Q:How large of a Water Heater do I need?
Q:What is the life expectancy of a Water Heater?
A:One frequently asked questions is, "How long should my residential water heater last?". The answer is not simple. While the average life of a residential heater has been said to be ten to twelve years, many things can affect the life of a Water Heater. One of the big things that affects the life span of a Water Heater is the amount of contaminants in the water, the location in which your water heater is installed, and whether ot not your perform Routine Maintenance on your Water Heater.
Q:Where can I find the model and serial number on my Water Heater?
A:The model and serial number can be found on the Water Heaters model rating plate. The rating plate is generally located
• For residential gas models - above or near the gas control
• For residential electric models
•Top or side plumbed heaters - on the lower portion of the jacket.
• Table Top Heaters - generally on the bottom ledge of the heater (you may need to get on the floor to locate the rating plate) or on the bottom portion of the jacket. The model rating plate is generally a clear sticker outlined in black. On the plate you will find the model, serial number, BTU or wattage, gallon capacity, and certification stamps as well as additional information.
Q:What is required for Routine Maintenance on my Water Heater?
A:Flushing the Water Heater is something that should be done on a regular basis to clear the tank of settled contaminants. The procedure is as follows:
• Turn off the power at the breaker and/or place the Water Heater in the OFF position.
• Hook a garden hose up to the bottom drain valve. Place the garden hose in a position to allow full discharge of the water through the hose ( in the yard or flower bed or the bath tub)
• Open the drain valve wide open. DO NOT CLOSE OFF THE INCOMING COLD WATER SUPPLY TO THE HEATER
• Run the water out of the hose until the water runs clear. Once the water is clear, shut off the bottom drain valve and remove the garden hose.
Read your Warranty /Operations manual thoroughly before performing Maintenance of any kind.
Q:I have noticed a puddle on the floor/pan. Is the Water Heater leaking?
A:Water accumulating on the floor or in the drain pan is generally caused by one of the following conditions: Condensation -Condensation should only be noticeable after a long draw of hot water. Once the temperature of the tank is above 110°F, condensation should stop.
• Drain valve leaking - Check to see if the heater drain valve is closed tightly. If the leakage cannot be stopped by the hand wheel, replace the drain valve.
• Temperature and pressure relief valve leaking - If the leakage is from temperature and pressure relief valve or its discharge pipe, it may represent relief valve activation. The relief valve relieves water slowly when actuating on pressure. A closed system can cause pressure to increase in the system. This condition is called thermal expansion. The incoming water pressure should also be checked and compared with the valveʼs rating. If the supply water pressure is higher than the valveʼs rating, a pressure reducing valve will be needed.
• Leak from piping on and near the inlet and outlet - In warm or humid locations, condensation can accumulate and run down flue tubes, cold water supply pipe, and heater connections. Check connections and fitting for possible leaks.
• Leak at gas valve threaded connection (gas models only) - The valve needs to be removed and resealed with pipe joint compound.
• Leak from gaskets for electric elements (electric models only) - These gaskets can be replaced. The element threads may need to be resealed.
A leaking Water Heater tank leaks all the time and does not stop and start. If the water is coming and going you may have a condensation issue. Condensation can form when a Water Heater is over used. If the tank is confirmed to have a leak, the tank should be replaced.
Q:Why do I have less hot water than I had before?
A:The most likely reason, in a two element heater, is that the lower element is not heating . The unit only operates one element at a time, with most of the work done by the lower element. When the lower element fails, the only hot water you will get comes from the upper element, which only supplies about 1/3 of the total volume of hot water.
Q:Should I put an insulation blanket on my newly installed Water Heater Xpress
Water Heater. What is recommended?
A:Insulation blankets available to the general public for external use on water heaters are not necessary with our products. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. Our Water Heaters meet or exceed the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary. Please consult your warranty manual if you are thinking of installing a blanket, as a blanket could void the warranty. Read instructions Carefully.
Q:How do I adjust the temperature on my Electric Water Heater?
A:ELECTRIC Follow these steps when adjusting the temperature:
TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY. Do not attempt to adjust thermostat with the power turned on.
• Remove the thermostat access panels and foam covers from the thermostats. Do not remove the plastic personal protectors covering the thermostats.
• Using a flat tip screwdriver, rotate the adjusting knob to the desired temperature setting.
• Replace the foam covers and access panels, and turn on the heaterʼs electrical supply.
Q:How do I adjust the Temperature on my Gas Water Heater?
A:GAS: Turn Temperature setting knob to desired temperature:
Temperature
Setting
|
Approximate
Temperature
|
Time to produce a 2nd & 3rd
degree burn to adult skin
|
VERY HOT
|
160° F
|
About 1/2 second |
C
|
150° F
|
About 1-1/2 seconds |
B
|
140° F
|
Less than 5 seconds |
A
|
130° F
|
About 30 second |
HOT
|
120° F
|
More than 5 minutes |
LOW
|
80° F |
No hazard |
Q:What is the main difference between gas and electric Water Heaters?
A:There are several main differences:
1. Gas Water Heaters have a higher recovery rate. [water reheats faster]
2. Gas Water Heaters cost less to operate
3. Electric Water Heater do not require venting
4. Electric Water Heaters require no combustion air
5. Electric Water Heaters can be put in tight locations
