Tag: backflow testing

How to Install Water Heaters

Denver Water Heaters are the most significant appliances in your home. It ensures you have hot water for bathing, cooking, washing dishes, and other household chores.

With a potent company motto and unwavering brand promise, it has carved a niche for itself in the world of water heater manufacturers. Their commitment to crafting products that seamlessly amalgamate user convenience, safety, and energy efficiency resonates with today’s discerning consumers.

 Water Heaters

The cost of installing or replacing a water heater depends on several factors, including the type of unit and fuel source. The location of the unit also affects costs. For example, placing a tank water heater closer to hot water usage points can reduce energy costs by minimizing piping heat loss. It can also shorten the time needed for the hot water to reach the fixtures, reducing the need for recirculation loops and pumps.

Water heaters consume about 18 percent of a home’s energy, so choosing an efficient model can significantly lower utility costs. Energy-efficient models also offer significant environmental benefits. Considering these savings, a newer model may pay for itself in less than 10 years.

Besides selecting the right size, homeowners should consider the price of energy to operate the unit. Gas water heaters are typically more expensive to run than electric units, but the higher initial purchase cost can be offset by lower energy bills. In addition, gas tanks can suffer from “standby losses,” which occur when the temperature in the tank is maintained even when the faucets are turned off.

Electric water heaters use less electricity, but they take longer to heat up. They can also cost more to install than gas units, especially if the homeowner needs to add a new electrical circuit or a dedicated water line.

Upgrading a gas water heater to a propane model is a more costly option. This usually requires a plumber to upgrade the gas line, as well as a plumber and electrician to add a new circuit and wiring.

Many states require a permit before starting work on plumbing and electrical projects, which can add to the total cost of the project. This is true of a water heater installation, and local code requirements should be taken into consideration.

The installation and replacement costs of a water heater depend on several factors, including the unit’s type, size, fuel type, brand, and venting system. Some installers have a flat rate for the entire job, while others bill by the hour. In general, hiring a plumber can cost $50 to $150 per hour.

Water heaters use the second most energy in the home, second only to heating and cooling. They burn fossil fuels and produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Energy-efficient water heaters reduce household energy consumption and help reduce utility bills.

Traditional water heaters with storage tanks use a lot of energy to keep water hot. When the tank empties, it takes time for the water heater to resupply it with fresh hot water. Inefficient models can waste up to 30% of the energy they consume. Newer, more efficient water heaters cut this energy use.

The most efficient water heaters are gas-fired, with a low energy factor and an insulated tank. These models use less energy than older models and have a lower water temperature rise than their non-efficient counterparts. In general, look for ENERGY STAR® models with a thermal efficiency of 0.67 or higher (based on assumed usage of 64 gallons per day).

An insulated water heater and pipe insulation blankets reduce heat loss from your water heating system. They can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.

Water heaters can also lose energy as they heat up, as they cool down and when hot water runs through pipes in your home. Energy losses from these activities account for a significant portion of your energy bill. To minimize wasted energy, look for a low standby loss factor and a high recovery efficiency.

Electric demand water heaters use much less energy than conventional storage tank units. However, they require a large electrical load and may not be appropriate for homes without sufficient wiring capacity. Look for a model with a modulating temperature control that matches hot water use to available power.

A small electric demand unit makes sense in an addition or remote part of the house. This can eliminate heat losses through hot water pipes in those areas. Look for a unit with a low temperature rise and flow rate, as well as a small electric load requirement (kW) to ensure your wiring can handle the load. Until industry-standard specifications are established, it will be difficult to directly compare the performance of different models.

The water heater is a large, hot metal box that’s usually located in the basement or garage. It has inlets and outlets that allow it to move water around your home, a thermostat to monitor its temperature, and a pressure relief valve to ensure that it doesn’t produce unsafe levels of pressure. It’s important that your tank is sized correctly for your home, and you regularly perform maintenance to keep it in good condition.

Water heaters are typically flammable and should not be kept near combustible items, such as paint cans, gasoline containers, oil-soaked fabrics, and garbage. If a leak occurs and gas fumes come into contact with these materials, they could ignite and create a fire breakout that could spread throughout your entire home.

In addition, it’s essential to keep the area surrounding your water heater free of clutter and combustible materials to reduce fire risks and help ensure proper ventilation. Clutter may also obstruct the pilot light, causing it to malfunction or even explode, which could pose serious health risks. It’s also a good idea to check the pressure valve on your water heater on a regular basis to ensure that it’s working properly and that it isn’t overpressurized.

