water heaters Archives

Home water heater maintenance may be one of the tasks you put off—until it stops working and you wind up taking a cold shower.

Other than the seasonal heating and cooling required in the Cincinnati area, heating water is your home’s single largest consumer of energy. A newer, high-efficiency water heater can go a long way toward keeping energy usage (and costs) at a reasonable level.

Of course, how well you maintain your water heater has a huge impact on how long it lasts. Whether you have a gas or electric tank water heater or a tankless water heater, your system needs routine maintenance to supply your family with hot water throughout its expected lifespan.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

The benefits of regular, preventative water heater maintenance
How often water heater check-ups should be performed
How to drain your water heater tank
A water heater maintenance checklist

But before we get right into it….

If you live in the Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky area and would much rather leave your home’s water heater maintenance to the experts, book an appointment with Apollo Home here.

The Benefits of Regular Home Water Heater Maintenance

A dirty or poorly maintained water heater can not only drive up your energy costs but also may have a shorter usable life span. The good news is there are several things to keep your current water heater running efficiently. All of which help drive down energy costs and increase the unit’s longevity.

Here are four major benefits of annual water heater tune-ups:

Increased Efficiency and Saves You Money: If you’ve ever heard banging or knocking noises coming from your water heater, this is a sign you need to have your water heater flushed. Sediment buildup is common in water heaters. It also decreases your system’s efficiency. Loose minerals in the water cause sediment buildup, which then settles on the bottom. This causes uneven heating and makes it more difficult to produce hot water. A flush will likely help you save money on your next utility bill and get hot water faster.
Decrease the Likelihood Of Costly Breakdowns: New water heaters can run you as much as $2000. Annual water heater maintenance catches water heater leaks, corrosion, or anything prohibiting your system’s peak potential. Catching problems early often leads to less expensive repairs, and it could mean the difference between repairs and replacing the unit entirely.
Consistent Quality of Home Water System: Coming home to a flooded basement, lacking adequate water pressure, or stepping into a freezing shower are all experiences that would send a shiver down anyone’s spine. Yet these are all experiences easily avoided by regular water heater maintenance. Having maintenance performed on your water heater will minimize the likelihood of problems, and you’ll also ensure your water heater runs more efficiently.
Extends the Lifespan of Your Water Heater: A tank water heater performs for eight to ten years, while a tankless water heater could last as long as 20 years. Choosing not to maintain your heater certainly lowers your system’s lifespan. Regular water heater maintenance helps you to identify the beginning of rust build-up, which is one of the main reasons why water heaters eventually require replacement.

How Often Should My Water Heater Be Serviced?

Just like any major piece of equipment or appliance in your home, it’s best to put your hot water heater on a maintenance schedule. Most major home equipment should be serviced by a professional technician at least once every year.

We generally recommend draining to remove the sediment from your water heater at least once a year, which can be combined with an annual maintenance visit. This helps to ensure the greatest supply of hot water to your home and also prevents the sediment from corroding the water heater’s components.

Time to schedule your water heater inspection? Book an appointment today!

How to Drain Your Hot Water Heater

Preventative maintenance on a water heater includes being regularly drained. If you do not properly maintain your water heater, it may cease to function altogether or result in cold bursts of water when least expected. Draining also helps ensure the long life of your water heater by flushing out minerals and other debris that may cause it to malfunction.

Here is a step-by-step guide to draining your home’s water heater:

Step 1: Shut off Water Supply to Your Water Heater: Locate the water pipe and water shutoff valve going into the top of the heater. Turn this valve to turn off the water to the tank.
Step 2: Turn off Power to The Water Heater: If your heater is electric, go to your circuit breaker box and turn the breaker off. If your water heater is gas-powered, shut off the gas by turning the valve on the gas supply line that runs to your system’s tank.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain Valve: After allowing your heater to cool down, attach one end of a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Then place the end in a bucket or find a nearby floor drain.
Step 4: Turn on Hot Water Tap Inside: To alleviate pressure, open a hot water tap as close to your heater as possible. This will likely be a sink faucet on the same level or in close proximity to the heater.
Step 5: Open Drain Valve: After opening this valve, water will start running out of the tank. Draining the entire heater can take up to 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how full or dirty your water heater is.
Step 6: Turn Water Back on to Flush the Tank: With your drain valve still open, turn the water back on to eliminate any remaining sediment on the bottom of your tank. Look for the water to start running clear, then you can turn the water valve off.
Step 7: Refill Your Tank: Unscrew the hose from your drain valve. Turn the water back on and start refilling the tank. Once the heater tank is full, turn the power back on to the heater.

