For questions generally relating to the hot-water supply system of a typical residential or commercial building, primarily regarding the heating mechanism itself (a traditional hot water heater tank, tankless heaters including "point-of-use", boilers and heat exchangers, etc).
10
votes
4answers
608 views
Which water heater types do you recommend?
I would like to upgrade my current water heater with one that
Is able to produce/store more heated water so I won't run out
Energy efficient
Inexpensive
What are the advantages/disadvantages to ...
5
votes
4answers
623 views
Why is the first shower of the day is colder than the second?
Description
Since I've moved into this house, I've noticed that the first shower of the day is colder than the any subsequent shower. More specifically, if no hot water has been used for a while, ...
5
votes
3answers
21k views
Why is my hot water running out quickly regardless of other household water usage?
I've noticed that my shower, which used to run hot water for what seemed like forever, now can only produce about 15 minutes of hot water. This doesn't appear to be related to other water usage in the ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
What could be causing water to drip from the relief valve of my new gas water heater?
My old hot water tank met its maker about two or three weeks ago, and since then I have installed a new Kenmore 50 gallon gas water heater to replace it.
The new water heater seems to work fine, I ...
2
votes
2answers
382 views
What could cause a new pressure release valve to drip water?
Installed a new pressure release valve on electric water heater because old valve was dripping water on floor. New valve also dripping water. Any ideas? Suggestions? Water temp set at 110F, so it's ...
34
votes
7answers
5k views
How can I speed up my slow hot water?
Our water heater (gas) is located in the garage. It is 25 to 30 feet away from the closest faucet, which I'm guessing is the main reason it takes so long -- a minute or longer -- to get hot water ...
15
votes
1answer
280 views
Is flushing a waterheater a good idea?
I've been told that water-heaters build up sediment at the bottom over time, and should be flushed out (ie. drained, then allowed to refill). Is there value in this exercise? Does that value exceed ...
10
votes
3answers
835 views
Are tankless water heaters worth it in cold climates?
I was thinking of switching over to a tankless water heater, but a friend of mine said they are not good in colder climates since the water coming in is colder and takes longer to heat. Is this a ...
4
votes
3answers
381 views
Are hot water returns worth putting in?
Once I saw on an episode of This Old House that they were putting in hot water return lines: pipes that recirculate idle hot water back to the heater so you get hot water right away, instead of ...
8
votes
3answers
4k views
Why will my pilot light on the gas water heater not stay lit for more than 15 minutes?
The pilot light went out on my gas water heater. I followed the instructions and had it lit three times now for about 15 minutes each time but it wont stay lit. Not sure what to do at this point?
7
votes
3answers
8k views
Why does my kitchen faucet have low pressure after the water heater was replaced?
I recently replaced my water heater, and since then, the water pressure for my kitchen faucet is really, really, low. None of my other faucets seem to be affected (bathroom, shower, etc.). I can't ...
6
votes
1answer
103 views
How to evaluate the suitability of an electric tankless water-heater
I'm trying to evaluate if an electric tankless water-heater would be suitable for my home. There are just too many variables to consider, and I wonder if there is a mathematical approach to it.
I'm ...
4
votes
1answer
653 views
What is the proper way to clean a hot water heater?
I have heard many times that it is good to clean your hot water heater about once a year by flushing it. I went to look online to find the proper way to do so and found many people recommending ...
3
votes
1answer
245 views
How well would a hydronic furnace work with a gas tankless water heater?
My current heating system (in Ontario) is an oil hot water tank in a closed loop with a hydronic forced-air furnace (Enerzone XAH 68). The water circulates through what is basically a heat exchanger ...
2
votes
2answers
4k views
After installing expansion tank, massive buildup of pressure then a trickle?
I am completely stumped. You guys helped me out a lot with my previous question here: New gas water heater dripping relief valve, have expansion tank, what gives?
Turns out the expansion tank ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
My hot water stopped working in one bathroom, what can I try in order to fix it?
I have an electric water heater from 2004. The hot water works in all other areas of my house (kitchen, other bathroom and washing machine). The sinks and shower in my master bathroom are not ...
1
vote
1answer
295 views
A boiler and a hot water tank … what is this configuration? (UK)
I'm a west-coast American living in London. I grew up with baseboard and central forced air heating. I'm currently living in the UK where water radiators are common (if not pretty much the ...
