Allen Plumber - Water Heaters
If you own a house in Allen, TX, you own a water heater. You probably don't spend much time thinking abou¬t the Dallas water heater until, one morning, you go to take a shower and there's no hot water. Then you probably think about it a lot.
If you're the curious sort, the following water-heater question may have crossed your mind: "How can the water stay hot if cold water comes in as soon as you start using the hot water?"
A gas water heater is nearly identical to an electric water heater, except that an electric heater contains two heating elements, while the gas heater has one burner at the bottom, with the chimney running up through the middle of the tank.
An Allen water heater consists of the following major parts:
- A heavy inner steel tank that holds the hot water. It typically holds 40 to 60 gallons.
- A dip tube to let the cold water into the tank.
- A thermostat to control the temperature inside the tank.
- Heating elements if electric or a burner if gas.
- A drain valve to drain the tank for service.
- A pressure relief valve for safety.
- A sacrificial anode rod to help keep the steel tank from corroding.
All of these parts come together to heat your water. Normally the proper temperature is around 120 degrees, and as cold water comes in, it drops to the bottom of the tank while the hot water rises. If you use the hot water faster than the heater can heat the incoming cold water, you will run out of hot water in the middle of your shower. If this happens often, it’s time for Allen plumbing help.
If you are considering a new water heater, a tankless water heater is a great option. Here is how a tankless water heater works:
- You turn a hot water faucet on.
- The water enters the tankless water heater.
- The water flow sensor detects the new water.
- An internal computer ignites the burner.
- The water circulates through the heat exchanger (coil).
- The heat exchanger almost instantly heats the water to your desired temperature. Once the cool water that is in the lines is cleared, you have hot water.
- Using this process, the tankless water heater can provide you with continuous and endless hot water.
- The unit shuts down when you turn off the faucet and the water flow ceases.
When you’re looking for a new water heater in Dallas, keep in mind that the money you spend now may well be an investment that pays off in the long run. More expensive water heaters are often less costly to run than cheaper water heaters. To make a good investment, you’ll want to consider both the initial sticker price and the long-term costs of running your heater.
When it comes to water heaters, no one knows them better than Allen Plumbing Pro. If you need Allen water heater repairs, our associates will be on the way as soon as possible, and make sure you have hot water and are satisfied with our job before they leave. We are also experts when it comes to water heater installations. If you need to install a new water heater in your home, consider your Allen plumber. We know everything there is to know about tankless water heaters and electric water heaters as well. So if you would like to upgrade to a tankless water heater or an electric water heater, or you need someone who is experienced in fixing both, we’re here for you.
When you're dealing with a leaky faucet, broken pipes, clogged drains, a water heater leak, or have a general need for emergency plumbing services, you can count on our professional Allen plumbers to save you a lot of headaches. We specialize in all aspects of plumbing repair and plumbing service solutions.
At Allen Plumbing Pro we know how complicated yet how important your hot water tank is. If you have a leak or just not enough hot water then call us today. We are available in Allen 24 hours a day. Our number is (972)546-2980.
Allen Plumbing Water Heater Questions
Q: Should Allen water heaters be flushed and drained regularly?
A: Yes. Annual flushing and draining of your water heater is recommended to promote a long, useful life. Removing sediment that accumulates in the bottom of the water heater improves the water quality, as well as the heating efficiency. Clean water decreases the amount of energy required to heat the water, resulting in lower energy costs. Also, the flushing and draining gives a qualified technician a chance to inspect the heater while the cleaning process is taking place, spotting any impending problems before they become an emergency. Call your Allen plumbing experts for all your water heater needs.
Q: How can I tell the age of my Allen water heater?
A: Nearly all modern water heaters, electric, oil fired, or gas fired, include data tags and stickers that indicate the year and month of manufacture of the water heater. That doesn't tell you exactly when a water heater was installed but it does indicate the age of the water heater itself. Some manufacturers encode the year and month of manufacture of their water heater in the product's serial number so that the water heater age is not immediately obvious. You can do an Internet search for your water heater manufacturer to help decode the age. Most water heaters last 10+ years. However, the Department of Energy recommends that you start researching new water heaters if your current water heater is 7 years old.
Q: Should I test my temperature and pressure relief valve?
A: Yes, test the temperature and pressure relief valve (TP&R valve, T&P valve) every six months or so by raising and lowering the test lever on the valve. Frequent testing can reduce the chance of a leak caused by mineral and corrosion buildup.
Q: Do I need a drip pan under my water heater?
A: Depending on your local building codes, a drip pan may be required. When a tank is located in the attic, a drip pan is necessary to prevent extensive damage to your home in the event of a leak. We would recommend a drip pan for all water heaters with installation by professional plumber to ensure proper operation and compliance with building codes.
