Facts about Hot Water Heaters & Basic first aid for Electric shock

Water and electricity don’t mix like gin and nuns, which explains why you must be cautious when handling DIY projects like fixing a hot water heater or responding to an emergency.

While DIY is okay for some home problems, others are risky or require an expert to ensure proper fixing and a long-standing solution. But whether to hire an electrician to fix your hot water heater or go DIY is a personal decision.

Nevertheless, always be cautious when working on electrical appliances that rely on both power and water. And as an extra precaution, learn basic first aid for electric shock.

Your safety is priority number one because water can worsen the chances of surviving an electric shock.

For instance, electric shock drowning is a US-coined term used to describe death when a swimmer is electrocuted or exposed to electricity in the water.

Sometimes, the shock itself can be fatal because it paralyzes the victim’s diaphragm, while in other cases, it electrocutes the swimmer causing them to drown. Its primary cause is faulty electrical wiring that leaks electric waves into the water.

Electric shock drowning is more common in freshwater, which transfers currents better because of dissolved minerals and other impurities.

Salty water has high conductance, which controls the voltage gradient passed through an individual’s body, minimizing electrical injury.

Still, a higher source voltage can cause electrocution in salty water. Electric shocks at home can also come from home appliances that rely on water and power sources to operate.

Homeowners must be cautious to avoid any mistakes when wiring for water-based appliances like water heaters and hot tubs. And as an extra precaution, handle these projects with a partner or friend who knows basic first aid for electric shock.

So what do you do when, for instance, your water heater is leaking from below?

 

What to do if your Water Heater Leaks from Underneath.

Your water heater’s lifespan is much dependent on how frequently you check and service it. Flush your heater at least once in twelve months.

You should also check your water heater’s anode rod more often. This will help prevent the water heater from accumulating sediments that can destroy it.

The first thing to do if your electric water heater is leaking from the bottom is to locate the leak. Then turn off the water and switch off the supply of power to the heater. This will ensure that there is no more danger or damage from the water.

After that, refer to the emergency shutdown procedure labeled on your water heater. If your heater lacks this label or sticker, then closely adhere to these steps:

Turn off the Power supply

For an electric water heater, switch OFF the water heater’s breaker from the main power panel. The majority of the water heaters are compatible with the 240-volt circuit breaker. This is to say there will be no other appliances on the same breaker.

For a Gas water heater, check on the on/off button. Mostly it is located on one side of the water heater, usually near its bottom. Finally, turn the knob to the OFF position.

If you love DIY projects, register your family for basic first aid for electric shock training to ensure timely response during emergencies.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Step two is to turn off the water supply. Turn the dial clockwise or turn the lever to the closed position (usually parallel to the pipe).

Look for the dial positioned on the inlet of the water supply. This inlet is located on the top side of your water heater. This is the entry point of the water to the tank for heating.

To turn off the supply of the water, turn the switch or lever in a clockwise direction. This lever is parallel to the pipe.

Decide on the next move to take

A leak will lead you to the next activity. You can either fix it by yourself or seek the services of the nearest plumber.

If that leak were due to the pressure valve or the drain valve, the water might repair. However, if the leak originated from the tank, you may have to acquire a new water heater.

Signs You Need a New Hot Water Heater

Water heaters are handy devices to have in anyone’s home. They can serve your dishwashing and showering routines.

However, like any other device, they might break down after some time of use. In case of a breakdown and an expired warranty, you will be prompted to purchase a new device.

Water heater prices differ depending on the type of material and model. Purchasing an efficient and pocket-friendly model will help you to save considerably

The following are signs your heater needs a change;

Rusty Water

If your home’s hot water is rusty, whether in appearance or smell, this is a clear indication you need to take action.

Refill your tanks and run a test to verify the source of rust. If only the hot water is rusty, you have to replace the heaters. You can prevent rusting by using heaters made of metals other than iron. If you prefer to use 2 rods, ensure they are the same metal types (so that the metals won’t react).

To check for rust, you can drain your water heater system. If it is colored, muddy, or is metallic to taste, consider changing as soon as possible.

Old units

When you buy heaters, you can track the duration of use from the year of manufacture. If you read the serial number, you can tell their year of manufacture. The first two digits represent the manufacturing year. You can also check online and replace those aged heaters.

Rumbling noises

It is not uncommon to hear some rumbling and bumping sounds in your unit. This is caused by dregs that collect at the bottoms of the tanks from the aging heaters. The repeated heating causes the residue to harden and drains your heater’s capacity.

Leaks

Have you come across a leaking tank in your system? This could be a result of the expansion of metal during heating. As much as the leaking might stop upon cooling of the metal, it can be rather messy. Ensure there are no more leaks before you replace them.

