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Plumbing

The Importance of a Water Heater

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If you’ve ever been left with a cold shower, you understand the importance of a reliable water heater. You should know your family’s peak demand, such as what time of day two people shower back-to-back, or someone runs the dishwasher.

Water Heater

Also, consider any potential future changes, such as an expanded kitchen or more frequent guests. This will help you choose the correct size water heater. Read on Hot Water Now for more information.

A water heater is a household appliance that keeps hot water ready for use, and it can work with electricity, propane gas, natural gas, fuel oil or solar energy. Whether you are replacing an old model or installing one in your home for the first time, there are many styles to choose from. Choosing the right style depends on your family’s hot water needs and your home’s energy consumption.

Conventional tank-type water heaters have a large insulated tank that holds gallons of hot water until it is needed. Cold water enters the bottom of the tank and is heated by a gas flame below the tank or electric heating elements suspended inside the tank. An adjustable thermostat regulates the water temperature, and a pressure-relief valve prevents an excessive buildup of steam and water pressure.

Water exits the tank through a dip tube located near the top. This water supplies the hot-water taps in your home. When the dip tube is turned on, a switch opens and closes a circuit breaker connected to the tank’s electrical system. An anode rod is also present in most tanks; this is a sacrificial rod that attracts corrosion to itself instead of the tank’s steel lining. The anode rod is generally made of aluminum, magnesium or zinc and may require replacement on a regular basis.

Tank-type water heaters with digital displays can monitor the water temperature and provide alerts when it is time to change the anode rod. These models can also be programmed to shut off during a power outage or after a certain amount of hot water is used.

When you are choosing a new water heater, it is important to consider how many gallons per hour your family uses during the peak hours for showers, laundry and dishwashers. The higher the peak usage, the larger your water heater should be. Replacing a water heater that is too small for your household can cause running out of hot water during peak usage times. It’s a good idea to consult an expert when you are selecting a new water heater for your home.

Installation

Although water heaters look like complex pieces of machinery, they actually work pretty simply. In fact, your home’s water heater is one of the most basic and essential appliances in your house. While there are many different types of water heaters, most have the same general features.

A gas or electric water heater has a tank and a heating mechanism on the side or bottom of the appliance. An electric water heater also has a thermostat that controls the temperature of the hot water. If you’re interested in installing a new water heater, the first thing to do is consult your manufacturer for installation and maintenance instructions. Then, contact a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done properly. Most companies will obtain a permit, if necessary, and understand local water heater installation codes.

The cold water from your home’s municipal supply or well enters the tank through the dip tube, which is near the top of the tank. The water is then heated in the heating mechanism until it reaches the set temperature on the thermostat. The hot water is then piped out of the tank through the heat-out port, which is located on the top of the heater. The pressure relief valve keeps a constant pressure in the tank while this is happening, to protect the tank from an explosion.

Once the hot water is ready, it is pumped through your home’s pipes to whatever appliance needs it. This is usually your shower, but could also be your dishwasher or washing machine. To reduce energy use, you can install low flow showerheads and a recirculating pump to minimize how long the water stays in your pipes.

If your home has an older, larger tank water heater that is not operating at maximum efficiency, you can make the most of its capacity by limiting the length of showers and scheduling water-intensive chores, like laundry and dishwashing, at different times of day. You can also install energy-efficient low flow faucets and showerheads to further limit the amount of hot water you consume each day.

Maintenance

Water heaters need regular maintenance to keep them working well. This routine work typically includes flushing, inspecting and changing the anode rod (if necessary), checking the T&P valve and testing the thermostat and valves. It also involves removing sediment from the tank, which improves energy efficiency and reduces rust, leaks and scaling. This work helps to prevent the loss of water and avoid costly repair bills, and it can help to prolong the life of the unit.

A water heater that isn’t flushed regularly will eventually suffer from a buildup of scale or calc, which inhibits the heating elements from warming up the water to a proper temperature. This is because the calcite and sand in the scale acts as an insulator and only transfers very little heat to the hot water. This inefficient use of electrical energy results in higher electricity bills and can cause the heating element(s) to overheat and fail.

Performing a monthly visual inspection of a water heater is one of the easiest and most important steps in maintaining a water heater. It can catch a variety of issues early, such as loose screws and bolts, pooled water under the tank, or rust or corrosion. It can also catch problems such as a faulty pressure relief valve, which could explode under high pressure and cause a destructive flood.

