How to Choose a Shower Water Heater
Shower water heaters provide the comfort of hot running water. They can also contribute to a lower energy bill, especially when combined with a point of use water heater.
However, when choosing the best unit for your needs and budget, you must take into account other factors as well. This includes the tank type, energy source, installation requirements and initial cost.
1. Thermostat
A thermostat senses the temperature of water within the heater and regulates heat. It does not come in direct contact with the water; rather, it’s pressed against the tank shell, transferring heat from metal to metal by conduction. It also takes into account the temperature of the water that flows through the pipes.
If you’re experiencing hot water issues, you might have a thermostat problem. These units can be fixed by replacing the upper and lower thermostats. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper removal, as the steps can vary by model.
The thermostat can be found on the back of your shower water heater. To access it, you must remove the panel that covers shower water heater both thermostats and fold back any insulation covering the areas. If the panels are too tight to open with a flathead screwdriver, you can use tape to secure them until you have time to remove them completely. If your thermostat has a reading of 1 or higher, it is not functioning properly. Replace it with a new one that matches your water heater.
You can increase your energy efficiency by insulating the water heater and its pipes. This can save you money and help your pipes last longer. Additionally, you can install low flow faucets and shower heads to reduce your water usage.
2. Filler Material
The insulating blanket that encases the water heater tank contains a polymer material that can handle high temperatures, but it is prone to sediment buildup. Sediment is a collection of dissolved or suspended solids, including built-up rust, hard water minerals, silt, clay, and dirt. The wind, rain, and ice carry these particles to lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs that serve public and well water systems. If the sediment collects in your insulated hot water storage tank, less heat can reach your shower water and you’ll experience shorter hot showers.
To get rid of sediment, drain the tank by twisting the cold water supply valve clockwise until it’s tight. After the tank is drained, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and turn on the water. Allow the hose to run until the water appears clear and then shut off the water. Rinse the tank with the water to remove any remaining sediment and debris.
3. Water Heater
A shower water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in a household, and it’s also usually one of the most expensive. This is why it’s important for homeowners to do their research when choosing a unit that will serve them for the long term. There are many factors to take into consideration, including durability, energy efficiency, space requirements and installation flexibility.
Most households rely on traditional tank-style heaters, which feature insulated tanks capable of holding between 20 and 80 gallons of water. They can be powered by electricity, gas, propane or fuel oil, making them a convenient option for nearly any home. A thermostat keeps track of the temperature inside the storage tank, and whenever readings drop below prescribed levels, the heater kicks in to heat it back up.
The drawback of traditional water heaters is that they can be slow to start heating water, especially if a lot of hot water is used simultaneously. This issue is compounded when the hot water fixture is located far from the heater, since it will take longer for the water to travel the distance and reach the showerhead.
Fortunately, point-of-use tankless water heaters can eliminate this problem by electric tankless hot water heater heating water on demand. The best of these units are electric, but gas models are available as well for homes with access to a natural gas line.
4. Connections
Water pipe connections to a shower water heater should be securely attached and properly sealed. Use copper water flexes with threaded connections on both ends. If you choose to solder the pipes, use dielectric unions. You’ll also need a pressure relief valve inline with the water heater outlet. Installation kits are available that include flexible connectors with compression fittings for easy attachment, no soldering required.
A tankless point of use (POU) water heater, installed right at the shower, heats the water as it passes through, immediately before it exits your shower head. This saves energy because it does not heat stored water.
If you decide to install a new water heater on your own, be sure to read the printed instructions and all safety warnings thoroughly. Make sure the power is completely turned off before working on an energized circuit. Check the wiring with a volt meter to be sure it is safe to work on.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing the plumbing or electrical work, consult a professional plumber or electrician. A qualified professional can help ensure that your new shower water heater meets all local plumbing and electrical codes. Especially important is that the size of the water heater and all wires is sized correctly for your home’s load and usage. If the water heater or any of the connected pipes are sized incorrectly, you could experience water hammer and other serious problems that can be costly to repair.
