Water heaters can last for many years with proper maintenance and repairs. When it comes to replacing one, however, you should hire a professional plumber to ensure that all connections are made properly. Contact Hot Water Heater Replacement Denver for professional expertise.
Look for signs that you need to replace your water heaters, such as a foul smell or discoloration of the hot water. A top-rated local pro can help.
The element is the component that converts electrical energy into heat energy within your water heater. It also helps prevent mineral deposits from forming in the bottom of the tank. A residential unit has two heating elements – the upper and lower ones. Both play a critical role in ensuring hot water. If the lower one fails, the upper element takes over to prevent your home from running out of hot water. However, your heating element can be subject to damage over time, particularly if you live in an area with hard water. In some cases, this can cause the element to overheat or short out entirely.
When buying a new heating element, it’s essential to select one that has the same voltage and wattage as the old element. You should also choose a high-quality, screw-in-type element if your water heater was configured for that type of element.
After purchasing a replacement, you’ll need to shut off the power to your water heater. Then, close the drain valve at the bottom of your tank. You’ll also need to open the cold water inlet valve and a nearby hot water faucet. This will allow air to escape from the tank before you add water.
Next, disconnect the black and white circuit wires from the element using a wrench designed specifically for this purpose. You should then loosen the screws holding the heating element and remove it from the tank. Before replacing the new element, clean the area around the gasket and install the fresh new one. Be sure to replace the metal cover as well. Once you’ve tightened the screws and reattached the 2 wires, it’s important to close the water heater drain valve before refilling your tank. You should also open the cold water inlet valve and reopen the hot water faucet, making sure to leave it opened for three minutes to flush out any remaining sediment in your system.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a very important part of your hot water heater. It is a sensor that determines your desired temperature setting, and it also controls the amount of time the heating element will run. There are a few different types of thermostats. One is a digital thermostat that displays the current temperature, while another is a data logging thermostat that records a set temperature setting over an extended period of time. A telephone thermostat is also available that allows you to adjust your thermostat settings via phone call.
To install the new thermostat, first remove the vent pipe. Clean the threaded ends of the pipe and apply a small amount of piping compound before reassembling it to the gas valve. Next, use a wrench to screw the new union fitting into place. Finally, reattach the discharge pipe to the temperature and pressure relief valve.
If you notice rusty water leaking from the top of your tank or a rusty pool beneath it, this is not good. These problems usually indicate that your tank has rusted through, and it will need to be replaced. In addition, if your pilot light is out or there’s a garlic-like smell coming from it, turn off the gas supply valve and call a Carter professional immediately.
Remember, if you’re considering replacing your hot water heater yourself, it is still important to contact your local department of inspections to find out if you will need a permit. If you don’t have the proper knowledge and skills, hiring a professional plumber will save you time and money in the long run. Plus, you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly!
Anode Rod
Anode rods are a vital part of your water heater’s tank. These rods attract corrosive materials like magnesium and aluminum, diminishing the corrosion of the vulnerable steel interior of the tank. However, anode rods do not last forever. When they reach the end of their life, they dissolve and need to be replaced.
The best way to determine when the anode rod is due for replacement is by a water quality test. You can purchase kits at home improvement stores to test your water for minerals and rust. If you notice heavy concentrations of these contaminants, it’s likely that the anode rod needs to be replaced.
To replace the anode rod, shut off the water, power or gas and drain a few gallons from your tank. Then, remove the hex head with an impact wrench and 1-1/16-in. socket. Wear work gloves to protect yourself from the hot water.
Once the anode rod is removed, you can replace it with a new one made of either aluminum or zinc-aluminum alloy. Zinc anode rods are recommended for homes with a sulfur smell, as they are effective at eliminating the odor by reducing bacteria growth.
To do this, first, consult the manufacturer’s manual to locate the anode rod. It is usually located near the top of the tank, hidden under a plastic cap. Some manufacturers also offer flexible anode rods, which have short segments that snap together much like tent poles. They are ideal for homes with less than 44 in. of clearance above the water heater (Photo 1). These rods can also be used with your existing tank. They are more expensive, but they will save you money on tank replacement by protecting the sacrificial anode for longer than traditional anodes.
Dip Tube
The dip tube directs incoming cold replacement water to the bottom of your tank to prevent it from mixing with the hot water, which rises. Without it, your tank will only supply lukewarm water to faucets and appliances. The dip tube also reduces sediment buildup in your tank. When it breaks or deteriorates, cold incoming water mixes with the hot water on top of your tank. This can significantly lower your tank’s overall water temperature.
A lot of the water heaters made in the early 1990s used defective plastic dip tubes. These tubes break, crumble and dissolve into pieces of various sizes that can clog faucets, aerators and other appliances in your home. They also decrease your water heater’s overall performance.
Fortunately, the dip tube on most modern water heaters is a tougher material that won’t fall apart. It’s usually colored blue to distinguish it from the old-style white ones that were prone to failure. In fact, it’s not uncommon for these tubes to last the lifetime of your water heater.
If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, shut off the power to it (electric) or turn off the gas control valve (gas). You can then drain your tank by attaching a hose to its drain valve and running water through it. After the tank is drained, disconnect the nipple for the cold water inlet pipe at the top of your water heater. Using a pipe wrench, remove the old dip tube and replace it with a new one. Make sure your new one is a non-metallic material like crosslinked polyethylene PEX. You should also consider replacing it with a curved model, which will swirl the water as it enters your water heater to help reduce sediment build-up.
Pressure Valve
As water heats up inside the tank, it expands and generates pressure. The tank is designed to handle this pressure, but if too much pressure builds up in the system, it can rupture pipes or explode. The pressure-relief valve prevents this by releasing some of the excess pressure to the vent.
The valve’s inner mechanism has a diaphragm that can be tightened or loosened to adjust the valve’s opening size and thus the pressure it relieves. It can be set to operate at a maximum of 50 to 80 psi, which will reduce the stress on fixtures and pipes installed past the valve.
In addition to a release mechanism, the valve has a discharge tube that extends to six inches above the floor. This is designed to safely discharge the excess pressure in case the valve becomes triggered.
There are different types of pressure-relief valves, including low-lift PRVs that don’t lift open all the way and full-lift PRVs that do. A plumbing technician can help you decide which type is best for your system.
When a system overpressure is sensed in the pressure-sensing passage (A), it pushes against the spring force of the valve spool, which shifts and opens the valve. As the valve spool moves, the liquid flowing through the secondary circuit causes the disc to rise until it reaches the designed pressure value and releases the overpressure.
Like other water heater components, the pressure-relief valve needs regular maintenance. It should be tested and lubricated to keep it functioning properly. The anode rod and dip tube also need occasional attention to ensure they’re working correctly. It’s a good idea to drain your tank once or twice a year to remove any sediment buildup that could lead to rust and leaks.