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Tag Archive for: water heater

water puddle under water heater

Can You Still Use Water If Water Heater Is Leaking

January 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Home Maintenance, Plumbing/by BJ Johnson

Depending upon where you live can determine where your water heater is located. In most cases, a water heater is either in your basement or in the garage of the home. The water heater is not something that you think of inspecting often, due to the nature of the appliance. As long as hot water is coming in when you need that nice shower, typically the water heater is out of sight and out of mind.

You should consider inspecting the water heater regularly, this can save you time and money. Noticing a leak to your water heater doesn’t mean a total unit needs replacing. Can you still use water if water heater is leaking? Depending on the type of water heater, yes you can use water if your water heater leaks. Gas water heaters and electric water heaters require different approaches when it comes to leaks. Drain the water and shut off the power to prevent extra water damage is your best approach.

Let’s take a look below at what might cause a leak and what we can do about it.

Hot water heater
Hot water heater

What Causes The Leak

Water leaks in the water heater are not uncommon. Typically, they are a clear indication that your water heater should be maintained or replaced. Here are some areas that will cause a leak.

  • Aging-most water tanks can last up to ten years without any damage or need for repairs. However, all of this depends on the environmental factors that come with where you live. Colder and freezing temps can reduce the longevity of your water heater. Keep track of your yearly maintenance of the water heater.
  • Inlets and Outlets-check your cold water inlets and hot water outlets to make sure they aren’t leaking. Both areas are susceptible to damage and should be checked on yearly.
  • Pressure relief valve and temperature gauge-these two parts of the water heater can malfunction at any time. If your water heater increases in temperature too quickly the pressure relief valve and temperature gauge could be damaged. Any type of damage to either of these parts will lead to a leaking water heater.
  • Drain valve-anytime you see a valve associated with an appliance, there is always a potential for a leak. In this case, a drain valve will drip to allow the sediment to escape from the water heater. However, if you notice more than a drip from the drain valve, there is a cause for concern. Drain the tank and see if the problem persists.
  • Tank itself-if the tank itself is the location of the leak, you will notice a flood more so than a leak. It is time to turn off the electricity to the tank and call on a plumber to come and replace it. 
Rusted water heater parts
Rusted water heater parts

How Can I Tell There Might Be A Problem

There are some pretty obvious signs that your hot water heater tank is leaking or at the very least should inspect your water heater condition. Let’s look at the list of areas that are the most obvious signs.

  • Water quality-anytime you have a water quality change, especially in regards to temperature, you should inspect the water heater. In addition to temperature changes, check for the color of water and if sediment is coming through in the water. The unusual smells or taste of the water is a clear indication of an issue with your water heater.
  • Outside water heater – while checking the water heater you notice some rust spots around the external screws and sidewall of where water typically could come out. Rust is a clear indication that water has leaked somewhere and your water heater should be replaced.
  • Noisy water heater-harden sediment that has built up over time will create some noise as the water heater is activated. Those sediment rocks essentially bounce around off the walls and internal components of the water heater. This is another clear indicator that it is time for a new water heater.
  • Puddles are forming-water puddles leaking from the bottom that have formed under and around the water heater are clear indications of a leak. This must be addressed or your tank will continue to malfunction.

At this point, if you notice a leak, the power from the circuit breaker should be turned off. You can also turn off the water supply to the water heater at this time. If you have a gas water heater, you will want to open up the doors and windows to get rid of any carbon monoxide that may have built up in the home.

How Much Does It Cost

A repair or replacement of a water heater can cost around $1,300 to $5,500. Typically, gas water heaters can cost you $1,000 to $3,000 for repairs and replacement. The monthly average cost for a gas water heater is $36.50. The monthly average cost of an electric gas water heater is $46.50.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While we are on the topic of water heaters, did you know that maintenance is required on the water heater? Conducting maintenance on the water heater allows it to last longer. Maintenance can involve the following, flushing it, adjusting the temperature and resetting, turning it off and back on, and checking the drain valve.

