FAQs

As a homeowner, business owner, or simply a building owner, a water heater becomes an integral part of what’s included inside the four walls you own or operate within. Specifically, hot water is a luxury owned by most, and expected by all. Whether you’re washing hands or taking a shower, it’s important to have it ready when needed. But for those looking to make improvements to their building or home, building codes are very important and must be followed in order to avoid issues, fines, and restructuring of the entire system.

Seismic Straps

Water heaters require two seismic straps — one within the top ? and one at the bottom ? of the unit. The bottom strap must be located at least 4” away from the controls. This is important in the event of an earthquake that may shift your…

In times of economic uncertainty, it’s natural to wonder if certain industries or products can weather the storm better than others. One such industry that has gained attention for its resilience during tough economic times is the plumbing sector. Today, we’ll explore the question are tankless water heaters recession-proof, the economic benefits of installing tankless water heaters, and discuss why these innovative appliances have emerged as a potentially recession-proof solution for homeowners and businesses alike. Delve into the world of tankless water heater economics and their role in the plumbing industry with Payless Water Heaters, as we provide expert advice and services for water heaters!

The Rise of Tankless Water Heaters

In recent years, tankless water heaters have been gaining popularity as an energy-efficient and space-saving alternative to traditional storage tank…

Like many appliances in your home, you may not realize how much you rely upon your water heater until it stops working. Problems with your water heater range from very minor and easy to fix, to costly repairs or replacement. In some cases, you may encounter the risk of explosion. When you have no idea what is going on with your water heater, you cannot easily determine possible causes. That makes small issues likely to slip under the radar, and costs you more in repairs when you hire a plumber. By understanding the various components and functions of your water heater, you can prolong its lifespan, improve its efficiency and save yourself a lot of money.

Water Heater Components:

• Hot Water Outlet: Your hot water heater tank heats your water, but it…

Has your water heater stopped working?  Your water heater can last you a long while with proper maintenance. But problems do happen and nothing lasts forever. Eventually, your water heater will buckle and stop working. In a perfect world, it will be under the weight of its years, but there are a host of reasons as to why your water heater could fail on you.

Leaks

Unsurprisingly, a leaky heater is a heater that’s not long for this world. Leaks can and will wreak havoc on  your ability to sustain hot water in your home. What’s more is that the leaked water is liable to damage the area surrounding the water heater. Any homeowner will tell you that water damage is no laughing matter and should be treated as seriously as possible. As such, a leaky…

Does it seem like there’s never enough hot water to go around in your household? While it might be easy to point fingers at a certain family member who’s a fan of long showers, a home can have a shortage of hot water for several reasons. Here are some of the most common ones.

Wrong-Sized Water Heater

Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work well for water heaters. You need a unit that suits the specific dimensions of your home. For example, a heater that’s too small often results in an insufficient supply of hot water. This is especially true when you’re family is running multiple appliances at once.

Sediment and Rust Buildup

In certain areas, there are more minerals in the water. This means there’s a greater chance for sediment to collect near the unit’s burner. Installing…

Given that a tank-style heater stores water for future use, you might wonder what keeps it from corroding while water sits in it. After all, most people have experienced how water or air interact with metal to create rust and other corrosion products.

Though you might never have seen it, your water heater contains a critical component that prevents it from corroding: a “sacrificial” anode rod. Without this piece  correctly functioning, your hot water quality would suffer, and your water heater would not last nearly as long.

The Anatomy of an Anode Rod

An anode rod looks like a metal stick. It has a steel wire core that’s surrounded by “less noble” metals–metals that tend to corrode relatively quickly in water (usually magnesium, aluminum, or zinc).

How They Work

An anode rod extends the life of a water heater by…

A properly installed and maintained water heater will operate efficiently and effectively for years after it’s purchase. And while most systems are more than suited to keeping your household comfortable, we at Payless believe even good things can be made better. That’s why we’ve compiled this quick list of five water heater accessories you can purchase and install to improve the effectiveness and safety of your equipment. 

1. Timers Perfect for the energy-conscious customer, these devices help cut down on the power your heater draws when not in-use.  These devices get wired directly into the unit’s electrical supply and can be set so the water heater only draws electricity at specified times, making sure your water heater is never acting like an energy vampire. 
2. Expansion Tanks These are pretty simple, as they…

Let’s face it — working on something on your own, saving the money, and stepping back to be able to say you were the one who solved an issue is a great feeling. In fact, it can be something many home and business owners consider as a right of passage to being a true homeowner. However in the case of many major appliances, specifically your water heater, it might be worth it to call an expert to have the job handled when appropriate. Below are a few times to consider calling an expert, rather than pulling out your own set of tools for the job.

Leaking Water

If leaking water is present in your home near the water heater, it’s not ideal to figure out how to jerry rig something together and stop the water flow temporarily — unless you…

No one wants to deal with a problem that’s gone out of hand. Here are some warning signs to look out for that indicate you need your water tank serviced.  It is recommended that water tanks get serviced every 5 years as a regular check up. Even if there are no problems that seem apparent 5 years marks the half life, or quarter life, of your water heater depending on the type of tank you purchase.  Here are some tell tale signs that  you need water heater service.

Irregular Water Temperatures

Mineral deposits that build up over time are often the result of irregular water temperatures. This can indicate that your water tank may need to be serviced if this problem arises and your water heater is new or potentially replaced if it’s on the older side.

Water Discoloration 

If…

With rising energy costs, growing families, and on-demand efficiency becoming prevalent in today’s world, the last thing you need is to be spending more money. But what happens when your existing water heater isn’t delivering the hot water you need anymore? What happens when it breaks altogether? As a homeowner, you need to start exploring options. In this blog, we break down 5 reasons why a Noritz tankless water heater is right for your California home.

Energy Efficiency

Water heaters with a tank store hot water. This means they constantly have to run to ensure you have hot water. This can drive your energy bill up, especially if you aren’t using hot water frequently or if your water heater is in a cooler space. Tankless water heaters heat up water on demand, so you’re…