We all use the water heater as a basic necessity in our homes. Though, this is the most basic and yet the most neglected appliance in our home. Do you know that a water heater constitutes to almost 25% of your household energy bill?

This fact surely emphasizes on a great deal of work done by a water heater. Usually, a water heater lasts for around 8 to 12 years. This signifies that the installation of a water heater is a task that happens in years and is not a frequent project. Similarly, it also emphasizes on a fact that with such great advancement in the methodology of installation, repair, equipment and the up gradation in the appliances industry, there is no valid reason for us to handle the job on our own (as a DIY project). However, we must hire the professional services of a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX.

While a newly installed water heater is not much problematic in terms of repair or inefficiency, the parts or the elements of the water heater are now easily available in the market and at reasonable prices. But, this should not be taken as an excuse for not hiring a plumber in Fort Worth, TX. A person who is aware of the technicalities of home appliances must know that a wise decision is always to hire the experience of an expert plumber in Fort Worth, TX.

Following that, have you ever experienced interrupted electric power or a wrong voltage issue? These are just two of the issues that a person faces when it comes to installing a water heater. However, in order to avoid these issues, you must hand over the newly bought water heater in the hands of a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX so that it can be handled the way it deserves. And this would definitely make yours and your water heater’s life much more comfortable.

 

The installation of a water heater by a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX

Here the steps that an experienced plumber follows and which makes us free from the headache of frequent repair and maintenance. Furthermore, this signifies the importance of having the right tools and equipment to carry out the installation task. Not to mention, only a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX is equipped with these right tools.

Unpack the water heater and check the home connections

For a perfect start and the installation, the professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX ensures to follow these smart steps.

• Always check the water supply, vent positioning, and gas supply for their functionality before you unpack a water heater
• Ensure that all the required tools are available. This may include a drill or nut driver, pencil, measure tape, pipe joint compound, screws, utility knife, small bucket and a spray bottle
• By following the given line on the box, unpack the water heater with the use of a knife. Also, make sure that the wires and control unit is not damaged and for this always use a dolly for the water heater and position it accurately.
• Now measure the both of the earthquake straps. One at the top and under the T&P valve and another at the bottom, at the top of the pilot control.

It is important to make strong connections in order to avoid the leak

The most common problem that people usually face is that once the installation is completed, either they there is a gas leak or water leak issue. And this is because they fail to make the strong connections during the installation process. Hence;

• Avoid soldering connections by connecting the water supply by the use of flexible copper supplies. Keep the shut-off valve closed and avoid spilling of water on the water heater surface by placing a bucket below. Also, ensure tight connections to avoid the leak.
• Now place the vent hood in the correct positioning and press it. With this, you will be able to hear a clicking sound indicating the correct installation of it
• Now put the vent pipe inside and if you choose to use an old pipe then make sure it is free from any holes or the cracks. To make them look good, attach the elbow and keep them in line.
• Now connect the supply (gas) by keeping the valve closed. Also, with the use of the joint compound, joint the flex connector with the control unit and avoid putting way too much pressure on the unit while to place it.

It’s time to check the result by filling the water heater tank with water

Now, it’s time for you to double check the connections and fill up the water heater tank. In order to get the perfect result, the plumber in Fort Worth, TX suggests that there are few things that you should consider.

• Once the tank is filled up, check for the leaks
• Attach the earthquake straps after filling up the tank as the water heater is quite light in weight when it’s empty.
• Attach the pipe with T&P valve to remove the excess water and keep the pipe 6” off the floor
• Always turn the gas on by keeping the dialer set for pilot lightening
• Double check for the gas leak by spraying soapy water on all the connections. Whenever, there is a leak it is indicated by the bubbles coming at the surface, however, if you notice any such issue then simply turn the gas off and fix the issue of these weak connections at first.

By following these smart tips and steps of water heater installation by a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX, you may easily get over with the installation job in just half an hour. Also, this would give you a relief in terms of reduced need of frequent repair and maintenance.

What should be done now?

If you too do not possess the expertise to carry out the installation by yourself then do not hesitate in hiring in the expertise of Tioga Contractors as their experienced team of professionals plumbers in Fort Worth, TX is well-versed to handle the most uncommon plumbing issue in the best manner.

Water heaters are an indispensible part of most homes. A typical water heater has a life span of 10 to 15 years. At the end of the life span, water heaters generally require frequent plumbing service in Dallas, TX. While you can’t prevent the wear and tear of the water heaters, you can take a number of steps to extend the life of the heaters and save money on costly plumbing repair in Dallas, TX.