The pressure relief valve is located on the side or top of a tank and allows water to drain out of it if the pressure rises too high. Mineral salt, rust, and corrosion can block this valve from operating properly, which puts the water heater at risk of exploding under excessive pressure.

To check the pressure relief valve, shut off the power and gas to the water heater. Next, connect a garden hose to the water heater drain valve and open it. Let about five to ten gallons of water drain out and into a bucket, then close the drain valve, shut off the cold water supply, and disconnect the anode rod from its hex head attachment. If it’s corroded or has several inches of exposed core wire, remove it and replace it with a new anode rod made from magnesium, aluminum, or zinc.

Repairs

Even if you are careful about routine maintenance, there will come a time when your water heater needs repairs. It’s best to call a plumber for this task, since it can be dangerous and they will usually have the right tools and equipment.

One of the most common signs that your water heater needs repair is a lack of hot water. This happens when sediment and scale build up at the bottom of the tank. This displaces the heating element and prevents it from warming the water. The plumber will need to drain and flush the water heater to resolve this issue.

Another sign of a failing water heater is leaking. Leaks can be caused by loose inlet or outlet pipes, or they can be due to corrosion on the inside of the tank. If you notice puddles or dampness around the tank, call a plumber immediately to inspect it and determine whether a replacement is necessary.

If the water coming out of your water heater is rust-colored, this is likely due to serious corrosion on the walls of the tank itself. This is another reason it is so important to have your water heater professionally drained on a regular basis.

If you have a gas-powered water heater, it is essential to be very cautious when performing a repair on your own. There are real dangers involved with tampering with the thermocouple or gas control valve. The water heater technician will have the proper safety gear to prevent any accidental gas leaks.

If your water heater is nearing its 15 year anniversary, it may be a good idea to consider replacing it. This will save you money on energy bills and reduce the risk of costly repairs or damage to your home. A new water heater will also have a longer warranty than your old one, making the purchase a sound investment. The plumbing professionals have the expertise and experience to help you find the perfect water heater for your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation and quote.

Plumbing

Different Types of Water Filtration

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Water filters help address common issues like chlorine taste and odour and prevent the formation of limescale. They also reduce the concentration of certain contaminants like fluoride, and some protect against germs including Cryptosporidium.

Water Filtration Atlanta addresses different concerns, so choose yours carefully. We have a huge range of options, from basic filters to multistage systems that do the job for you.

Using a physical barrier to separate particles from the water, mechanical filtration removes dirt, particulates and sediment. These can include anything from small organic debris and clay to pathogenic cysts (giardia, cryptosporidium). Mechanical filters may be as simple as a basic mesh that catches larger debris or as complex as a ceramic filter with an extremely fine pore structure for ultra-fine filtration.

The most common mechanical filtration is called a cartridge filter and it’s used in many aquarium and home water treatment applications. These are typically a replaceable element that’s held in a large assembly with two spools, one that holds new fabric and the other that’s holding used fabric. When the water reaches a certain pressure drop, the assembly is triggered to switch over and roll up the old fabric and unroll the new.

Even the best mechanical filters cannot stop all of the smallest particulates and contaminants from passing through their gaps. This is where adsorption comes in. When the contaminant particles get very close to the filter medium, their surface will attract them and they are then held there with weak electrical charges or molecular forces.

A good mechanical filtration system is designed in stages with a leading sieve or strainer that’s designed to capture the largest particulates and sediment pieces. This is followed by a series of filters with progressively smaller holes. Any contaminants that got through the previous filters are then caught by the next filter in the chain, until all of the contaminant matter is trapped.

All of the filtration systems listed above use some form of this concept. However, there are several different types of mechanical filtration systems, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Regardless of the type of mechanical filtration used, it’s important to regularly clean or replace them. This prevents waste build up, which can lead to a spike in ammonia and nitrite levels or slow down biological filtration. Fortunately, there are now many self cleaning filter systems on the market that make this task much easier than ever before. Just be sure to use the right cleaners to avoid killing beneficial bacteria that help with biological filtration.

Chemical Filtration

Chemical filtration is the next step in the filtration chain. It targets specific contaminants down to the molecular level that mechanical filters can’t. It is used as a tool to maintain clarity, remove odors, and correct water quality issues.