Another area associated with your water heater involves the internal parts. If the anode rod goes bad inside the water heater you likely will not have hot water. It is important to understand this part of the water heater so that you are aware of when to call on a professionally licensed plumbing contractor.

Finally, while the other parts are being inspected on your water heater, make sure that the thermostat is also inspected. A thorough inspection can save you time and money down the road.

water heater repairman
Water heater repairman

When Should I Call A Professional

Anytime there is a water concern in the home, it is a great idea to also reach out to your local home inspection team. The local home inspection team can refer you to a professionally licensed plumbing contractor. The contractor can assist you with your concerns regarding using water while the water heater leaks. A replacement water heater is likely needed. Before calling on the wrong plumbing contractor, reach out to the local home inspection team and learn all of your options in terms of your water heater needs. In this case, a reputable professionally licensed plumber.

Conclusion

Anytime you are doing plumbing upgrades or repairs, you should contact your local home inspection team. They will refer you to various local professionally licensed plumbing contractors. These contractors can give quotes on the installation of a new water heater if that’s what is needed. Check out our home inspection services in the Jacksonville, Area!

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/fresh-leaking-water-heater-scaled.jpeg 1920 2560 BJ Johnson https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png BJ Johnson2022-01-18 15:43:022022-01-18 15:43:07Can You Still Use Water If Water Heater Is Leaking
4 Tips For Water Heater Maintenance

4 Tips For Water Heater Maintenance

July 28, 2020/3 Comments/in Home Maintenance/by BJ Johnson

The water heater is essential for our homes as it provides the hot water that we need for washing clothes, dishes, our hands, and taking a shower or bath to name a few. Did you know that hot water heater maintenance is essential to lengthen its lifespan? If maintained properly, it can last 8 -12 years. However, the sediment accumulates at the bottom of the water heater and can clog the water lines.  You can maintain it yourself or call in a professional. Let’s take a look at 4 tips for water heater maintenance and additional tips to get the longest life out of it as possible.

1. Flush The Hot Water Heater

Flushing the water heater every six months is essential. This is not a difficult task and a DIY if you follow the instructions below:

1. Turn off the water heater

2. Connect a garden hose to the water heater drain, which is near the base of the heater and put the other end of the hose in a large bucket.

3. Open the spigot on the drain and allow the water to run until it is clear. This is about a 20-25 minute process. This will allow the sediment that has settled at the bottom of the heater to come out.

2. Gas Water Heater or Electric Water Heater? Adjusting the Temperature and Resetting

If you are not sure what kind of water heater you have, you can figure it out by looking around the tank. There should be a label that says if it is gas or electric and how to turn it on and off. If you have a gas water heater, it is recommended you consult a professional as it is more complex than an electric water heater.  Once you figure out the type of water heater you have,

1. A gas water heater has a thermostat near the bottom that can be easily adjusted by turning the knob.

2. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the breaker at the electrical service panel by flipping it and access the control panel of the water heater. The panel is usually near the bottom and can be accessed with a screwdriver. Once the panel is opened, use a screwdriver to adjust the temperature in 10-degree increments. Close the panel board, turn the power back on by flipping the breaker and wait an hour to see if the temperature adjusts.

3. Turning Your Gas Water Heater Off and Back On

1. We recommend you read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting. There is an access panel that is located on the bottom of the tank that you can take off. This is done by lifting the panel off and underneath is a heat shield. Look to see if there is a flame. Then, turn the control knob to the off position. If there is not, you will need to shut off the gas which is usually a red valve on a piece of metal or flexible piping running to the tank.

2. To Reset: Turn the gas back on and turn the knob to “pilot” and use the lighter button to cause a spark which ignites the pilot. You can view the pilot is lit through the small window opening at the access panel. Once the pilot is lit, give it a few seconds and slowly turn the control knob to add more gas to lit the entire water heater.

3. If it seems complicated or you are nervous about performing this maintenance, you can call a professional for help or look up the manufacturer’s instructions online.

