Hot Water Heaters

Hot water heaters don't seem to be talked about often. Some people will own or rent their hot water heater often depending on want is commonplace in their area. For some, renting means that if anything goes wrong, they'll just get it fixed by the owner / utility company they've rented it from. But there are a number of things you need to know whether you own or rent.

Fuel -- Hot water heaters are typically fuelled by natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. Some solar powered heating systems are available as well.

With traditional water heaters that are fuelled by natural gas, propane or oil, regular maintenance is required as like many furnaces they have burners, pilot lights, and controls. Electric powered heaters have a heating element.

Venting -- Where combustion gases are present (based on the fuel type used) they are vented either through a metal flue out to a chimney or are power vented out through a plastic pipe.

Tanks -- some are metal whilst others are glass lined. Over time tanks can rust causing the tank to leak.

Coloured Water -- Occasionally, you may find that your hot water is discoloured. A rusting metal tank can cause this. It is recommended that tanks be drained monthly to reduce any build up of sediment in the tank. This is a dangerous operation involving very hot water often capable of causing scalding burns so exercise extreme caution when doing this or better yet call a professional if you are not familiar and comfortable with doing this. If this is not done, a build up may accumulate in the tank and cause reduce pressure in the water supply.

Relief Valve -- All hot water heaters should have a temperature / pressure relief valve. These relief valves will discharge water from the tank in the event the temperature or pressure in the tank is too high. Some hot water heaters turn the fuel supply (gas) off if the temperature gets too high. Make sure there is a discharge pipe leading from the relief valve to about six inches above the floor so the hot water can be directed away properly.

Preventing Hot Water Scalds

There are numerous scalding injuries each year in Canada. Many people are hospitalized to treat what are often severe burns.

These burns can be easily prevented, with just a simple adjustment to one device in your home. Some have suggested that legislation is required to force homeowners to make this simple change. The easiest and most effective solution of course is to turn down the heat on your home hot water heater.

Some areas in the U.S. now require hot water heaters in new homes to be set lower that the traditional 60OC (140OF), to a lower and safer limit of 49 OC, or 120 OF which has led to a major drop in hot water burns.

Carbon Monoxide -- as with any fossil fuel burning appliance, hot water heaters fuelled, for example, by natural gas, propane, or, oil produce dangerous combustion gases that must be vented to the outdoors. If not properly maintained or vented, a hot water tank can be a source for letting various dangerous combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), to enter the home. Sometimes, newer or more air-tight homes can allow back drafting or spillage to occur from these appliances allowing these dangerous gasses into home as well.

Explosions -- Sometimes, a combination of hydrogen and oxygen gases generated by electrolysis in the hot-water heating systems can accumulate.

When you move into a house or apartment that has been vacant, or you've been on vacation for a period of time, hydrogen gas may build up in hot water lines.

Often, there is no way to prevent hydrogen gas from forming in hot-water heaters due to metals used in constructing the tanks. Since hydrogen gas isn't soluble in water, it remains in the water heater plumbing system as a gas under pressure tending to rise to the highest locations in the home. Sometimes, it can get trapped in plumbing lines on lower levels too.

Hydrogen gas is a very flammable gas. Just about any mixture will be enough to trigger an explosion. Some have theorized that gas forced which accumulated in a dishwasher, may be able to be ignited through the heat of timers or starter relays. Other reports found that small fires at faucets have resulted because people had cigarettes in their hands when they opened a hot-water faucet.

When you move into a house or apartment that has been vacant, hydrogen gas may have built up in hot water lines, which could cause an explosion. The same is true when you return home from a vacation or open up a vacation home that has been shut.

You need to know that hydrogen gas can accumulate in hot-water systems that have not been operated for a period of time. If you suspect hydrogen gas may be present in the hot-water system, flush the gas out by turning on all hot-water faucets in the building and letting them run for several minutes. Don't smoke while you're doing it.

Alternatives to Conventional Hot Water Heaters -- Generally, there are two schools of thought when it comes to hot water heating. In North America, we typically use 30, 40 or 50 gallon tanks for water heater heating. In the past, with low energy costs this was quite acceptable. However, there are two other methods that are efficient and worthy of mention.

1. Point of Use Systems: These are typically used under a sink and supply hot water in locations where there is no primary water heater or it is far away. Often these are used in RV's, mobile homes, boats and campsites. But they're also useful washrooms located in warehouses, service stations, stores and restaurants. They are not good for whole house systems or where hot water is required at multiple outlets. It may make sense however to compare installing them where required in home versus a conventional whole house hot water heating system.

2. Tankless Systems: These can replace your home's conventional system that stores hot water and keeps reheating it day in and day out regardless of how long it will be before you need it again. These systems can be hung on the wall freeing up the valuable floor space where your it used to occupy. They are sized based on you demand / needs. With the right size installed, you will never run out of hot water again.

Like point of use water heaters, tankless water heaters can be sized for use in RV's and mobile homes too. They can also be used in small commercial and light industrial applications as well. The advantage to this system is that it can significantly lower energy costs, have much longer a life span than conventional water heaters with no tank to leak.

Energy-saving tips:

Consider the more energy-efficient models if buying or renting a new unit. They are better insulated and have a better-quality tank base.

Don't install hot water heaters on a cold concrete floor because as they can lose heat.

Install an insulating blanket on electric water heaters. On a natural gas or propane water heater, install only an insulating kit that is certified by the Canadian Gas Association. Keep the insulating cover clear of the air inlet for the burner and temperature controls. Adding insulation on an oil-fired water heater can be dangerous and is not recommended.

Insulating your hot water pipes.

Have your hot water heater professionally inspected and maintained regularly as you would with your furnace, at least annually.

Installing the hot water heater as close to where it will be used the most.

Lower the temperature setting on your water heater.

Water conservation practices and reduced consumption will help reduce waste and energy bills.

Consider shutting you're your off water heater if not using it or you'll be away for a few weeks or months.

Back