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When it comes to water heaters, homeowners usually have two basic questions: (1) Will I have enough hot water for my family's needs, and (2) how much longer will my water heater last? The first question, are we going to have enough hot water, is hard for anyone outside your immediate family to answer because so much depends on the number of people in your home, their ages and activities, and preferences for baths or showers. There are, however, some rules of thumb about hot water heater capacity. For example, the majority of single-family homes in the United States built in the last 50 years were equipped with a single 40-gallon water heater. This fact alone indicates that any tank-type water heater with a capacity of less than 40-gallons would be inadequate to support an average family's lifestyle. In more recent years, many homes have been equipped with 50-gallon water heaters. Some newly constructed homes, particularly those with one or two 50-gallon water heaters installed side by side and working in tandem. Other factors may also influence the water heater's ability to provide an adequate supply of hot water. These include the condition of the tank's interior and, in the case of gas-fired heaters, the combustion efficiency of the burner. When we mention the condition of the tanks interior, we are talking about mineral deposits. Specifically, as mineral deposits increase, heating efficiency decreases. Minerals can line the interior of the tank or, if the water heater is electric-powered, minerals can encrust the exterior of the heating elements. To keep your water heater running efficiently, we recommend regular and frequent flushing of the heater. This step can be accomplished by rapidly opening and closing the drain valve. How often this should be done depends on the mineral content of your water. At a minimum, the bottom of each tank should be flushed every other month. In summary, the buildup of minerals is often the culprit behind the shortened life of a home water heater. To return to the original question, having enough hot water for your family will depend on the size of the water heater. Only you can determine the right size of water heater for your family. The second question of how long a water heater will last is somewhat easier to answer than the question of whether your family will have enough hot water. On a nationwide basis, water heaters tend to last an average of eight to twelve years. Still, several factors influence the service life of any given heater. In contrast, a few areas of the country have water with such high mineral content that water heaters last only around three years. Water heaters usually find their way to the landfill by springing a leak from the tank. Leaks typically occur where the tank has rusted through. However, if the water has mineral content, deposits on the bottom of the tank keep the heat of the flame from being transferred through the shell and into the tank. This condition results in overheating the tank bottom, causing the metal to fatigue and, ultimately will fail. The result is a large puddle on the floor surrounding the water heater. To summarize, a water heater can fail because the tank has rusted through or because the bottom gave way from metal fatigue. A water heater will not last forever, but by maintaining it and treating the water, if necessary, it can provide an ample supply of hot water and have a long life.
The "Barrie Home Inspector" provides a professional home inspection for $199.00 which includes one free WETT inspection. We are fully insured and offer a 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. Visit our web site for complete listing of "Do It Yourself" articles for home owners and a forum "Ask the Experts" which provides professional advice from tradespeople. Barrie Home Inspections Article Submission made possible by: www.articles-submit.com Courtesy of:MyArticlePub.com
Article Source: http://www.changingearth.org
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