An instant water heater is very common and most typical households own at least one. The instant water heater is need for producing hot water which most households use to shower, wash dishes and clothes. Instant water heaters are basically small electric warm or hot water storage units or water tanks but which are not gas fired. The small storage tank retains ready-to-use hot water until the instant water tap is turned on.
Water gets into the tank via a tinny water pipe that is connected to the cold water inlet of the sink. The water goes to the bottom of the tank where it gets heated by an electric gadget. Heated water expands and moves up to a holding tank at the top where it remains hot. When you turn the tap on, it’s the hot water that flows out. Cold water will then move to the bottom of the tank where it is heated.
The holding capacity of this water heater varies, but mostly holds ½ gallon of water; while the wattage for the heating device can be anything between 500-1500 Watts. The instant water heaters produce hotter water compared to standard water heater storage units. For this reason, the water they deliver comes out at a slower rate than that in regular tanks. Nearly every instant water heater has a thermostat that lets you adjust the temperatures when the water is either too cold or too hot. It is therefore convenient for use by all members of the family.
Instant water heaters can also be used as part kitchen remodel. The kitchen can be installed with better sinks which have a hole to allow for the addition of hot water spouts. However, if there is enough space beneath the skin, you can install retrofit tanks there. These tanks are easy to install. All you have to do is take out the sprayer and place new spouts in the hole created. If you are not capable in installing the retrofit tanks, look for an experienced plumbing contractor to help you drill a hole inside your sink.
At the moment, instant water heaters which are available in the market are very many. Almost every appliance store has different varieties of these tanks. However, the mostly recognized are oil, tank-less, electric and gas types. A lot of clients choose the tank-less type when shopping as they are known to be safer. A tank-less water system is either powered by gas or electricity. Heating water in this way does not require the use of a tank. When you open the faucet, the water that comes out gets heated instantly. It is this feature which makes the tank more popular with each passing day.
There are some signs that will indicate the presence of a problem with the water heater and it is time to call in the experts. One indication is when you turn on the shower or kitchen tap, but the hot water runs only for a short period of time. This is a sign that you need to do something on the heating system to restore regular supply of hot water.
Another indication is when you hear the water making sounds like gravel being stirred or popping popcorn. Many heating systems are designed to last about one decade. This lifespan can be reduced by the buildup of minerals such as calcium. This build-up can affect the smooth flow of water in the system.
Efficiency of the system is also important. A poorly functioning unit will use energy inefficiently and push your power bills up. This will add to your home maintenance costs and increase your financial burden. This situation can be arrested by inviting aptly qualified technicians to conduct the repairs on the system.