Chemicals can be absorbed or bound to the waste molecules, which then become trapped in the filter media. This allows the waste to be exported from the tank rather than being broken down and reintroduced back into the water. Chemical filters can include activated carbon, GFO, resins, or mixed all-in-one media. Activated carbon and GFO are the two most common chemical filtration methods for marine aquariums. There are also a variety of specialty filter media available as well including the likes of Biopellets, carbon dosing and Zeovit.

The first step of chemical filtration is often a coarse mechanical filter, such as a coarse sponge or filter socks that sifts and traps the waste material in a rough surface. Coarse mechanical filter media can be rinsed and reused if it’s cleaned regularly. The finer bonded foam, felt polishing pads and protein skimmers are typically disposable as they can’t be rinsing or easily cleaned.

After the coarse coarse mechanical filter media has done its job, the water is ready to meet the specialized chemical filtration media. These can be passive, such as the carbon filtration which is tuned for specific volatile organic compound (VOC) removal or active, such as the oxidation of metals through UV excitement. Biological filtration also counts as a form of chemical filtration as it harbors nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate, removing toxins from the water as they do so.

Mesh Filtration

Metal mesh filters offer a variety of benefits that make them one of the most popular filter media options available. These include their ability to be cleaned and their accuracy, along with their durability and flow rate. They can also be fabricated into a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the unique requirements of each application. Woven metal mesh filters are composed of an array of metallic wires. These wires create a pliable filter cloth with precise and rigid pore openings that can be customized to accommodate most filter systems. They can be woven from many different alloys including Alloy 310, Inconel 600, Duplex and Super duplex, Hastelloy C22, and Titanium.

To ensure that woven metal mesh is resilient enough to endure a wide range of operating conditions, it can undergo one of two heat treatment methods: annealing and sintering. Annealing is a common process that reduces the internal stress and hardness of each wire, while sintering creates a more permanent bond at each wire intersection. Both of these processes significantly enhance the durability of a metal mesh filter, which makes them ideal for use in demanding applications such as extruder screens and gasket socks.

During the manufacturing process, a metal mesh filter will often be welded together to ensure that the finished product is leak-proof and able to withstand high temperatures. This is typically done using a spot, TIG, plasma, or solder welding technique. The method of welding used will usually depend on the specific application and the desired characteristics of the resulting filter.

The final step in the fabrication process involves pleating the filter fabric to increase its filtration surface area. Depending on the size and complexity of the filter, this may be accomplished using a number of different techniques. For example, simple single-layer pieces are often welded with a spot welding process, while multiple layers of mesh are sometimes welded together by TIG or plasma welding.

The most important factor in determining which filter is best for your needs is to understand what exactly you’re looking to filter out of your water. The best way to do this is to provide your metal mesh supplier with as much information as possible about your application, including the required pore openings and material composition of the contaminants you’re trying to target. Once this is done, your metal mesh supplier will be able to recommend the appropriate filter material.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis water filters reduce contaminants by pushing water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane. The result is a high-quality, clean water for drinking and other household uses. Reverse Osmosis systems also have the ability to remove many dissolved contaminants, including fluoride, nitrates, and lead. These are not visible to the naked eye and cannot be removed with a standard water filter.

This is one of the most effective types of water filtration available but it’s typically unnecessary on a home scale. Reverse osmosis was designed for large-scale applications such as providing freshwater to remote areas or desalinating ocean water. This process also requires a great deal of energy and water to run effectively.

The specialized membrane used in reverse osmosis can remove up to 99% of certain types of contaminants. However, it can also remove some beneficial minerals that are important to your health. This means that RO systems often include a water softener to help restore those essential nutrients.

Another downside to reverse osmosis is that it can waste a significant amount of water. It takes about 4 gallons of water to produce just 1 gallon of clean, filtered water. This makes it an expensive option for homes that use a lot of water for cooking, washing clothes, and other daily tasks. Many zero waste systems are designed to offset this water usage by running the discarded water back across mineral beds to add some of those positive, healthy minerals back to the reclaimed water.

Reverse osmosis systems are also susceptible to biofouling, which occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms build up on the membrane. While city-treated water should be free of these contaminants unless a boil water advisory is issued, homeowners using well water may have to take additional measures such as ultraviolet disinfection to prevent them.

While distilled water is a common choice for a home distiller, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have the same level of purity as an RO system. Distillation removes most chemicals and minerals from the water, but it does not remove all. Our bodies need minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium to lubricate joints and aid organ function. Luckily, our diets can provide these nutrients, so it’s best not to skip out on them altogether.