Lastly, your water heater’s lifespan is much dependent on how frequently you check and service it. Be sure to flush it at least once in twelve months.

 

Tips to Buy a High-Efficiency Electric Hot Water Heater

Electric water heaters act as substitutes for gas service. You will likely use these electric water heaters in places where the landscape cannot allow a gas line to run. Other factors may hinder the supply of gas from the main lines to areas like homes and schools.

When looking for water heater systems for sale, choose the ones with high efficiency. You should select heaters that convert the electric currents to heat while losing minimal energy compared to combustion.

High-efficiency electric heaters might still be quite expensive to operate. When you compare the electricity costs against natural gas, you will find it is more costly.

To choose a suitable high-efficiency electric water heater, you will have to consider the following factors.

If you choose electric water heaters, register your family for basic first aid for electric shock training to ensure timely response during emergencies.

Energy consumption factor

The energy factor (EF) is the rate at which your water heater converts the electrical energy into hot water. This implies that heaters with a high-energy factor are the most effective ones.

Heaters of standard efficiency have as low as 75 energy factor ratings, while the high-efficiency water heaters have energy factor ratings of up to 90. Storage tank heaters usually have their energy factor ratings at 95, which is generally the upper limit.

Energy factor is affected by the following:

  1. The efficiency of the heater in transmitting the heat energy to the water.
  2. Amounts of heat lost from the storage tank as the heated water reservoir waits to be used.
  3. The heat loss resulting from the circulation of water through the internal passages of the heater.

Capacity of the water heater

The capacity of your electric water heater should cover your hot water requirements. Your water heater’s ability to utilize its conventional tank is rated in the first hour.

This first-hour rating stands for the gallons of hot water produced when the demand is peak. The right water heater for your household should be at least 10 % higher than your requirement.

If the first-hour rating of your heater is less than the peak demand of your household, then you are likely to take a shower with cold water.

A higher first-hour rating denotes that it can increase the number of your household occupants and still take care of their hot water needs.

Traditional vs. Tankless water heaters

In the recent past, traditional water heaters were widely used. Now, new and sophisticated water systems have been developed and adopted. These cheap hot water systems have flooded the market.

The following are the merits and demerits of both the traditional and tankless water heaters.

Merits of traditional water heaters

  • Lower original cost– The initial set up fee for installing a traditional water heater is half the value required to fix a tankless water heater.
  • Easy and cheap to replace-It is easy to install and affordable to replace.

Demerits of traditional water heaters

  • Increased service bill-One problem associated with these traditional heaters is they keep on heating the water irrespective of your needs. This will push your utility bill up and can off during winter.
  • It is bigger and difficult to set- These heaters tend to consume more room since they cannot be placed outside.
  • It may run short of water-It can run out of water as it is manually filled, thus inconveniences.

Merits of tank less water heaters

  • It saves money- In the long, you will realize tremendous money savings. Tankless water heaters are known to be about 30% efficient than conventional storage water heaters.
  • Saves on space-They are small hence occupy little space. You can also place it outside your house, like on walls and verandahs.
  • It is long-lasting– A tankless water heater that can last for over twenty years. This is double the durability of a traditional water heater.
  • Produces hot water efficiently– You can have your hot water on demand. It can deliver about three gallons of water every minute when demanded.

Demerits of tank less water heaters

  • High installation cost-Generally, they require large portions of your resources to set up. It also depends on the type of model you will need.
  • High retrofitting costs-The process of replacing a traditional heater with a tankless one leads to extra costs as it is complicated.

Choose a water heater that serves your needs and fits your budget and lifestyle. A traditional water heater is the best if you operate on small incomes and want quick replacements.

Choosing the Right Size Tankless Hot water heaters

A tankless water heater is a piece of excellent equipment for your home hot water system. They are often rated by their speed in attaining the maximum temperature possible. Therefore, it is essential to put this rate in mind, plus the rate of water flow.

If you decide to go for cheap hot water systems, remember not to undersize your system. Decide the area of application in the house and choose wisely.

Ideally, you can adhere to the following steps whenever you want to acquire cheap hot water systems:

  1. Decide the density of the devices.

Choose the density of devices you intend to include in the system– and the rate of water flow for each device. Total up their flow rates in units per meter. This sum is the rate to use to determine the flow rate of your preferred heater.

For instance, if you have a hot water faucet and a shower system, add the water flow rate per minute. The result is an approximate value of the water heater rate. You can use slow-flowing water devices to cut the rates of flow.

  1. Decide the maximum attainable temperature you wish to heat your water to.

To find out the temperature rise, find the difference between your desired hot water temperature and cold water in your house. Use the lowest attainable water temperature.

