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Two of the most common types of water heaters are either gas-powered or electric-powered. Each poses certain advantages and drawbacks over the other. When it comes to gas hot water systems though, below are the things that you need to know.
Installation
Installing a gas hot water system should ideally be done by professionals to ensure that the system will work as expected. If you are trying to find a gas hot water system installer Canberra locals rely on, then you should check online sources as well as local listings. This is where you will be able to find the professionals who will be able to help you.
Seasoned plumbers have the tools necessary to install a gas hot water system such as pipe joint compounds, as well as self-tapping sheet metal screws. They most likely have flexible hoses too as well as adjustable vent pipes. From there, they will inspect your water heater vent system to ensure that it is in good working condition.
One of the first steps in the installation process is attaching the earthquake straps. After this, the water supply will be connected. However, extra precaution must be made when copper flexible water lines are used. Some portions also entail the need for a dielectric nipple between the water heater and the waterline. The installation of the vent hood, as well as the vent piping and the gas connection, follows soon after. From there, the tank can already be filled and the earthquake straps, as well as the T&P drain pipe, can also be connected.
Gas Hot Water System Operation
- Tank-type Systems
For a tank-type gas hot water system, cold water is heated and stored in the tank. The inlet pipe is also referred to as the cold water supply tube where water enters to fill in the tank. As the water in the tank grows warmer, it rises in the tank until it reaches the hot water discharge pipe where hot water is funnelled off.
Perhaps one of the most significant drawbacks of a tank-type system is that sediment can build up in the tank, rendering the hot water system inefficient. In this case, it is very likely for you to hear strange noises coming out of your water heater. As soon as you notice bubbling or gurgling sounds, make sure to check the tank of your hot water system immediately.
To avoid sediment buildup in the tank, periodic cleaning and maintenance is the key. In this case, you can flush the tank by turning the gas pilot control valve to its pilot setting and shutting off the cold water supply in the heater. From there, you can open the tank drain valve to drain all the water from the tank and refill it with fresh water after clearing all the sediments.
- Tankless System
A tankless gas hot water system consists of sensors to detect the flow of water. As the gas burner fires, a heat exchanger warms the flowing water in the pipes. Some even employ a secondary heat exchanger to pre-heat the water. On the other hand, there is also a thermostat that regulates the amount of gas that heats the burner.
The Bottomline
If you are going for a gas hot water system, make sure to enlist the services of professional plumbers who will be able to ensure that your system is installed properly. Rest assured that when your gas hot water system is properly installed, you will less likely experience any problems with your water heater in the future. This will not only save you money but time and energy as well.
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