Lastly, be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and place them near your water heater to keep an eye out for dangerous CO fumes. They can warn you of these odorless, colorless gases before they can cause an accident or kill someone.

A lot of people aren’t aware that they need to drain and flush their water heaters every six months to prevent sediment buildup, which can lead to leaks. Many also aren’t familiar with the hazards of hydrogen gas, which can accumulate inside an electrically heated water heater if it goes inactive for two weeks or more. In this case, a professional should be contacted to drain the system and vent it properly so that the flammable gas doesn’t leak into your home. Similarly, your home’s ventilation system should be inspected to make sure that it isn’t leaking or blocking the water heater.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, it may be time to replace it. The installation process is fairly simple for those with plumbing and electrical skills. However, it’s important to check local building codes and have proper tools for the job. The first step is to disconnect the existing unit. Attach a hose to the drain valve and connect it to a floor drain or outdoor vent. Allow the old tank to drain completely before removing it. Be sure to wear protective clothing when working with hot water. You’ll also need copper tubing, pipe cutters, and soldering equipment. Then, connect the new water heater to its gas and electric lines. If you’re using a natural gas model, make sure the valve is open and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting a temperature and pressure relief valve. Before connecting the new pipes, be sure to purge air from both the unit and the home’s plumbing system by opening several hot water outlets.

Once the plumbing is connected, you can start hooking up the power. Make sure the circuit breaker is turned off and use a volt meter to check that the wires are not energized. Installing a new water heater may require the removal of existing woodwork, and it is recommended to insulate the water pipes to reduce energy costs.

When installing a tankless water heater, it’s best to hire an electrician to make the connections. The most difficult part of this project is gaining access to the electrical wiring inside the water heater. To do this, remove the electrical covering plate on the top of the unit. Then, reconnect like-colored wires with wire connectors and lead the ground wire from the incoming power to the green ground screw on the water heater.

Most homes have copper pipes, corrugated flexible metal connectors, or PEX (polyethylene piping). For those who plan to use PEX for their water supply, it’s a good idea to review the manufacturer’s literature and watch YouTube videos on this material. Otherwise, it’s likely to be a challenge to connect PEX to the water heater.

Sump Pumps: Prevent Basement Flooding and Resolve Exterior Drainage Issues

A sump pump prevents flooding and protects your home’s foundation by channeling water outside. It can also resolve exterior drainage issues.

Sump Pumps

You can install a battery backup or hand pump in addition to the main pump to ensure your home stays safe during a power outage. But your sump pump requires maintenance too.

A battery-backed sump pump helps keep your home safe from flooding and prevents water damage in the event of a power outage. These systems use a deep-cycle lead-acid battery that has an ampere-hour (AH) rating to determine how long it can run when the system is activated. These batteries require you to add distilled water occasionally to keep the lead cells from drying out and causing premature damage. Most battery backup pumps also feature a float switch, which is what triggers the pump when water levels rise in the basin.

Most backup pump systems will automatically switch to DC battery power in the event of a power outage or when the primary pump fails. They are available as a complete unit with the pump, the battery, and a charger or as separate components. When buying a backup battery, choose one that has an AH rating near the maximum recommended by the pump manufacturer. This will ensure that the pump can operate continuously for seven to eight hours when necessary.

Another option for a battery-backed sump pump is a generator that can provide power when the electricity goes out. This can help keep your basement dry, but it is expensive to run and can cause carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide gas in the basement if not properly maintained.

Some battery backup sump pumps come with a built-in alarm that alerts you when the pump is activated, allowing you to take action to remove items before the water levels reach them. This is an excellent safety feature that can save your home thousands of dollars in water damage and prevent costly repairs.

Battery-powered backup sump pumps are a great choice for homes with limited budgets that can afford the initial investment. However, you may not be able to install these pumps if your property is subject to flooding laws or has a floodplain that prohibits the use of electric sump pumps. Many communities also require a licensed plumber to install and service these devices. The simplest type of battery-powered backup is a combination unit that consists of a primary and a backup pump nested together and wired to a single junction box.

Submersible

While not necessary for every home, a sump pump can save homeowners from costly repairs in the event of basement flooding. These devices drain the water from your basement to a nearby drainage point, such as a garden hose or yard drainage system, and can even drain into municipal sewer systems if local regulations permit.

