Electric Water Heater

Considering the potentials of endless hot water supply, lower energy bills, additional storage, and average savings of $44 a year, yes it is worth it.

Nothing much has changed in the design of water heaters during the last 60 years. It is constructed mostly with a steel tank, bond vitreous glass to prevent rusting, and equipped with sacrificial anode rods to protect the steel.

It relies on a heat pump to pull heat from surrounding air and move it into the water heater. Resistance elements are used to produce more hot water.

These are designed to retain water in an insulated cylinder that is ready for use. It is capable of servicing multiple hot water outlets simultaneously.

There are a couple of reasons why you should consider using electric water heaters, like:

• Convenience
• Cost effectiveness
• No wastage of electricity
• Water conservation
• Virtually endless hot water available

Typically it is wired to a 220-volt circuit, where the current is passed through an electrical resistant heating element to heat the water. The two heating elements are powered by a thermostat to control water temperature.

When the upper thermostat regularly trips, the common cause is a bad heating element. Another possibility is when the metal casing of an element cracks and exposes live wires to the water in the tank resulting in a short circuit.

This is caused by a faulty drain valve, which must be replaced by a licensed plumber.

The knocking noise is caused by the sediment trapped under the water at the bottom of the steel tank. As the water is heated, it boils and bubbles up, creating the knocking noise.

This problem may be traced to a broken dip tube, malfunctioning heating system, or sediment buildup inside the tank.

The most likely cause is overheating, especially when the temperature exceeds 180 degrees. Tripping occurs to protect you from scalding. The cause of the overheating can be traced to a bad thermostat.

Loose wiring, bad high-limit switch, and a shorted heating element can also cause tripping.

There are various conditions that can qualify a water heater as not working. Most of the time the problem can be traced to the energy source. Another potential cause is not enough hot water produced, which can be caused by wrong temperature dial adjustment.

In order to clean the water heater, you need to:

1. Drain the tank.
2. Remove the access panels to the heating elements.
3. Remove the heating elements and disconnect electrical wires.
4. Clean the removed element with vinegar solution.
5. Reconnect the wires and refill the unit.
6. Check for leaks and put back the insulation.
7. Close the access panels
8. Power on the unit.

Follow these steps to drain the heating unit:

1. Turn off the power.
2. Turn off the water.
3. Place a bucket under the drain or attach a garden hose and run it to a floor drain.
4. Open the pressure relief valve.
5. Drain the water from the tank.
6. Close the valve.
7. Turn back on the power and water supply.

The reset button is found behind the covers at the front of the unit. The high limit switch or ECO can be seen under the top cover mounted against the tank and directly above the upper thermostat. Press the button to reset the water heater.

To adjust the two heating elements to the same temperature level, you have to locate the two covers at the front of the water heater. You may have to pull back the insulation to get to the covers. You will see a gauge with hash marks or letters. Twist the gauge to raise or lower the temperature of the unit.

A multimetes is used to test the thermostat of the water heater. You need to remove the upper and lower access panels of the unit to test if the thermostat is faulty.

So how will you know if it is time to replace your heater? There are usually four indicators:

1. The unit is already more than 10 years.
2. Rusty water is coming from the unit.
3. You hear a rumbling noise.
4. There is water forming around the unit.

Repairing water heaters can be quite tricky especially if you do not have the proper training for it. This is something best left to a licensed plumbing professional. However, what you could do in case something goes wrong with the unit is to reset it. If the reset does not solve the problem, then call a plumbing professional immediately.

The basic installation of an electric water heater follows these steps:

1. Place the water heater on a drain pan.
2. Twist in the new relieve valve.
3. Install the discharge pipe and position it toward the floor drain.
4. Place a plumber’s tape on the ends of the connector body threads.
5. Secure the fitting to the hose.
6. Slide compression nut and ring onto the pipe.
7. Fill tank and open hot side.
8. Connect the wirings.
9. Test for leaks.

A 50-gallon heater running for three hours a day has an electricity rate of about $0.16 kWh, which translates to $781 in operational costs every year.

Yes it is possible if the temperature is too high or the pressure relief valve malfunctions.

In general it does not have a pilot light, but it may have bezels, which may be colored red or green.

These types of heaters are comparably easy to maintain that it needs no combusting or venting.

IF you have the newer Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) units, you can technically allow it to sit on the floor.

Find the nearest clean dry area nearest to the plumbing fixture to avoid long uninsulated lines that waste water and energy.

It should be as close as possible to the outlet and the pool pump and filter.

The most practical way is to have it as close to the house as possible to limit the length of the underground pipe.

For a 20 gallon heater, it can be safely positioned above the shower.

Most water heating units can be places on stands when installed in the garage.

On the average this is around $1,300 including removal and disposal of old materials, transport, and new material and installation.

This is anywhere from $120 – $200 depending on the damage.

A 50-gallon tank can run up to $1,000 not including required upgrades.

Rheem is considered as one of the best in the market because it is reasonably priced and has a reputation for durability and reliability.

The main consideration should be what you will need in the long term. The most common choices would be either a 40 gallon or 60 gallon unit.