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Posts Tagged ‘Water Heater’

What Are the Steps for Water Heater Installation?

Monday, August 12th, 2024

If you want to upgrade your water heater, you may be wondering about the steps that it takes to complete a water heater installation. Keep in mind that this is not a project you should be completing alone. Instead, you need the help of an expert plumber to remove year old water heater and install a new one.

Just give us a call for your water heater installation in Eugene and we will take it from there. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about the steps that it takes to remove your old water heater and connect a replacement. We are also reviewing briefly the differences between switching to a tank water heater versus a tankless model.

Tags: Eugene, Water Heater
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When to Call for Water Heater Maintenance

Monday, March 25th, 2024

Did you know that your water heater needs regular maintenance, just like the rest of your home’s plumbing system or your HVAC unit? It’s true. And keeping up with water heater maintenance is a great way to help your water heater enjoy a longer lifespan.

Ideally, you want to schedule water heater maintenance ahead of any specific problems. But sometimes, problems are unavoidable. If you have something going wrong, like your water heater burner won’t stay lit, you need to call for service. You can keep reading to learn more about the benefits of water heater maintenance and some common water heater problems that we can help you avoid.

Tags: Eugene, Water Heater
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Comfort Flow’s Guide to Water Heater Efficiency

Monday, December 18th, 2023

Did you know that water heaters have a standardized efficiency rating? This helps you to choose the best water heater for your home and family based on your energy efficiency needs. After all, you can choose between tank and tankless, gas and electric, as well as different brands and even sizes.

The handy FAQ below should help you make the best decision for your next water heater. And if you ever run into problems, you can give our team a call for water heater repair in Eugene. Keep reading to learn more about water heater efficiency ratings, what they mean and how to choose the best water heater for your family.

Tags: Eugene, Water Heater
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Common Causes of Water Heater Repair

Friday, March 20th, 2015

Water heaters are pretty robust systems, and not prone to frequent breakdowns. However, that does not mean that they are immune from all problems and repair needs. Water heaters are vulnerable to a number of different problems, each capable of inflicting various levels of damage. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of water heater repair, and how you can prevent them.

Rust

Any system that regularly deals with water is going to risk oxidization. That is especially true for water heaters, which are often exposed to water 24/7. Rust can cause various parts of the water heater to fail, and can even cause the tank to rupture. Tankless water heaters do not store water, so their risk of rust is slightly lessened. For tank water heaters, however, slightly stronger countermeasures are required.

Tank water heaters are equipped with devices called “sacrificial anode rods.” These are long, metal rods that are inserted into the tank, and protect the lining of the tank by rusting away themselves. Once the anode rods are completely degraded, however, the tank lining will once again be vulnerable to rust. The best way to stop this from happening is by checking your anode rod at least once a year, and replacing it if necessary. If you don’t know how to check your anode rod, call a professional to help you.

Uneven Heat

If you have a lot of people using hot water at once in your house, it is very possible to simply exhaust the supply of hot water on hand. When that happens, you just have to wait for more. However, there is a difference between that and a water heater that is seemingly unable to provide consistently hot water regardless of the situation. If that is happening, you could have a number of different problems. An issue with the heater’s circulator pump could be preventing the hot water from reaching you. However, it is also possible that the heater itself is having trouble heating the water. That’s a more serious issue, and one that you’ll need a professional technician to diagnose. The best way to prevent these kinds of problems is simply to have your water heater inspected at least once a year by a professional.

If you water heater is giving you problems, call Comfort Flow Heating. We provide water heater repair service throughout Eugene, OR.

Tags: Eugene, Water Heater
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What Is the Sacrificial Anode Rod?

Wednesday, March 4th, 2015

The parts of your water heater work together to heat up cool water from the pipes and return it to your plumbing system so that you have continued access to warm water for showering, cleaning, laundry, and more. But one part of your water heater does not really participate in this process at all. The sacrificial anode rod does not help to heat up water, nor does it serve any electro-mechanical purpose. But the anode rod still serves as the hero of the storage tank water heater, essentially sacrificing itself for the good of the tank.

Be sure to service your water heater in Creswell regularly with the help of the friendly technicians at Comfort Flow Heating. We can replace the sacrificial anode rod if necessary and make other vital adjustments in order to keep your system in the best shape possible.

The Anode Rod and Rust Prevention

When you turn on the hot water in your home and notice a reddish-brown color or flakes of rust, you may assume the worst. Rust indicates that your unit has begun to corrode. And once corrosion begins, there’s not much of a chance of saving the tank. A leaking tank could really mess up your home and potentially result in costly renovations, so replacement is often necessary at the first sign of corrosion.

Luckily, rusty water may not always be indicative of a rusted tank. It may just be that the anode rod has rusted through, a part that is simple for a trained technician to replace. In fact, the anode rod is meant to rust—the sole purpose for its presence in the tank.

The anode rod is typically made from aluminum or magnesium. Because these metals are more corrosive than iron, any corrosion should divert to the anode rod before it begins to affect your tank. However, it is possible that the anode rod can corrode so far that rust begins to develop on the tank itself. Prevent this from occurring by scheduling regular water heater maintenance.

When you notice rust from your water heater, let the experts at Comfort Flow Heating check it out. We can replace your water heater or perform any other necessary services for your water heater in Creswell. Give us a call today.

Tags: Creswell, Water Heater
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Water Heater Options to Consider in Eugene

Monday, October 29th, 2012

In Eugene, a hot shower is a great way to ease yourself into your morning routine. Your water heater is the wonderful appliance that delivers that warm water to your shower every morning. If you’re looking to replace your water heater or if you’re buying a new water heater for a new home, it’s an important choice to make. We’ve put together some of important factors that people should consider as they start the process of buying a new water heater.

Fuel

This is one of the most important factors in choosing a water heater. Water heaters typically use electricity or gas, although there are solar options as well. The easiest option is get a water heater that uses the same fuel as the one before it. But if you’re interested in switching fuels, either for price reasons or environmental, you should definitely consult with a Eugene heating or plumbing company about the availability of certain fuels and the conversion cost. Here are some considerations for each fuel.

Electricity – Generally cheaper up front than gas. Requires no combustion or ventilation. Is energy efficient and heats water very quickly.
Gas – Cost less to operate but larger up front cost. Must have a flue to vent fumes. If you have a large propane tank, you won’t be affected by power outages.

Water Storage

There are tank and tankless water heaters and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Consult your heating contractor or plumber for advice on which is right for your home in Eugene.

Tank water heater – A large concern with these models is that you can run out of hot water. Below we discuss capacity issues. They can be economical depending on which brand you get.
Tankless – Requires large up-front cost. Hangs on wall to increase available floor space. Requires venting. Reduces energy consumption by up to 30%. Good option for part-time residences.

Tank Capacity

Regardless of whether you choose a tank or tankless model, you’ll have to choose which size you need for your home. For tankless water heaters the size is based on a flow rate which is measured in gallons per minute. For tank water heaters, the capacity is measured in gallons. Consult with your local plumber or contractor to determine which size will accommodate your needs.

Water Heater Dimensions

One final consideration is the physical size of your water heater. Use a measuring tape to determine the size of your current system. If you’re replacing it because it’s too small, make sure you have enough space for your new, larger water heater. If you’re going tankless, make sure the wall location has easy access to ventilation.

If you have any questions about your water heater or replacing it with a new one, call the experts at Comfort Flow. We have years of experience working with customers in Eugene and can do the same for you.

Tags: Eugene, Heating, Hot Water Heaters, Water Heater
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