hot water heater - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

Sue White Dec 6, 2022Jan 16, 2024

Tips On Increasing Water Heater Efficiency

Did you know that heating water can account for nearly 20% of your home’s energy bill? Heating water takes more energy than any other household task. You’ll feel the effects even more if your water heater isn’t working as intended.

Inefficient water heaters perform less than they should and can cost you more each month. This is a losing situation that can only get worse over time. There are some proven ways to increase the efficiency of your water heater. These five easy projects can make your water heater more efficient and help you save money:

Step 1: Drain Water Heater Sediment

Minerals like calcium and magnesium build up over time in your water heater tank. These minerals settle to the bottom of your tank, hardening and forming sediment. The sediment can cause your system to work harder to heat your water. Overworking your water heater can lead to ruptures and overheating. Water heater sediment can be easily removed by draining the tank completely and flushing it with cold water once a year to maximize efficiency.

Eliminating sediments from your heater will make it run more efficiently and help prevent costly repairs. Flushing your water heater can be done easily by anyone with the right tools. It is possible to hire a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach to flush your water heater as part of larger water heater maintenance calls.

Step 2: Insulate water pipes

The heat tends to quickly dissipate, especially in pipes and water tanks. This is normal, but it can also cause your water heater to not heat as efficiently as it should. To compensate for heat loss in your pipes, you will need to heat more water. Your water heater will use more energy if you heat more water. This will result in higher electric bills. Insulating water pipes reduces heat loss and increases efficiency. Insulating your pipes will ensure that heat does not escape from the system. You could also switch to a tankless water heater to skip this step.

Step 3: Use low-flow fixtures

Low-flow plumbing fixtures can be another way to save money over time, and without requiring too much effort or time upfront. Low-flow fixtures reduce water flow so less hot water is wasted. Traditional fixtures can be replaced with Low-flow faucets and shower heads to save up to 50% on your water consumption. These are more expensive upfront, but they will save you money in the long term, especially if your family member is notorious for taking hot, long showers.

Step 4: Set your Water Heater to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit

It’s a fact that every water heater comes with a thermostat built in. The thermostat tells the system how hot it needs to heat water in the tank. Your system’s heat output will determine how hot your water is. The longer your system runs, the more energy it uses. You should change the thermostat setting on your water heater if your hot water becomes too hot or appears dangerously hot. Your water bills will be lower if you turn down the thermostat, preferably 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Fix Plumbing Leaks

Water heater leaks often begin at the heater itself. Check around the tank of your water heater for visible leaks. These leaks could be caused by the temperature-pressure relief valve or drain valve. Temperature-pressure relief valves can leak to release pressure, as intended, or simply because they are faulty. Also, check the water pipes around fixtures such as sinks and showers. For assistance in detecting or fixing plumbing leaks, contact your local plumber.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing if you need help with water heater installation, repair, and maintenance. You may also reach out to us for other plumbing needs. Contact us today!

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor

Sue White Oct 21, 2022Jan 16, 2024

5 Perks Of Water Heater Maintenance

Although scheduling water heater maintenance might not be on your priority list, there are many good reasons to do so. Homeowners can enjoy many system benefits from professional water heater maintenance that they won’t get otherwise. Continue reading to learn about the many benefits that you are missing if routine water heater maintenance is not scheduled with a plumber.

1. Keep manufacturer warranty active

To keep your warranty active, you must maintain your system annually. You could lose your warranty if you don’t follow the maintenance plan outlined in your owner manual. If your system fails to function within the warranty period you will not be eligible for any plumbing repairs unless you can show that your unit was regularly maintained.

2. Improve system energy efficiency

Minerals will settle over time at the bottom your water heater making it more difficult to heat hot water. This will eventually reduce the water available for heating, which can lead to a decrease in hot water supply, especially if your heater is a traditional tank system. Your plumbing professional will clean out any mineral buildup in your water heater. Your water heater will run more efficiently if it is free of sediment.

3. Identify your repair needs early

Your residential plumber will not only remove excess sediment from the system but also identify any repair needs. This will allow you to anticipate future water heater repairs and help prevent system failure. By understanding the current health of your water heater, you can plan financially to meet your system’s future needs.

