Water Heater FAQ

Why am I not getting enough hot water?

It could be a number of reasons from your water heater being too small in which case you may need a larger capacity model, or it could be that you have low gas pressures, or you may need to increase the temperature on your thermostat. But be careful, increasing the temperature can lead to burns and scalding. Another possible cause could be the increase of lime or sediment build-up in your tank. Draining this build-up could help.

I think my pressure relief valve may be leaking..

Either your valve has failed and requires replacement or your water temperature is set too high in which case you need to turn down the thermostat. Your water pressure level could also be too high. Try using a pressure-reducing valve in the supply line.

I think my drain valve may be leaking..

Many water heaters use a low quality valve that can be difficult to close tightly. Turn the valve closed by using slip joint pliers being careful to not apply too much force resulting in the valve snapping off. Another possible cause could be that the valve has failed and requires replacement.

How many years does a water heater last and can I extend its life?

Most water heaters last over 10 years but it’s a good idea to start researching for a replacement after approximately seven years of usage.

To make your water heater last longer, try setting the temperature to no more than 115°F. This will provide comfortable hot water for most uses and could potentially add a few years onto the life of your water heater. Another way to extend the life of your water heater is to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. To do this, drain approximately a quart of water from your tank every three months. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations based on the type of water tank you have.

Conventional Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters.  

Conventional water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. They range in size from 20 to 80 gallons (or larger) and are fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil.   Called ‘storage’ units, these water heaters transfer heat from a burner or coil to water in an insulated tank.   The down side to a conventional water heater is that energy is consumed even when no hot water is being used.

Tankless water heaters do not contain a storage tank like conventional water heaters. A gas burner or electric element heats the water only when there is a demand for hot water.

There are many things to consider when choosing conventional vs. tankless water heating systems.  MacGregor can guide you through your options and get the right system for your home that will give years of service and efficient performance.