November 22, 2017 by Curtis McQuinn Leave a Comment

Fall and winter water heater tips

Fall and winter water heater tips from Optimized Plumbing & Piping Sonora, Ca

Its that time of year when we start getting calls from people with burnt out heating elements on their electric water heaters. Whether you are a full time resident who has drained down your water lines while out of town, or have a cabin you drain down to prevent freezing this post will help you to prevent dry fired heating elements in your electric water heater. If you have a gas water heater or tankless water heater it is a good reminder to maintain the water heater to preserve the high efficiency because of the colder water this time of year. Call us for maintenance, service or new water heater installations. 209-352-4294

The steps to draining down and refilling and starting electric water heaters is mixed up frequently and often causes burnt heating elements and service calls that would not be needed. Here are some tips:

Before draining down water lines turn off the electricity to your electric water heater this will prevent the burnt element at drain down
Once the power is off shut off the main water shutoff valve
With the water shutoff open the drain valve, and open all faucets, shower/ tub valves etc.
If you have a shower diverter open that too, to prevent trapped water in the shower riser
Flush all toilets (Some places will also require some care for drain lines, and I will write another blog post about these soon)

To refill the system when returning:

Shut off the drain valve
Open the main water valve
turn off the faucets and shower valves
run water through the hot water lines until all air is out. You will get some blast of air, then air and water, and then a steady stream of water.
turn on electricity to the water heaterMany people forget the bleeding of the air from their water lines, and the air that is trapped in the water heater moves to the top of the tank and has nowhere else to go until you open the hot water line to bleed the air. Turning on the electricity before the air is bled causes an element at the top of the tank to turn on and without water to take some of the heat will burn out quickly and not heat the water. This is called a dry fire, and requires replacement of the heating element.

Hopefully this helps you prevent the inconvenience and cost of a burnt out element. If you are in need of plumbing service in sonora ca or surrounding areas please call 209-352-4294

Optimized Plumbing & Piping - Blog
11151 BULL PINE LANE SONORA, CA, 95370 USA
Curtis@optimizedpiping.com • 209-352-4294

April 7, 2015 by Curtis McQuinn 1 Comment

Water Heater and Boiler Service in Sonora CA

Optimized Plumbing & Piping is Sonora, Ca based plumbing and water heating company capable of all aspects of the plumbing industry. We are proud to offer specialized skills in Water Heater Installation and Repair. Whether it is a Repair, Replacement, or an upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater, or any other energy efficient model….we can help! If you use hydronic heating or radiant floor heating we can provide boiler replacement too.

Call 209-352-4294 and ask if we are offering our $100 off water heater install coupon!

Our training sets us apart!

We are skilled in the installation and repair of all existing types and brands of Water Heaters currently on the market. We have level 2 training from Navien America to install or service their premium condensing tankless water heaters. We are certified from AO Smith to install heat pump water heaters. We have also taken classes from AO Smith University on residential gas and electric water heater installation and service. We participate in the California Solar Initiative and have gone through the training to make our customers eligible for rebates on solar water heaters. This is on top of the 5 years of classroom and on the job training our technicians have in the plumbing, and water heating industry. We think this makes us the most well trained company in the area, and you will see the difference in the quality of work and you can rest assured that our installations won’t put you or your family in danger.

Solar thermal ( Solar water heaters)

Solar water heaters consist of collector panels, a storage tank, pump, and a heat exchanger. The collectors heat a glycol solution that is circulated through them with a pump. That glycol solution moves to a heat exchanger which transfers the heat from the sun to you potable water and stores it in a tank for later use. Solar water heaters are great because they can save you a lot of money on energy bills, and they last for years.

Tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters are a great way to save on your home energy cost, and condensing tankless water heaters are even better! A condensing tankless water heater can have an energy factor of .98 and is so efficient at using all of the heat generated by combustion that the flue pipe can be run in PVC pipe. Another energy saving feature is tunlike other tankless models where a pilot light must stay lit these models will light the flame electrically so no more wasted gas from a pilot light that always stays lit.

Navien tankless Water Heater. We are a Navien service provider, and installer. Only technicians who have completed a level 2 Navien training class or above may perform these installations.

Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater. We are certified residential hybrid installers. Reduce water heating costs by up to 66% compared to standard electric water heaters while dehumidifying, and cooling ambient air at the same time. *10 year warranty * Powered anode rod

Hybrid water heaters

Hybrid water heaters use a heat pump when possible to heat water more efficiently than standard electric water heaters. They come with a powered anode rod which means less maintenance, and a longer lifespan than a standard water heater. They are fully electric and require no gas connection or flue pipe. They are a great choice if you want to replace an old electric water heater with a new model because they can reduce heating costs by up to 66%.

Standard water heaters (tank water heaters)

Whether you want an electric water heater or gas water heater we only install good quality. All of our water heater installations use water heaters with brass fittings instead of plastic. This is because we believe if it needs to be done, it needs to be done right. You will find that the other materials we use are high quality as well whether it’s a gas valve and flex connector, or water shutoff valve and flex connectors we make sure you have good quality material installed to uniform plumbing code specifications to ensure years of trouble free use, and the safety of you and your family.

