Preventing Common Apartment Water Heater Problems

 

A vital part of apartment building operation is water heaters. Depending on water quality, its location and the environment, commercial water heaters can last between four to eight years. Owners often neglect them until they require repair. Most general maintenance issues can be solved quickly and at a lower cost.

Neglecting to circulate air properly and causing problems are the most common causes of water heater failures. It is important to be aware of your water heater. Crossover or mixing in the water system can be a problem. We will discuss this below.

Learn about the Forgotten Appliance

A Commercial Gas Manchester  heater is large enough to be intimidating. Many owners don't want to get to know the product. There are so many types of water heaters on the market. Knowledge is key. It is crucial to understand which type of water heater you have. There are several options: an electronic ignition, a standing pilot, a boiler and storage tanks as well as High Efficiency heaters with hot surface ignition and tankless heaters.

Managers need to know where the heater is located, what model it is, and how to reset it. They also need to know who to contact in case it has a serious problem. Gas water heaters need oxygen, fuel (natural or propane), an ignition source (electronic ignition or pilot) and water.

The flame will die if there isn't enough fresh air. Water won't heat up properly unless it has. The pilot or flame can be extinguished by air starvation. Soot and carbon monoxide gases build up in the system. It is important to ensure that the system has ample airflow and access to open spaces in order to prevent premature failures.

Warm water

If the water temperature is not rising quickly when you use the sinks or showers, it might be time to examine the water heater's function and the water system. Mixing or crossing is caused by hot and cold water. This causes lukewarm water throughout the complex. This is often caused by single-handled faucets or showers. This problem can also be caused by a malfunctioning check valve in the recirculation lines.

If water heaters are mixed, an entire apartment block will be affected. The worst symptoms will be experienced by the apartment closest to it: no hot water or, if lucky, lukewarm. Problems such as mixing can easily be detected and fixed early by having them serviced every year. If they are not done regularly, this can save you money in the long-term.

Mineral Deposits

The corrosion of anode rods can be affected by water quality. These devices are designed to protect the glass from corrosion. Hard water can cause calcium deposits at the bottom of the tank. This reduces the heater's life expectancy. This calcium acts as an insulator and slows down the heating process. It can also cause premature heating element failures from overuse. Calcium buildup can cause high water heating costs and a drop in efficiency.

Water softening, which replaces sodium ions with magnesium and calcium, is a process that causes severe deterioration of the anode rods.

Location, Location and Location

It can also impact the efficiency of the water heater by its location and environment. Water heaters need plenty of clean air to heat and vent. Air contaminated with foreign substances can cause premature failure. It is important to keep away from any flammable or gas-containing items, such as vapors of bleaches and soaps, salts and cleaners, paints, or gases, that could contaminate the air.

There is a high risk of lint buildup from dryers or carbon monoxide if the laundry room is contaminated. Lint can block air vents and cause water heaters to operate at a reduced capacity. Lint can also clog pipes, catch fire, and even block fresh air vents to the heater closet.