Frequently Asked Questions

The new standard temperature that manufacturers use when pre-setting your hot water heater at the factory is typically 120°F. This is a sufficient temperature for most households. If you have an older model, you can set the thermostat at medium. Gas models usually have a dial on the front of the gas valve. Electric models have thermostats (there may be two) that are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank. You can adjust the temperature to meet your needs.Keep in mind that hot water also helps in minimizing the growth of bacteria. Consult Reliable Water Heaters on (510) 372 6672 for the recommended temperatures for your particular needs.

Rumbling sounds can be an indication that sediment has built up on the bottom of the water heater. Water can become trapped in this sediment and begin to boil. This means the Water Heater is not operating efficiently and the sediment isn’t allowing the heat to transfer to the water in the tank. You may try draining a few gallons of water off the bottom of the Water Heater tank. This is done by attaching a drain hose to the valve at the bottom of the tank. Allow it to drain for about five minutes. Many newer models of water heaters have a new feature that prohibits the buildup of sediment in the tank. If your heater is an older model, it may be cost effective to replace the water heater if the buildup is severe. Call Reliable Water Heaters on (510) 372 6672 or (925) 812 4601 for the Maintenance of your Water Heater.

Yes, you should test the pressure relief valve regularly and replace it if it fails to operate. At least once a year you should flush out the sediments. As long as a tank has a functioning anode, it should not rust. Therefore you should have the anode checked by Reliable Water Heaters professional about once every year.

  • 1 - TURN OFF GAS OR ELECTRICITY
  • Gas : Twist the dial on the top of the thermostat from ON to OFF position.
    Electricity : Switch the circuit breaker for the water heater to OFF position.
  • 2 - TURN OFF WATER SUPPLY
  • Turn the handle on the water valve CLOCKWISE until it stops. If the water does not stop, turn off the main water valve for the entire house.
  • 3 - DRAIN WATER HEATER
  • Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the other end of the hose to a lower place where you can drain rusty, hot water without causing damage. Open a hot water faucet in the house to let air into the tank.
  • 4 - OPEN THE RELIEF VALVE
  • Flip handle so it is sticking straight out or up. (CAUTION: Scalding hot water).

Call Reliable Water Heaters on (510) 372 6672 to Schedule Emergency Service!

The average gas heater takes between 30 and 40 minutes to fully heat up the water in its tank. The average electric heater takes about twice as long as the average gas heater to fully heat up the water in its tank, so you can expect it to take between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes to heat up.

Calculating Energy Usage. An average Water Heater runs three hours daily. A 50-gallon, 5,500-watt Water Heater with a .90 EF and an electricity rate of $.16 per kilowatt hour will cost $781 to operate each year. Most Water Heaters include a label listing the annual operating cost.

Size of pipes – The wider the pipes, the longer it will take for hot water to get to you. ... The ambient temperature of the air around your pipes affects the temperature of the pipes themselves. On cold days, it takes longer for the water to heat the pipes, and keep enough heat to feel warm to you.

During a regular maintenance visit, a professional will descale, also called delime, your Tankless Water Heater to make sure there's no buildup around the heating elements. A professional should descale your water heater at least once a year.

By far the most popular option, standard Water Heaters use a gas flame or electric heating element to heat water. Depending on your local utility costs, gas water heaters are typically cheaper to operate than electric. They also cost more upfront than an electric. ... Are less expensive than other Water Heater types.

Reliable Water Heaters makes a prudent effort to include the most common questions and answers on our website. The information provided here in this web site is intended as a convenience to our customers and Reliable Water Heaters makes no representations or warranties or responsibilities, for any attempt to repair or install or maintenance the water heaters from unqualified or non-Licensed company. Therefore, we advise our customers to be careful in dealing with any problem they may notice on their water heaters and contact us immediately to fix it or ask any question and we ill be more than happy to answer your questions and inquiries.

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