These electrical-powered pumps are designed to sit inside a pit or basin in your basement and function while completely submerged, thus the term “submersible.” A switch activates the pump when the water rises to a predetermined level, then shuts it off when the floodwater has receded. The submerged motor keeps the device cool, which extends its lifespan. It is less expensive than pedestal models, which have the pump motor above the bottom of the sump pit, and easier to access for maintenance.

Many models feature a backup battery and float switch, which allow the sump pump to operate even without power during a flood or when your home’s electricity is out. The battery lasts up to 10 hours, and it’s easy to charge using a standard AC wall plug. This option is especially useful for homes in areas that experience frequent or severe storms.

Other models have a monitor that connects to Wi-Fi and some home security systems, allowing owners to keep an eye on the status of the pump from anywhere. The monitor operates 24 hours a day and sends alerts for a variety of conditions, including the pump’s activation or failure, required battery changes, power interruptions, and low battery levels.

The Ridgid 1 HP Stainless Steel Dual Suction Sump Pump is an affordable choice that works well in most spaces and can be installed without the need for a permit or professional installation. It is extra-powerful and runs quietly, making it ideal for most residential applications.

Another affordable sump pump, the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Utility Pump, can be installed in most spaces and requires no professional installation. The pump has a quiet operation and uses standard plumbing connections, which makes it easier to install than other products that may require the use of extension hoses or yard drainage lines.

Pedestal

A sump pump moves water from your basement to a drain to prevent flooding and protect walls, carpets, furniture, and other belongings. They are typically installed in a pit called a sump basin located in the basement or crawl space. When water levels or pressure build, a sensor or float switch in the sump basin activates a motor that draws water out of the basin and pumps it away through a discharge pipe. This pipe connects the sump pump to a designated drainage area outside of your home.

A pedestal sump pump has its motor next to the sump basin, making it a good choice for narrow or shallow pits. It’s also less expensive than submersible models. However, the motor is above ground and can become noisy and overheat easily. It’s important to keep in mind that pedestal pumps aren’t as powerful as submersible models, so they can take longer to redirect water during severe storms.

If you have a history of flooding or live in an area that experiences frequent rainstorms, a sump pump is an excellent investment for your home. It will protect your basement living spaces and other areas of your home from sand, dirt, dust, and debris that could make their way into the basement during heavy rains. In addition, a sump pump can help reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and other damage to your basement living spaces.

The most popular type of sump pump is a pedestal, which has its motor next to the sump basin. It’s an inexpensive option and fits narrow or shallow pits, so it’s a great choice for small or tight areas. It’s also easy to maintain because the motor isn’t underwater, so it won’t get wet.

Pedestal sump pumps have a lightweight plastic body that won’t corrode as the pump drains the sump basin. They’re also affordable and available in a variety of sizes to fit different sump pit basins. Some have an engineered base made of cast iron or thermoplastic for increased durability. Whether you choose a pedestal or submersible model, make sure to select an energy-efficient pump with a high flow rate. In addition, it’s important to check your discharge point regularly and ensure it’s clog-free. The discharge point should be 10 to 20 feet away from your foundation, ideally in a location where the water won’t return to your home.

Float Switch

In addition to a battery backup, many sump pumps include a float switch that operates when the pump is needed during heavy storms. The float switch creates a closed circuit that activates the pump when the water level rises to a specific height. The float switch can be attached to the bottom of the pump or to a wire tether that hangs from the lid of the basin.

There are several kinds of float switches available, each with different operational requirements. The most common float switches are tethered and use a suspended float to raise and lower a rod. These tethers can be adjusted to set the point where the pump automatically starts and stops, though they require more space than other switch types. Another popular type of float switch is the vertical float switch, which uses a fixed rod to activate the pump at a preset level. These are more efficient than tether switches, but they may not work well with very low levels of water.

A third kind of float switch is an electronic sensor switch, which does not have any moving parts and works by detecting the pressure of water in the sump basin. These switches have a tendency to malfunction, so it is important to choose one with the recommended power and amp requirements for your pump.

Float switches can get stuck and start running when they shouldn’t, which can cause them to overheat. A common cause for this is that the float has become blocked by debris. In this case, it’s a good idea to clear the blockage. Alternatively, the switch might have drifted out of position. This can happen if the pump runs continuously for long periods of time or is being used to pump more water than it is designed for.

It’s also a good idea to regularly test your sump pump for proper operation. Before you can do this, however, you need to make sure that it’s plugged into a working power outlet. Checking the voltage of an outlet with a digital voltage meter is one way to do this, but you can also plug in a lamp or other small electronics to test whether or not they’re functioning properly.