With our specialization in Water Heaters we have come to find most homes are in need of a Water Heater upgrade. These days there are many options to save you time and money when it comes to providing hot water for your family or business. Please call us Today to schedule your water heater installation at 209-352-4294. We provide water heater installations, and service for Tuolumne County, and Calaveras County, including the towns of Sonora, Twain Harte, Mi Wuk Village, Groveland, Copperopolis, Angels Camp, Murphys, Arnold, and San Andreas.

View our Water Heating solutions listed on the right side of this page. Also check out our on water heater problems and solutions.

http://optimizedpiping.com/blog/water-heater-problem/

Customer service is our top priority. We respect you and your property,and strive to have 5 star service for every customer. We do it all. If you do not see a service listed here please don’t hesitate to use our contact page to inquire about any other service you may need. Or click here

for more info: http://optimizedpiping.com/blog/sonora-ca-plumbers/

February 1, 2015 by Curtis McQuinn Leave a Comment

New water heater requirements coming 2015 explained by a Sonora Ca plumbing contractor

Sonora Ca plumbing Contractor explains:

New water heater requirements go into affect April 2015

The NAECA (National Appliance Energy Conservation Act) is requiring improvements for energy efficiency on water heaters starting April 16 2015. This is leaving property owners wondering what this will mean for them when their inefficient water heater needs to be replaced. Below you can find what changes will be made and how they can affect your next water heater installation.

For help deciding which water heating option is best for you call us at 209-352-4294.

Increased insulation thickness of 2″ or more

Expect your new storage tank type water heater to have more insulation to improve it’s efficiency. The extra insulation around your water heater will probably make it 2″ or more in diameter, and 2″ or more in height. This will make areas where the water heater barely fit before unusable for the new water heater, or could just require more labor for the installation which will add more to the cost.

Biggest changes for water heater installations in Sonora Ca over 55 gallons

A new electric water heater over 55 gallons will probably need to be the new hybrid electric heat pump style. This is because the efficiency requirement is raising from around .86 to around 1.97 for most models of electric water heater over 55 gallons. Expect this to add well over $1,000 to the cost of a standard electric water heater. The costs can be offset not only by savings from the extra efficiency (about 2X as efficient), but many electric companies are offering rebates of around $500. The hybrid electric heat pump water heaters are much larger than standard electric models and may require changes to the installation area. They also work like a refrigerator in reverse (instead of keeping the inside cool and blowing heat out the bottom, they keep the heat in the water and push the cool air to the surrounding room.

A new gas water heater over 55 gallons will most likely need to be a condensing unit which will cost more not only for the water heater but also for changes that will need to be made for the venting, and possible condensate.

Tankless water heater requirements

New tankless water heater installations will need to use units with an energy factor of .82 compared to the current standard of .62. This won’t make much of a difference for our customers because the condensing tankless water heaters we have been installing have an energy factor of .97 which is much higher than even the new standard. These high efficiency models have been a big draw because of the higher cost of propane to heat water compared to areas that use natural gas. But with the changes in standard tank style water heaters and the higher cost of installation we expect even more customers to see the value in spending a little more upfront to get the most energy efficient models.

What is an energy factor?

Basically the energy factor is the percentage of energy that is used and converted into hot water. A energy factor of .97 means that 97% of the energy used is converted to hot water. You’ll notice that the hybrid heat pump water heaters ratings are much higher than even the most efficient gas tankless water heaters. This doesn’t exactly mean the cost of heating is lower because you are comparing two energy sources that have different costs. The rates of electricity and propane would need to be factored in to find the lowest cost.

Optimized Plumbing and Piping is a Sonora, Ca based plumbing contractor who provides plumbing service and repair, residential and commercial plumbing for new construction and remodel, and hydronic heating and radiant heating in Tuolumne, Calaveras and Stanislaus counties.

June 25, 2014 by Curtis McQuinn Leave a Comment

Optimized Water Heating Sonora, Ca

Call Today! 209-352-4294

Ask how to receive the $100 off standard water heater installation, or $150 off tankless water heater installation coupons.

Our Sonora, Ca water heating services include:

Tankless water heater installation, repair, and service
Electric hybrid heat pump water heater installation
Standard gas water heater installation and repair
Hydronic boiler installation and radiant heating
Hydronic piping installation, and repair
Commercial water heater installation
Direct vent water heater installation
Optimization of existing water heating systems including water saving recirculating pumps and controls, insulation and piping modifications
Solar water heater installation

Call today to schedule service, or for a water heating system upgrade consultation- 209-352-4294

Whether you are looking to swap out an old water heater for a standard replacement, or would like a water heater specialist to find the right new energy efficient water heater upgrade for your home, or commercial building look no further. Our professional Sonora, Ca water heater installers are trained in water heating so you know you are getting a top quality code compliant installation that will provide comfort and safety for many years to come.

Our Sonora, Ca water heater installation specialist

Have 5 years minimum training in the field
5 years or equivalent of in school training
Continued education including: water heating system efficiency, hybrid heat pump installers certification, Navien tankless water heaters level 2 training for installation and repair and more.