Bonus: When Should You NOT Flush a Water Heater

If you’ve had your water heater for years and have never flushed it, it might be a mistake to start now. Why? Because after several years of build-up from the hard water in Cincinnati, the build-up may actually be plugging tiny holes in your heater tank. Flushing may actually set you up for a water leak and costly water damage.

If you’re concerned due to other symptoms of pending water heater failure, schedule an inspection with an Apollo Home plumber. You technician can carefully assesses the situation so you are confident in your water heater’s status. In addition, you can take the opportunity to get a free estimate on a new tank or modern tankless water heater.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance Checklist

During an annual service appointment of your water heater, your plumber completes several tasks to maintain efficient system operation and keep your unit clean. Here’s a list of items Apollo Home licensed plumbers inspect and complete while performing a water heater maintenance checklist:

Check the anode rod
Inspect and test the drain valve
Check the vents and flue baffle
Confirm the igniter works
Check the gas burner
Verify the heating elements perform
Clean the arrestor plate
Check the gas valve
Test the TPR valve
Check the thermocouple

When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

A common sign of trouble with any water heater is often when utility bills start to rise. If your unit uses extra energy to provide the same amount of hot water, it’s time to look for the following symptoms:

Leaks: Leaks are usually the result of pressure buildup inside the tank. This happens when the water pressure or temperature is too high or when the unit’s relief valve is not working properly. A leaking water heater must be replaced immediately. Neglecting a leak can lead to a tank explosion.
Knocking Noises: Loud noises are an indication of sediment buildup. As sediment hardens, it can move around the tank and cause knocking, rumbling, and gurgling sounds. To preserve your water heater and prevent premature deterioration, have it flushed regularly to remove any deposits from the tank’s heating elements.
Rusty, Cloudy, or Cold Water: Rust-colored water, or water with a metallic odor, can mean a couple of different things. Either the sacrificial anode rod needs to be replaced, or the tank itself is beginning to rust, often due to corrosion at the steel lining. A corroded tank must be replaced as soon as possible.

We can help you learn how to take care of your hot water heater. If you’re not sure how to do any of these water heater self-maintenance tasks, we’re happy to show you how to flush and drain your water heater during your next maintenance visit. We can also give you an honest assessment of your existing unit and determine whether it’s best to replace your current system.

Give your water heater the TLC it deserves. Contact Apollo Home for more information about our Apollo Care Plan or to schedule a tune-up.

Originally published August 2012, Updated August 2019, Updated in November 2023

According to Energy.gov, the average household spends $400 to $600 on water heating each year, and it’s the second largest utility expense in your home, accounting for 14 to 18 percent of your utility bill. Additionally, about 27 million households in the U.S. have water heaters that are more than ten years old.

With the new energy efficiency standards in water heaters, you may not save money by waiting to replace your old water heater. Old water heaters are much less energy efficient, both because they are aging and because standards were lower back then, which could mean more money you’re paying each month in energy costs compared to a newer heater.

It’s generally accepted that most water heaters last about 13 years. If yours is anywhere close to that, it probably uses a lot more energy than modern water heaters. Ten years ago, hot water accounted for about a quarter of the typical home’s energy use; today, with more efficient heaters, it’s only about 18 percent. Therefore, anyone with a water heater that is seven or more years old will probably save money in the long run by replacing the water heater with a newer, more efficient model.

Types of Water Heaters

New water heaters are significantly more efficient than older models. There have also been giant leaps in technology for different types of water heaters that have added efficiency and other appealing features.

