So you just installed a new water heater... (Hopefully, you called White Mountain Water Heaters to do the job - but, for the sake of argument, let's say you didn't.) And now you're noticing a few things that you didn't notice with your old water heater.
- There's banging in the pipes when you close a hot water valve.
- The toilet runs at night.
- And it just seems like the hot water isn't as plentiful as it should be.
Well, lucky for you, there's a few things we can do to improve your water heater's efficiency, effectiveness, and longevity.
Install a Pressure Reducing Valve
Most houses in the White Mountains have an incoming water pressure between 50-60 psi. That's an optimal pressure range for modern day appliances.
But some homes, like in Torreon in Show Low, have VERY high pressure - around 80-90 psi.
Sure, that high pressure is great in the shower - but it can also cause damage to fittings, valves, seals inside your appliances and fixtures - as well as your home's water heater -in the form of water hammer.
A Pressure Reducing Valve allows the home owner to determine a more reasonable pressure range - usually between 45-75 psi.
Installing a Pressure Reducing Valve on your water line will help prevent this damage - while allowing higher pressures to be minimized - at least partially - before damage can occur.
Install an Expansion Tank
Ever wake up in the middle of the night and you swear you hear the toilet running? Well, it is. And it's not a good thing.
As the water in your water heater warms up, the water molecules expand, pushing outward from the tank into the pipes. This expansion puts pressure on the cold water line, causing it to find a way to relieve the pressure somehow - usually through a weak valve.
It just so happens, your toilet's fill valve is the weak spot.
The fix is to install an expansion tank. An expansion tank is a 5 gallon tank with a bladder that gives the water somewhere to go besides through your toilet's valve. They usually sit on the incoming cold line, just before your water heater.
As an added bonus, expansion tanks can also help with water hammer.
Install a Hot Water Recirculation Line
This is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself and your water heater - especially if you have a tank water heater.
A hot water recirculation line is a continuation of your hot water piping that "loops" back to the water heater and re-enters your hot water system.
The hot water refills the heater, helping to save energy. It also keeps the hot water moving through your pipes, giving you an "on demand" feel.
They are a proven way to save energy, save money, and save water - especially if a tankless option is out of the question.
These are just some cost effective - and mechanically effective -means to improve your water heater's efficiency and longevity!
Call us today at 928.245.1343 to find out how we can help you!
Or, email us at gethotwater@whitemountainwaterheaters.com