will cost you time in the end, and time is money, so don’t be cheap.

• 3.Know your equipment.What this means is if it has 4 water pipes coming out of it, it is a water maker, being fed by a boiler. If it has two pipes for water, it’s a regular gas or electric water heater.

• 4.Take a picture of the data plate, or the manufacturer’s sticker, and store it on your computer. This can and will save tremendous amounts of time when speaking to a technician.

• 5.When a water heater wont drain, and the tank is obviously full. Then its time to disconnect the water heater, at the top and suck out the water with a hose and a small pump. Then carefully spin out the drain, and install a drain with a full pipe diameter drain. ¾ inch pipe with a ball valve will give you the best performance when needing to drain.

• 6.Lastly for this post. Drain your water tank at least once a year, and flush it when your done. This can and will add years to your tanks life.

Remember a Water Tank can be a very expensive project. So don’t try to be cheap, or better yet, don’t be afraid to call a professional. If they screw it up, it’s on them, but if you do? Well I think we all know the answer to that one.