There are a few key home components you may think about regularly if your home utilizes a water well for all its water supply needs, and one of these is your water heater. Well water can be different from public water sources in a few important ways, and ensuring that any water heater you utilize is able to accommodate for these differences is vital.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to offer quality well solutions for clients around Utah, from well drilling and installation to pump services, well inspections and more. Here are some of the top factors to consider when it comes to your water heater and its management of well water.
Capacity
One key water heater factor that’s identical to any other water supply system is capacity. You need to make sure your heater is large enough to handle the water needs of all residents in the home, as well as occasional guests or any other unique situations that may arise. If you’re unsure of your exact needs here, our pros are happy to assist you.
Typically, the key factors that determine water heater size are the number of people in the home and how often they use hot water. If you’re a larger family or have guests over frequently, expect a higher capacity need.
Hard Water Considerations
One factor to keep in mind when it comes to well water is that it tends to be “harder” than other sources like municipal water. This means that it has a higher mineral content, which can have an impact on the efficiency and lifespan of your water heater.
For instance, you should be looking for a water heater that’s designed to resist corrosion. This is because minerals in the water are likely to corrode certain types of plumbing materials, so you want to make sure your heater is built with this in mind.
You also might think about installing a water softener as part of your well system. This will help remove certain minerals and other impurities from the water before it enters your heater, extending its lifespan significantly.
Energy Source Compatibility
Make sure your chosen water heater is compatible with the energy source available in your home. In many cases, well homes use propane or natural gas rather than electricity for their heating needs, so be sure you’re choosing a heater that can accommodate this.
Similarly, if you have a solar power system set up on your property and wish to use this energy for your water heater, make sure the unit you choose is designed to work with solar power.
Water Quality Testing
If you’re in the process of selecting a new water heater for your home that utilizes a water well, one strong recommendation from our team is conducting a comprehensive water quality test before making your choice. This will help you determine any potential issues with the well water that may affect your heater, and allow you to make an informed decision.
For example, a test may reveal high levels of iron or sulfur in the water, which could lead you to choose a heater with strong corrosion resistance properties. Our pros can help guide you through this process and ensure your new heater is properly equipped for your unique well water needs.
Maintenance
Be sure to keep up on regular maintenance for any water heater, particularly when it comes from a well system. Our pros can help with everything from flushing the tank to checking for leaks or other issues.
These are especially important because mineral buildup from well water can cause efficiency or lifespan issues over time. We’re here to help you avoid these issues entirely. So, don’t hesitate to contact us today for any of your well water needs and questions! Let us help you keep your home running efficiently and smoothly by ensuring your water heater is optimized for well water. Happy heating!
Warranty Considerations
Finally, be aware that some water heaters may not come with complete warranties if they are being used in a well water system. Some manufacturers may specify that their warranty is only valid if the heater is installed in a municipal water system. Make sure you read through the warranty information carefully before making your purchase and only purchase a model that’s fully covered for use with water wells.
At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to help with any and all water well-related needs for our clients around Utah. Contact us today to learn more about any of our services or for assistance with your water heater and other well system components. We’re dedicated to providing quality, efficient well solutions for all our clients!