In this article, we will share some tips that can help you to extend the lifespan of the water heaters.

1. Install an Expansion Tank

You can potentially double the lifespan of the water heater by installing an expansion tank. This is particularly helpful when you use a closed system like a tankless water heater. When the heater warms the water from 50^o to 120^o, the water expands by about 2 percent. This means that a 50 gallon tank will produce about 1 extra gallon of water.

In case of a closed system, the valve will prevent excess water from flowing back into the main water line. As a result, the excess water will have nowhere to go but remain inside the water heater.

Rapid expansion and contraction of the water heater will place additional pressure inside the water tank. Over time, this can damage the inside of the tank, resulting in costly plumbing repair in Dallas, TX. Installing an expansion tank can greatly extend the lifespan of the tankless water heater, and also save you from the hassles of calling a professional plumber in Dallas, TX.

2. Install Additional Anode Rod

Another tip to extend the life of the tankless water heater and to reduce the need of a costly plumbing service in Dallas, TX is to install additional anode rods. The rod inside the tankless water heater is usually made of either aluminum or magnesium. Overtime, the rod undergoes galvanic corrosion to prevent rusting of the tank. Adding a second anode rod will provide additional protection against the rusting of the water heater.

3. Regularly Flush or Clean the Water Heater

Sediments build up inside the water tank over time. This can decrease the efficiency of the water heaters. Also, it will result in additional wear and tear of the tank requiring frequent service of a professional plumber in Dallas, TX.

Flushing the water tank can prevent the buildup of sediments inside the tank. You should hook the heater with a garden hose and drain the water down the drain. Consider cleaning the drain at least once a year to prevent the sediment buildup.

4. Buy Water Softeners

The water supplied in some states in the US has high mineral content. Water that contains a high mineral content is also known as hard water. The water with high mineral content results in scaling inside the tank that greatly reduces the lifespan of the heater.

Residents in areas where hard water is supplied should consider installing water softeners. These remove the excess minerals from the water that won’t accumulate inside the tank. As a result, there will be less need of calling in a plumbing service in Dallas, TX to repair or replace the water heater.

5. Pressure Regulating Valve

High water pressure can also damage the water heater. In case the water pressure is more than 90 PSI, you should consider installing a pressure regulating valve (PRV). A pressure regulating valve will reduce the wear and tear of the water heater due to high pressure, and extend its life.

6. Install Walter Filter

Apart from installing water softener for resolving the hard water problem, you can also install a water filter. The water filter will sift the mineral deposits from the water. Unlike water softeners that use  ion exchange resins or salt to remove minerals from water, a water filter simply consists of a filter that blocks magnesium, calcium, and other minerals from the water.

7. Avoid Using Wire Nuts

Wire nuts should not be used to connect the wires of the electric heater to the main breaker panel. The reason is that wire nuts can cause an electrical fault that pose a fire hazard. Most modern water heaters have direct wiring harnesses that do not require additional wiring. However, some have a short wire and require splice connecting to the breaker panel.  Instead of using wire nuts for such systems,  a professional plumber in Dallas, TX will recommend use of an AC disconnect box in order to create a solid connection. This will protect the water heater circuitry from getting damaged due to an electrical fault. Also, it will reduce the risk of a fire inside the house.

8. Use Safe Temperature Setting

Setting the temperature too high can damage your water heater.  It’s important that you set the temperature to about 122^o. However, you don’t have to worry about maintaining a safe water temperature with modern water heaters. These heaters have computer controlled thermostats that will keep the temperature at a safe setting.

9. Ensure Proper Venting

Do you have a tankless water heater installed at home? If so, you should ensure proper venting of the device. This is important to remove harmful fumes from the system. Make sure that you install a venting system that properly expels the fumes from the unit. Proper venting will go a long way in ensuring optimal performance of the heating device.

10. Install Ball Valve

Consider installing ball valve on the inlet and outlet side of the water heater. The balls will make it easy to replace and service the tankless water heater. A little forward thinking in this respect will save you money in the long run.

The above tips can greatly help in extending the lifespan of the water heater. You should also consider having the water heater checked annually by a professional plumber. The extra effort in maintaining the water heater will result in great cost savings for you. For professional plumbing repair in Dallas, TX, you should contact Tioga Plumbing, Electric and Gas.