Conventional water heaters store hot water in a tank, ready for use at all times. The tank is constantly heated, powered by electricity or natural gas. Energy is lost because it must be expended to keep the water tank hot, even when the water is not in use. To be more efficient, buy an insulated water tank.
Tankless or on-demand water heaters do not use a storage tank; they heat the water as needed. Because it isn’t constantly heating a tank even when not needed, tankless water heaters offer significant energy savings. They take up significantly less space than traditional tank models and can be installed anywhere they can access waterlines and electricity.
Heat pump water heaters move heat from outside, underground, or aquifers to your water system, heating water for your home. This process is highly efficient with relatively minimal electrical requirements.

Consider upgrading your water heater to a new model or even type and make your money back in energy savings.

Other Ways To Save On Your Water Heater Utility Bill

If getting a new water heater isn’t an option, there are other ways to make your old one more efficient and save you a little money on heating costs. Here are a few more ways you can enjoy water heating savings:

Install Heat Traps: If it doesn’t already have them, heat traps on your tank could reduce your bill by as much as $15 to $30.
Invest in Low-Flow Faucets and Shower Heads: Anything pre-1992 lets too much water through. By installing new low-flow faucets, you could save up to 60 percent on your water bill.
Insulate: Insulating everything, from the hot water tank to the pipes carrying the hot water out of the heater, can help cut costs by preserving the heat in the tank and the pipes.
Lower Water Heater Temperature: For every 10-degree reduction in temperature, you can save 3 to 5 percent on your water heating costs.
Fix Leaks: A leak with just one drip per second can cost $1 a month. That’s 60 drips per minute, 8.64 gallons per day, 239 gallons per month, and 3,153 gallons per year. That’s a lot of waste! We can help find any water leaks you may have.

Do you want to save money and feel good about helping the environment at the same time? Contact Cincinnati-based Apollo Home Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for more information about how replacing your water heater can help you cut energy costs.

Since home appliances typically carry a hefty price tag, relying on local experts can help you through the selection and appliance installation process. Their expertise will save you time, increase satisfaction and help make educated decisions.

Here are five tips to help make the appliance upgrade and installation process easier:

Set your priorities. Appliances that use a lot of energy, like HVAC systems and water heaters, tend to lose efficiency over time. If energy savings is your motivating factor, put these at the top of the list to lower energy bills, assuming the rest of your home appliances are working.
Size it properly. The cost of appliances is often associated with their size, along with the cost of operating them over their lifetimes. Refrigerators that you can’t fill will increase energy costs, since the food in the refrigerator and freezer hold cold temperatures longer than air. An HVAC system that’s too large will drive up energy consumption, offer less comfort and may require more maintenance. Water heaters need to be sized by their first hour rating (FHR), not by gallons. (The FHR indicates how many gallons the water heater can provide during the hour of your peak usage.)
Consider the impact on your home’s value when going through appliance installation. If you plan to sell your home within the next five years, replace the appliances based on current market preferences and efficiency. The majority of potential homebuyers look for highly efficient homes to lower energy bills.
Look for the EnergyGuide label on the appliance to learn its energy consumption. You’ll find a horizontal line with a vertical arrow that indicates how the appliance compares to others in that category for energy efficiency.
Read the warranty. Some appliances require professional installation to keep their warranties active or legal. HVAC installations have to be performed by a licensed professional to keep these current, and some gas providers may require licensed plumbers to complete the hookup process.

Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can help you with appliance upgrade and installation and selection, as well as other handyman services. We’ve provided outstanding services for greater Cincinnati homeowners since 1910.

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, traditional water heaters comprise about 12 percent of the average homeowner’s utility bill. Tankless water heaters can save up to 30 percent off your water heating bill due to their efficiency, which is a good incentive for switching to a tankless system.

If you have a tankless water heater in your home, or you’re thinking about installing one, it’s best to know how to achieve the most optimal water heater performance.

3 Tips for Optimal Tankless Water Heater Performance

Getting the most out of your tankless water heater system will come down to choosing the right one, installing it correctly, and performing maintenance.

1. Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater

The first step in choosing the right tankless water heater is to choose between a whole-house system and a point-of-use heater. A whole-house system can heat water for multiple fixtures at a time. On the other hand, point-of-use tankless heaters are less expensive, have less capacity, and can provide hot water to their assigned outlets faster.

Each tankless water heater requires venting to be installed, which will be a small vent poking up through the roof. Homes typically need several point-of-use tankless heaters to heat multiple hot water outlets, so several vents are required. However, because the hot water doesn’t have to travel as far in the pipes, hot water arrives much faster from a point-of-use heater than from a whole-home heater on the opposite side of the house.

When choosing a tankless water heater, it’s essential to choose the right size heater that can handle the hot water demand. A professional plumber can help you calculate the water heater size you need.

Most tankless water heaters have a minimum flow setting to maintain a constant temperature. Look for a minimum flow rate of around 0.5 GPM (gallons per minute) for optimal performance.

2. Installing Your Tankless Water Heater

Having your new tankless water heater system installed correctly by a professional plumber is crucial. They will ensure there are no leaks, the electrical or natural gas energy source is securely connected, and any excess combustion gases like carbon monoxide are properly vented.

Installing a tankless water heater yourself is not the best idea, as it may not be installed correctly. This could potentially impact its long-term efficiency and performance, and may even create safety risks for you and your family. Instead, call a professional who has the knowledge and experience to correctly install it rather than choosing to do it yourself.

3. Performing Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Regular maintenance on tankless water heaters is critical for optimal performance. These heaters must be regularly maintained by a professional once a year, but they should be cleaned and descaled twice a year or more, depending on how hard your water is.

To descale your tankless water heater, turn off the energy source—either the electrical circuit or the main gas supply valve. Close all the main water valves and remove the purge port valve caps slowly. These are located on each of the cold and hot water valves. The water must be turned off before removing the purge port valve caps.

Next, attach hoses to each valve; the hoses are generally supplied with the tankless water heater. The hose attached to the cold valve (blue) will attach to a small recirculation pump. The red valve will feed back to a cleaning solution container.

Open the purge port valves by twisting them perpendicular to the position of the hot and cold lines. Use 2.5 gallons of undiluted white vinegar to clean your tankless water heater. Run the vinegar through these lines for 45 minutes.

Then, close the purge port valves, remove the hoses, reconnect the water and energy supply, and refer to your tankless water heater’s manual for instructions on restarting your water heater.

Turn on the hot water tap in your sink slowly to allow air to pass through the pipe. Allow the water to run until it runs steadily without air escaping. This can take up to two or three minutes.

Bonus Tip: Use the vinegar to clean other hard water deposits, like your showerhead or deposits around your sink faucet fixtures.

Apollo Home’s Expert Tankless Water Heater Services

If you need help installing, repairing, or maintaining your tankless water heater, Apollo Home is here to help. Our experienced plumbers can work on any make or model. We’ll ensure your water heater is installed and venting correctly, as we want you to be able to live safely and comfortably.

Call Apollo Home for tankless water heater services in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Ohio.

Wondering what to do about that noise your water heater is making? Any type of noise coming from your water heater should not be left unchecked. In general, water heaters should function quietly and without fail.

If your water heater is making any of the following noises, call a pro immediately.

If you hear a boiling sound when you stand next to the water heater, the internal temperature may be too high. First, set the tank’s thermostat lower, and wait several minutes for the water temperature to cool a bit. If the boiling noise continues, get expert help.
A thumping or popping noise coming from inside the tank may be the result of a significant amount of sediment buildup. When there’s buildup, steam bubbles can become trapped under the sediment. The bubbles create the noise when they break through. Thumping or pounding noises result from sediment buildup, as well, causing the flow of water to stop abruptly and creating shock waves that travel through the pipes. To rectify the problem, call a pro to flush out the tank and rid it of sediment.
Electric water heaters can make a banging noise, which is generally an indication that the heating element needs to be cleaned. Turn the unit off, and make an appointment for preventive maintenance.
Another noise to be concerned about, hissing, is common with gas-operated water heaters, but only when they are running. If the unit isn’t running, and you hear a hissing, shut it down immediately, turn off the gas valve, and contact your utility company or plumbing professional immediately.

