When it comes to the a.m., you either are a morning person or you are not. If you are the rare breed of person who springs out of bed raring to start the day you definitely are a morning person. Those who are not are more likely to look for a way to gently ease into the day, preferably starting with a hot shower. That is until the water coming from the shower head is less than hot and your heart rate has taken an unintentional fright because of the cold droplets streaming over the top of your head. Once your body recovers from the shock, you realize your hot water heater is no longer working.

Reasons for the malfunction in a hot water tank can range from general age to leaks around the base, a build-up of calcium and lime sediment in the tank, or cracks in the lining of a glass tank. Lack of heat can also be the result of a faulty thermostat or a defect in the heating element. A quick call to your Olathe plumber can quickly determine if the unit requires an adjustment, a new part, or if a new hot water heater unit (if it’s more than 10 years old) is required.

If replacement is deemed the necessary course of action, it’s often easiest to replace your current hot water heater with the same kind of unit, gas or electric. Because of the danger involved in replacing or removing gas lines, it’s always important to have a trained water heater service technician handle the installation.

Much of the necessary information for the replacement, including the wattage capacity and voltage heating elements, can be located on the name plate of the current model. This will include the tank capacity, insulation R-value, insulation guidelines, working pressure and model serial number.

Features to Consider on a New Hot Water Heater

1. Gallon capacity – 40 to 50 gallons is the most common

2. Recovery rates – quickness with which water will heat in an hour

3. Dimensions (width and height) – need plenty of room to accommodate size

4. Energy-efficiency rating – estimated annual cost of unit’s operation

Extending the Life of a Hot Water Heater

Considering that 14 to 25% of a home’s total energy consumption comes from the hot water heater, it’s a good idea to work with your plumber to create a regular maintenance plan to maintain the health of the hot water heater. This includes flushing the hot water tank every four months, testing the pressure/temperature relief valve once a year, and replacing the anode rod every 2 to 5 years. Flushing the tank eliminates mineral build-up that can lead to leaks and drips, slow recovery rates, and a shorter life of the unit. Talk to your Olathe plumber about setting up a care and maintenance plan for your hot water heater today.

Founded in 1980, Davenport Service Company has provided “Customer First” service in Johnson County, Kansas for over three decades. We provide 24/7 emergency service, preventive maintenance service, and seasonal tune-ups for commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems. If you’re looking for a furnace tune-up in Olathe, call 913-441-2222 for hassle-free scheduling today!