Doing this will give you the desired temperature output you’re looking for. The water temperature in places with cool and cold climates will be lower than those with warmer climates.

  1. Determine the size you wish to have.

Cheap hot water systems must not be necessarily small but rather fit the value for money.

To determine the size, learn more about the lowest possible water temperature; the highest temperature you intend to heat your water to; and the amount of water you intend to heat in your home hot water system. This will give you an idea of what size might work best for you.

Do your math right. You will find a hot water system that’s worth the value of your money.

Hitches that will require you to call an Electricia

Whether you are the DIY freak for all problems at home or just a sparing homeowner, a time comes when only electricians can handle the situation in your home.

Some electrical repairs can only be taken care of by licensed experts. Such repairs are either too technical for any homeowner to handle or need long-lasting solutions.

These professionals may be accompanied by experts in basic first aid for electric shock to guarantee safety.

Find out some electrical hitches that will need you to call a professional.

 

  • Smoke detectors installation and inspection

Smoke detectors are a requirement in every new home and should remain functional throughout. You may not be able to tell whether the appliances are still active. However, an electrician has the special tools to inspect if smoke detectors are still functional.

For a new installation, they must be appropriately installed to function over a long period.

  • Ceiling fan installation or replacement

Ceiling fans provide a flow of cool air all over the room when installed professionally. If a replacement is needed, the best idea is to have an expert electrician do the replacement.

  • Indoor and outdoor lighting

Lighting requires precision and coordination, especially if two-way switches are to be used. The entire lighting system should be coordinated, and this is easier done with a professional’s assistance.

In the end, you won’t have to worry about uncoordinated wiring.

  • Surge protection

Excess power currents originating from the power station can be quite dangerous to your home appliances.

Sudden blackouts and brownouts are known to have adverse effects on home appliances, and only some special tools can protect your devices from blowing anomaly. Only qualified electricians are allowed to do the installation.

  • Breaker panel issues

One of the crucial precaution measures is to install a breaker panel. It automatically cuts down the circuit when danger occurs.

When you detect some overheating, burning smell, or flickering lights in the breaker panel, you will need to contact a professional electrician to rectify that to restore the safety it offers to your home.

So how do you get the right electrician for the job if you face any of these problems?

 

What to look for in a qualified electrician

While DIY is okay for some home problems, others are risky or require an expert to ensure proper fixing and a long-standing solution.

For instance, most electricity hitches require an expert. Still, it helps to ensure that the technician you’re about to hire is qualified.

However, don’t work alone if you go DIY—partner with people who’re savvy about basic first aid for electric shock to ensure total safety.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of critical issues to consider before entering a deal with any electrician.

  1. Qualification and experience

The most important things to learn about them is job record and skillsets. This info should be available in their portfolio or their former institution.

You may also need to learn his experiences by knowing how long he has been on the job.

  1. Recommendations

After a successful service to an individual or organization, they usually indicate how they feel about the service they received from the technician.

Checking out their recommendations will help you decide if you can trust the electrician with the task.

  1. Attitude and communication

A competent electrician should have excellent communication skills and be a time-keeper. The electrician should report to work early enough and display love for what they do. That way, you can be confident they will deliver quality services.

  1. License and insurance

When searching for a qualified electrician, check out their license and insurance. This affirms that the electrician is given the go-ahead to do any electrical repairs. However, be sure to prove the license and insurance, so you don’t gamble your safety plus that of the electrician.

Still, you can enroll for a course on basic first aid for electric shock to save a life in case of emergencies.

  1. How much for the service?

The electrician should not overcharge you for any services offered. Despite the skyrocketing cost of living, the technician should show the will to fulfill your wish, rather than focusing on the charges.

 

The Bottom Line

Whether to hire an electrician to fix your hot water heater or go DIY is a personal decision.

Nevertheless, always be cautious when working on electrical appliances that rely on both power and water to function.

While DIY is okay for some home problems, others are risky or require an expert to ensure proper fixing and a long-standing solution.

For instance, most electricity hitches require an expert. Still, it helps to ensure that the technician you’re about to hire is qualified. A competent electrician should have excellent communication skills and be a time-keeper. The electrician should report to work early enough and display love for what they do. That way, you can be confident they will deliver quality services.

But if you go DIY, don’t work alone; partner with people who’re savvy about basic first aid for electric shock to ensure total safety.

Electric shock is more common in freshwater, which transfers currents better because of dissolved minerals and other impurities.

Salty water has high conductance, which controls the voltage gradient passed through an individual’s body, minimizing electrical injury.

Still, a higher source voltage can cause electrocution in salty water. Electric shocks at home can also come from home appliances that rely on water and power sources to operate.