4. Reduce water cost

Professional water heater maintenance has the best benefit of reducing your water costs. Your plumber will remove excess buildup in your system to increase efficiency. This will translate into lower operating costs throughout the year because your unit won’t have as much work to produce hot water. Your water heater costs will drop as your plumber can identify and fix small issues before they become major problems.

5. Improve system longevity

Your water heater will last as long as 20 years if you maintain it properly. This depends on what type of system is used. This longevity can only be achieved by maintaining a regular maintenance schedule. Annual maintenance is essential to ensure that your system does not fail.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now and let our team of expert plumbers make sure that your water heater is maintained accordingly.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about plumbing services.

Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor

Sue White Oct 7, 2022Jan 16, 2024

Hot Water Heater Leaking? Here are the Best Times to Call a Plumber

Hot water heaters are one of the most important household appliances. It should be checked regularly to ensure there aren’t any problems. A minor hot water heater leak can cause damage to your floors, walls and personal property.

Regular inspection of your hot water heater is important to avoid any serious issues in the future. Here are steps you can take to repair your hot water heater before it causes damage and expensive repairs.

Find the origin of the leak

The first step in repairing a hot water heater leak is to identify the source of the problem. Below are the most common causes of water heater leaks:

Broken Drain Valves

Most of the water heater drain valves could be made out of plastic, brass, or composite material. Plastic is the most expensive option but it is also the most susceptible to bursting and leaks. Composite and brass are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures.

Corrosion

Although water heaters are designed to resist corrosion to some degree, eventually water heaters will be more susceptible to corrosion as it ages. Water heater leaks can be caused by corroded tanks.

Connectivity to the water main

Leaks could also occur in the tubes that bring cold water to your hot-water heater, and those that carry hot water out to your sink and shower. The valve must be replaced if it is damaged. Otherwise, the fittings on the pipes can be tightened.

Broken Temperature/Pressure Valves

This horizontal lever is the water heater component. It is located at the tank’s top at the water outlet joint. The expansion of water causes steam to be released. Temperature and pressure valves allow excess water and steam to escape from the hot water heater, preventing it from exploding. It is usually easy to replace a leaking pressure or temperature valve.

Here are some steps you can take if you find a hot water heater leaks

Once you have examined the origin of the leak and determined the reasons for it, you need to decide whether to repair it or buy a new water heater. While some hot water heater leaks can be fixed quickly and without the need for a plumber, others may require more time and money.

Water heaters naturally produce natural condensation. If the hot water tank is damaged or rusty, the heater might not be worth saving.

It is possible that your hot water heater leaks from the temperature relief valve. If this is the case, it should be tightened. It is important to tighten the valve securely, but not over-fasten. Lift the lever to check if the T&V valve is operating. Water should be emitted from the vent pipe that runs down the side of the hot water heater. You can also tighten loose connections to the water lines with a wrench. The tubing could be loose, which can be easily repaired.

If the pressure or drain valve breaks, these can be replaced cheaply. To prevent further damage from hot temperatures, it is safer to replace a leaky plastic valve.

These fixes are easy to do yourself and not too expensive. However, corrosion can require a more complicated repair. Repairs to hot water tanks or valves that have suffered from corrosion or rust will require the services of a plumbing contractor in Myrtle Beach.

If your water heater is severely damaged, it is best to have it checked by professionals from Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC. Leaking or heavily corroded water heaters are not problems that you can ignore. Repair or replacement is almost always necessary for such damages.

Schedule water heater repair

You should never take lightly a leaking hot water heater. Hot water heater leaks can cause serious damage to your hot-water tank and lead to mold-growing fungi. Sometimes, the water can seep through walls or under floors and reach unseen areas.

It is best to call a professional plumber or attempt a DIY repair on your leaking water heater as soon as possible. If you see signs of corrosion or rust, it is time to call a plumber. Rust can cause serious damage and will require a complete water tank replacement. An experienced plumbing contractor in Myrtle Beach will be able to inspect your hot water heater to determine if you need to replace it.