4. Other Water Heater Maintenance Ideas

1. If you are traveling, or only live in your home part of the year, set the water heater on “vacation” mode. This will save you money because the water won’t heat up while you are gone.

2. Check the drain valve if you see water leaking and tighten it with a wrench. If this doesn’t work, call a professional.

3. Check the temperature release valve often, also known as the T&P. This discharges the water and lowers the temperature and pressure of the water heater.

4. Set the thermostat on the water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. A professional can help with any of the ideas above and more!

A working hot water heater is very important in the home so it is essential to maintain it properly. Do you have questions about your hot water heater or have you found additional ideas for maintenance? Drop us a line below!

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/water-heater-maintenance-scaled.jpeg 1707 2560 BJ Johnson https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png BJ Johnson2020-07-28 18:13:402020-12-02 18:16:354 Tips For Water Heater Maintenance
Age of a Bradford White Water Heater: How to Find It

Age of a Bradford White Water Heater: How to Find It

July 28, 2020/0 Comments/in Home Maintenance/by BJ Johnson

The home inspection went well and you closed on your “new to you” home. After the movers dropped off your belongings and you have started unpacking, you realize there is no booklet for your Bradford White water heater.  How do you know the age of the Bradford White water heater and when do you need to replace it? Let’s take a look.   

Water Heater Label and Age of Appliance

Many water heater brands are under one manufacturer. For instance, Bradford White is the manufacturer of Bradford White and JetGlas water heaters. The age of this brand of water heater is difficult to figure out as it is not on the label. It actually takes some decoding. Let’s look at an example of a label below from a Bradford White water heater:

Bradford White Water Heater Label
Bradford White Water Heater Label

The label above is from a Bradford White Water Heater. Since the date is not printed on the label, we need to look at the serial number. The first two digits are the letters ME. Bradford White uses a specific code to figure out the age of a water heater using the chart below.

Bradford White Water Heater Age Chart

1st DigitYear1st DigitYear
A1984/2004L1994/2014
B1985/2005M1995/2015
C1986/2006N1996/2016
D1987/2007P1997/2017
E1988/2008S1998/2018
F1989/2009T1999/2019
G1990/2010W2000/2020
H1991/2011X2001
J1992/2012Y2002
K1993/2013Z2003
2nd DigitMonth2nd DigitMonth
AJanuaryGJuly
BFebruaryHAugust
CMarchJSeptember
DAprilKOctober
EMayLNovember
FJuneMDecember

Looking at the table above, M is the 1st digit and represents 1995/2015. The 2nd digit is E and it represents the month of May. Bradford uses letters for 20-year letter cycles. Some labels will have the ANSI date and if it does not, let’s see how to figure it out.

  1. Let’s say it is the year 2020. Using the information above, does the condition of the water heater look like it is closer to 2015 or 1995?
  2. What is the age of the home or structure this water heater is in? A 2018 home with a water heater in good condition, probably has a manufacture date of 2015. Compare this to if it looks very old and rusty, it could be 1995 and you will need to think about a replacement.
  3. Third, the inspection tags or service tags will also determine the age of the water heater.

Life of a Water Heater

A properly maintained traditional water heater lasts about 8 – 12 years. However, sometime around 10 years you may see leaking or other issues so keep an eye out for signs that it is near the end of its life.  Consequently, if you see tinted hot water coming out or water pooling next to it, call a professional and find out if there is time left before a replacement is needed. Finding these issues early can extend the life of the water heater.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that many factors will determine the years of the life of a water heater. Taking care and maintenance of the unit will almost always extend life. If your unit is making odd sounds or doesn’t seem right, find out if it is under warranty. If not, contact a professional for help. When all is said and done, you can catch an issue early and often you can save money.

Do you have questions about your water heater or the age? Leave us a reply below and we can help!

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/age-of-water-heater.jpeg 1168 1752 BJ Johnson https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png BJ Johnson2020-07-28 15:13:352020-12-02 18:16:35Age of a Bradford White Water Heater: How to Find It

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