Benefits of installing a high efficiency tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters have much higher efficiency ratings than older tank style models and can come with an energy star rating
Stainless steel heat exchangers can mean a longer life than tank models (some tankless models come with a 15 year warranty on the heat exchanger)
Never run out of hot water. When sized correctly you can enjoy hot water through multiple fixtures at a time, and never run out!
New models with a buffer tank, and recirculating pump built in eliminate a common complaint associated with older, or lower quality models which was called “the cold water sandwich” This is where the tankless water heater would give a shot of cold water in the middle of a shower.

Other high efficiency water heating options available for Sonora, Ca

Electric hybrid heat pump water heaters: use heat in the surrounding air to heat water. This is a great option if natural gas is unavailable because they are about twice as efficient as standard electric water heaters. They are energy star rated, and many utility companies offer rebates, or incentives.
Solar water heating uses the sun’s energy to heat water for your home, and the upfront cost is much less than using solar to create electricity.
Hydronic boliers can be used to heat water that is used to heat your home either through floors, radiators, or for forced air. Many believe radiant heat is much more comfortable and saves energy. The ability to create almost unlimited zones in a home also adds comfort. Unlike many forced air furnaces that heat the entire home to the same temperature radiant heat can easily be installed with zones for every room with individual thermostats to heat each room to a desired temperature.

Call today to see the benefits of using Optimized Water Heating for your water heating needs

209-352-4294

October 17, 2013 by Curtis McQuinn Leave a Comment

Water heater repair & maintenance tips from sonora ca plumbers

Water heater repair & maintenance tips from Optimized Plumbing & Piping can help extend the life of your water heater. If you need help with your water heater please do not hesitate to give us a call at 209-352-4294.

The last few posts have dealt with what to do when you have sediment buildup in your water heater and the affects of having sediment build up in a water heater. The next question you may have is how to reduce the amount of sediment in the first place. This way you can avoid disconnecting your water heater, and tipping it side ways (this turns out to be kind of a pain in the butt). This is the question that this post will answer. Remember these tips are not needed for tankless water heaters, or instant water heaters. If you have any questions or need help with any of these steps, or after seeing the value of water heater repair & maintenance want a professional to take care of your plumbing system call us at Optimized Plumbing & Piping.

Sediment control ahead of time can reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning sediment out of your hot water heater, and extend its useful life. This goes for electric water heaters, and gas water heaters. Softening water is normally done when a well is present, but softened water can also reduce the sediment accumulation in your water heater. The trade off for this is the anode rod will need to be replaced at least twice as often as normal water conditions. Drinking and cooking with softened water is also not recommended for those who should restrict salt in their diet. This is because salt is added to the water to remove other minerals.

The temperature that the water heater is set at can also affect how much sediment ends up in your tank. Sediment builds up the fastest at temperatures over 140 degrees F, so your water heater should be set at 130 degrees F or lower. The bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease can grow in a water heater at temps between the temps of 86 degrees F and 115 degrees F. So the water temp should be above 120 degrees F to prevent this. This leaves you with an ideal water heater setting of between 120-130 degrees F.

Most water heaters come from the factory set at 120 degrees F. Sometimes people set them much higher to extend the amount of hot water available. This could cause scalding, and more sediment buildup. Sometimes water heaters are set low to conserve energy. This lowers the amount of hot water you can draw from the tank, and could cause bacteria growth in the water heater. The actual temp of the water coming out of a faucet can be checked and used to adjust the water heater but normally the factory settings or best. If you have problems setting the water heater to the right temperature call water heater repair & maintenance experts at Optimized Plumbing & Piping.

Reducing sediment in an electric water heater can be done with the selection of the right heating element. The low watt density type water heater element has a larger surface area to heat the water, so it doesn’t need to get so hot which reduces the amount of sediment created.

High water pressure which is in many areas of Tuolumne County and Calaveras County can also cause excessive sediment buildup in your water heater. A pressure reducing valve should be added to reduce pressure before entering your home. This will also save your plumbing system from excessive wear.

Call Plumbers in Sonora CA at Optimized Piping today to talk to a Sonora CA water heater specialist at 209-352-4294

We provide Sonora plumbing service for the areas of Tuolumne, Soulsbyville, Twain Harte, Mi Wuk, Columbia, Sonora, Jamestown, Groveland, Copperopolis, Angels Camp, Murphys, Arnold, San Andreas, Jackson, Oakdale, Riverbank, Modesto, and Merced.

The plumbing services we provide include water heater repair & maintenance in Sonora , tankless water heater install, plumbing fixture replacement, leak repair, repiping, hydronic boiler install, hydronic heating, radiant heating, winery piping, food processing piping, plant piping, pump installation and any other plumbing or piping work.

Plumbers in Sonora Ca from Optimized Plumbing & Piping drive this service vehicle for all water heater repairs. — Plumbers in Sonora Ca from Optimized Plumbing & Piping drive this service vehicle for all water heater repair & maintenance calls.

Call Now 209-352-4294