Now that you know the noise your water heater is making is not normal, contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for expert emergency help. We’ve served homeowners in the Cincinnati area since 1910 with quality plumbing service, maintenance plans and installations. Call us or visit our website for more information.

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One of the most aesthetically pleasing things about living in Cincinnati is the city’s beautiful architecture. The Cincinnati area is full of historic neighborhoods and old homes in styles ranging from Federal and Greek Revival to Art Deco. But the beauty of these houses comes at a cost. During both winter and summer, homeowners can pay a hefty price to keep them comfortable.

A conundrum for owners of older Cincinnati area residences, then, is boosting energy efficiency without sacrificing their homes’ historic character. Can it even be done? It sure can!

Begin by focusing on what’s already in place. Without today’s conveniences, older homes were built with energy-efficiency in mind. Your house might have a front porch where generations caught cool breezes on summer afternoons and evenings. Fireplaces weren’t added just for eye appeal, but also for warmth, Today, they can be modified with gas inserts. Thick brick walls in many Cincinnati homes can still serve as thermal insulation. But thanks to advancements in building materials and a better understanding of energy efficiency, you can upgrade your older home without sacrificing any of its character.

Start with an energy audit, preferably one done by a contractor who’s familiar with older homes and dedicated to preserving them. You can be assured that his recommendations will be sensitive to your desire to respect your home’s architecture. His recommendations may include:

Sealing air leaks: Many common sources of air leaks, such as those around door frames and windows, can be fixed easily with caulk and weatherstripping. This won’t detract from your home’s appearance.
Upgrading your heating and cooling system: An energy-efficient furnace can significantly lower your heating costs — but only if you have done what you can to lower your heating load. Although you might be reluctant to tear out your prized plaster walls to add insulation, attic insulation can be added or upgraded without undoing your home’s appearance. While you’re at it, seal and insulate your ductwork. Central air conditioning for an older home can be tricky, as the upstairs ductwork is often insufficient. For the upstairs, consider installing a ductless mini-split system.
Replacing your water heater: Hot water accounts for a large part of your energy bills. Replacing your water heater — or even insulating it, if your warranty permits — can help you take charge of your utility bills.
Focusing on your windows. Many preservationists advise against replacing windows, as they are prized historic features, and the wood is often old-forest and weather-resistant. Instead, consider low-E or laminated glass storm windows, which can resist infiltration as efficiently as replacement windows.

By following steps such as these, you’ll be able to save significantly on a home that meets modern energy-saving standards while retaining its historic charm. For more expert advice about boosting energy efficiency in your home — whether it’s old or new — contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Serving the greater Cincinnati area, we’re always happy to help.

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Selecting a water heater involves determining a few things about the heater and a few more things about your family’s water usage.

They’re all important, because water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of your total energy consumption. The average service life of a water heater is 10 to 13 years, so you’ll be living with your choice for some time.

When you start looking for a replacement, you’ll find that it’s almost impossible to buy a model that’s the same as the one you have now, even if you choose the same manufacturer. That’s because water heaters have become much more efficient since your tank was purchased. New models use less energy and heat more effectively. Here are some guidelines for selecting a water heater that meets your needs.

First, determine your household demand for hot water during the daily peak hour of usage. Here are some average peak amounts of hot-water usage in gallons:

• Five-minute shower: 10 gallons.
• Shaving and brushing teeth and other hygiene habits: 2 gallons.

Calculate your total demand per hour by multiplying each of these activities by the number of people using water during the hour of peak demand. For example, if three people shower every morning, the total for that activity is 10 gallons x 3, or 30 gallons.

Add to the above totals any fixed water demands occurring during the peak hour. These include:

Cooking: 4 gallons.
Running the dishwasher: 6 gallons.
Doing the laundry: 7 gallons.

The cumulative total of all the above demands is the peak hourly demand in gallons, which should be compared to the first-hour rating shown on the yellow EnergyGuide label of a new water heater.

