Electric Hot Water Heater
Not Working Properly
Turning on the tap or shower and finding lukewarm, or worse, ice-cold water running through your pipes is not pleasant – especially if you are already in the shower. We are experienced in the repair and installation of electric water heaters and can respond quickly to get your hot water working once again.
How Long Does An Electric Hot Water Heater Last?
- An electric hot water tank has a life span that can range from 10 to 20 years or less depending on condition of the water, manufacturer and quality of the tank.
- During that time repairs may be needed.
- Some tanks may not be repairable and will need to be replaced.
Best Course of Action
Plumbtech Plumbing Inc. in Barrie has repaired and/or installed a lot of electric water heaters over the past 30-plus years. Repairing an existing tank will help extend its life and will cost less than the purchase of a new one. Plumbtech’s experienced plumbers can diagnose the problem and advise if it can be repaired, or if it is better to install a new one.
New Safety Tech
Water heaters are, by code, required to have a mixing valve. The valve mixes hot water with cold so that it comes out at a warm, safe temperature when the hot tap is turned on. The valve is designed to prevent burns from scalding hot water.
Temperature Is Important
For more than the obvious reasons. The temperature in a hot water tank needs to be 140 degrees Fahrenheit and higher to kill bacteria such as Legionella from occurring. Legionnaires’ diseases are life-threatening.
Mixing Valves
Installing a mixing valve on top of the hot water tank will mix hot and cold water and keep it at a safe temperature when it leaves the mixing valve. The water temperature is adjusted before reaching the taps and fittings.
Handles and Taps
One and two-handle faucets have to be adjusted at the taps. A relaxing soak in the bathtub can have repercussions if there is no adjustment. Topping up the hot water directly from the tap has the potential to cause burns. When the water in the tub cools mid-bathe, the adjustment will allow for hotter water temperatures for top-ups.
Booster Units
If the hot water tank is a long distance away from the plumbing fixture, an inline water-heater tank can be installed under the sink, in the vanity, to help with the delivery of hot water. A smaller, 110-volt unit functions as a booster water heater at the sink to prevent cooling from occurring.
Booster tanks are available from Plumbtech. Homeowners may also purchase their own. If purchasing your own, make sure it fits the space and there is existing separate electricity available.
Circulating Pumps
If the hot water has to travel a long way, there is an opportunity for it to cool in the plumbing line before it reaches the tap. A small pump is installed at the hot water tank to move the water continuously. Also, some circulating pumps can be set up on a timer so they can come on when needed.
Space Saver Tanks
A small-space saving hot water tank can be plugged in but it has to have a separate plug or have roughed-in wiring ready to go.
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Common Hot Water Tank Issues
- Leaks can occur at the valve, plumbing connections, or the tank itself.
- Older tanks can start to leak, damaging any flooring or carpeting, furniture, and anything else that happens to sit on the floor.
- It’s best to catch it early as it will keep spilling water until the tank is empty.
- In addition, if the water flow to the tank isn’t turned off, the tank will keep refilling and leaking even more water onto the floor.
- There is a hot water tank pan that’s available with a spigot to go to a drain to catch leaks.
Calcium
- It’s good for your bones, not your hot water tank.
- Calcium can collect in the mixing valve at the hot water tank.
Sediment
- It’s the enemy of a hot water tank, particularly in hard water.
- It’s naturally occurring and increases with the amount of water that goes in and out of the tank.
- Mineral deposits such as limescale and hard particles from the sand, clay, or any other debris, settle at the bottom of the tank, shortening its life.
Tanks & Seasonal Residences
In a seasonal cottage, the electric hot water tank is drained along with all the other plumbing fixtures and water lines.
Make sure to turn off the breaker that supplies the electricity to heat the water in the tank. This prevents the water heater element from burning out due to no water in the tank when the electricity is turned on in the spring.
Once the water to the residence is turned on again, and the hot water tank is filling, open a hot water tap in one of the fixtures to let the air out. Keep it open until the water comes out. Then, turn the breaker back on to safely heat the water.
Electricity
- Make sure the voltage is rated for the size of the hot water tank.
- A small tank of 5-25 gallons will usually require 110 voltage. Smaller tanks can be used to boost the hot water supply when the main tank is too far away.
- Anything larger than 25 gallons will require higher voltage.
In The Event of an Emergency.
Plumbtech Plumbing Inc maintains a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week Emergency Service. Highly skilled plumbers can be dispatched throughout Barrie, Simcoe County, and Muskoka. Call (877) 705-7209.