The first-hour rating expresses the gallons of hot water a heater can deliver in an hour of peak demand. A water heater with a first-hour rating that’s slightly above your peak hourly demand will provide some margin for increased demand if your household expands.

While you’re probably leaning toward another tank-style water heater, you may want to use this as an opportunity to consider alternatives, as well. Solar and heat-pump water heaters are available, as are highly efficient tankless systems. Instead of storing water, a tankless system delivers hot water only as needed. Because there’s no standby energy loss, a tankless system can save you considerable energy dollars. The Department of Energy estimates that a tankless system can be 20 to 30 percent more efficient than a conventional storage water heater.

Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has served Cincinnati homeowners since 1910 with trusted sales and service expertise. Call us for more advice about selecting a water heater for your home.

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Riddle: How does a hot water heater not waste energy? Answer: When it’s properly sized. The water heater — or water heaters — in your greater Cincinnati home should have the capacity to easily meet your home’s high-demand-period needs yet operate efficiently without wasting energy — or water.

Need sizing for a combination water/space heating system? See your HVAC contractor about your specific situation.

How to size your water heater
Tankless units are rated by the maximum temperature rise they can efficiently achieve at a certain water-flow rate. Calculate requirements for whole-house water heating and/or remote heating, such as for a bathroom in a guest house.

Flow rate: Estimate how many hot water fixtures (sinks, showers, appliances) you expect to use at once, and total the flow rates in gallons per minute.
Temperature rise: Subtract incoming water temperature from the necessary output temperature. A rule of thumb is to assume input water is about 50 degrees. Water heated to 120 degrees is normally fine for household use.

Continuous water heaters are generally capable of a range of input temperatures. A 70-degree rise can generally flow at a rate of 5 gpm with a natural gas on-demand water heater and 2 gpm with electric heating. Lower inlet temps and flow rates may put out cooler water at distant fixtures. It’s possible to adjust the output temperature via thermostat-controlled systems.

A solar water heater’s storage capacity and collector area must efficiently handle at least 90 percent of a home’s summer hot-water requirements. Solar heating-system experts can take measurements to figure your system needs and size.

For storage tank and heat-pump heating, the first hour rating is key to determining the amount of hot water the heater can put out hourly. Select a unit with first-hour ratings that reach within 2 gallons of peak-hour needs.

Have questions about how to size your water heater? The professionals at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing are happy to help. Visit our website, or call us for solutions to your hot-water needs.

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Leaky pipes are no laughing matter. In fact, if your home has leaky pipes, even just one, and it goes unnoticed, you could end up paying a lot more on your monthly water bill — and even your water-heating costs.

When a pipe leaks, you need to address the problem fast. And although you might be tempted to fix the leak yourself, that’s not always a wise decision. There’s often more to a leaky pipe than meets the eye. Detecting a serious problem generally requires expert training and experience. Further, professional plumbers have access to key tools necessary to get the job done right, like these:

Propane torches.
Hacksaws.
Plumber’s wrenches.

Most of the tools that professionals use are designed to seamlessly connect new portions of installed pipe so that they don’t leak in the future, which is a must for a long-lasting, durable plumbing system.

But an expert plumber also has access to detection devices, offering the best way to identify leaks, ensuring that every inch of your plumbing system is checked. If you suspect that you have a leak in the water line from your house to your city supply line, you’ll want a plumber with some form of electronic detection tools, so that if you need any excavation work, you’ll be digging exactly where the problem is, and nowhere else.

At Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer competitive and expert plumbing services. A few highlights of our services include:

Expert, qualified plumbers who are insured and licensed.
Easy scheduling with our customer service representatives available 7 Days a week.
Our promise to never charge overtime — even for emergency work.
Instead, we offer a competitive, industry-leading flat fee of $79 for plumbing service.
We guarantee your satisfaction with the work performed.
We will always give you a price quote for repair work before beginning any work

Got leaky pipes? Call the best, and contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Find out why more and more homeowners in the Cincinnati area get in touch with our experts when they have leaky pipes and plumbing problems.

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