AO Smith Water Heaters
Commercial & Residential Service

On-demand tankless water heaters

DynaClean automatic sediment cleaning system

Water heater thermal expansion tank

Water Heater Leak - 7th Costliest Insurance Claim.

PDM Water Heater King - same day honest service since 1885.

A skilled plumber is nearby to service all types of water heaters for homes, business and industry. PDM yellow super trucks are fully stocked to help get your hot water flowing again.

1. Quick water heater repairs - Experienced, guaranteed and neat.
2. New water heater - 16 reasons why PDM installs are the best.
3. On demand tankless water heater - Advantages & disadvantages
4. DIY water heater troubleshooting help.
5. Tired of waiting for hot water? Save thousands of gallons of water.
6. Water And Gas Safety Valve automatically shuts off valves.
7. Dripping faucets, leaking toilet, noisy pipes or leaking temperature & pressure relief valve? You may need a hot water expansion tank.
8. Imagine if a temperature & pressure relief valve failed and exploded? Visit water heater blast now and you might start worrying.

We've seen & done it all. Call the Water Heater King for same day help.

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16 Reasons PDM Installs Are The Best.

Half price service is not the same as full price. The Water Heater King offers you same day quality water heater service.

1. Clean, courteous professional plumber will evaluate your water heating needs to determine the proper size.
2. You approve the price before work begins - No surprises.
   "100% satisfaction guarantee".
3. Quality AO Smith energy efficient water heater. Fight the energy war. Save up to 27% on utility costs.
4. Free delivery of your new efficient water heater.
5. Solid warranty - 1, 6 or 10 year parts, labor insurance.
6. Safety first. Replacing is one thing, but is your existing water heater installed to current safety codes? PDM technicians are state licensed and will make sure your water heater is safely installed.
7. Clean your chimney base of all debris and see if the flue pipe from the new heater is pitching up toward the chimney to keep you safe.
8. Change any parts needed within three feet of your water heater. Some companies quote a cheap price and then add-on charges.
9. Designed to look great. We don't use cheap flexible copper water connectors. We solder copper fittings designed for your unique job.
10. Ensure sufficient draft upstream to make sure deadly carbon monoxide gases leaves your home or business.
11. Test emergency gas, electric and water shut-off valves. We also test the temperature and pressure relief valve, gas and water leaks, even carbon monoxide for safe operation.
12. Prevent painful hot water scalding by setting water temperature around 120 degrees.
13. Clean up the work area, many times better than when we began. Surprisingly that's not always the case with other companies, they leave you a mess.
14. Free removal of your old water heater, $25 value.
15. Recycle your old equipment. Every little bit helps.
16. You could be liable if an unlicensed, uninsured worker gets hurt on your property. PDM protects you. We're licensed, bonded, insured.

Fast water heater service, usually within an hour.
Call the Water Heater King for neat, honest service.

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"On-Demand" Tankless Water Heater.

Advantages of on-demand tankless water heater:

1. If your water heating needs can be described as "Occasional use" it will provide unlimited hot water if only one fixture is used at a time.
2. Small space required for tankless water heater, can be located outside.
3. On-demand water heaters are essentially 100% energy efficient because none of the heated water is stored, and they cannot lose any heat through tank walls.
4. Savings are about $10 per year in energy costs, or less than $1 per month, per person -- compared to an electric tank type heater.
5. Gas and electric on demand tankless water heaters available.

Disadvantage of on-demand tankless water heater:

1. On demand tankless water heater life can be affected by hard water. Minerals can build up quicker on the small heater elements.
2. Can be more expensive than a standard tank water heater with electrical or gas upgrades that may be required prior to installation.
3. Heavy peak demand usage: When multiple hot water fixtures are operating simultaneously, tankless water heaters generally cannot keep up with demand for hot water.
4. A 19 kW (kilowatt) heater with a standard 100 amp electric line provides enough hot water for one shower. If two showers are being used at the same time, there may not be enough hot water, especially in the winter when the incoming water is colder.
5. Some homes may require an upgrade of the homes electric service panel or the installation of a designated 100 amp/240 volt electric line to accommodate a 19 kW heater, increasing the cost involved.
   

Call PDM for free, honest advice. We can install any water heater system that fits your needs.

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WAGS Valve can Automatically Shut Off Water, Gas

Essential protection against water heater leaks.

Water and Gas Safety shut-off valve can automatically turn off water before becoming a flood and shut off gas feeds before disaster can strike.

Round-the-clock peace of mind!

• Prevents costly water damage
• Alleviates related gas safety concerns
• Minimizes inconvenience

Great insurance against the unexpected. Add with a new water heater install and save more.

Thermal Expansion Tank and How it Can Help.

Have you noticed dripping faucets, leaking toilet tank fill valves, even noisy water hammer in the pipes? Or how about your water heater's temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve leaking?

The cause can be thermal expansion of heated water. A build up of unusually high water pressure can create a number of annoying and potentially dangerous problems.

When dangerous water pressures build up in a water heater, internal parts may fail such as the internal flues, fittings or water connections. If a flue way collapses it can lead to the potential release of toxic gases. Thermal expansion can even lead to a bulging hot water heating tank and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

If you noticed any of these symptoms, tell us and we can install a small expansion tank above your water heater to relieve unsafe water pressure build-up. It's simple and easy.

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Tired of Waiting for Hot Water?

Enjoy instant hot water in your bathroom and save thousands of gallons of water each year by adding a water heater re-circulating pump !

Use less energy than it takes to run a 25-watt light bulb.

With a PDM Comfort Series Instant Hot Water System you’ll enjoy hot water from the moment you turn on the hot water faucet. You’ll also save up to 16,000 gallons of water each year and use less energy than it takes to run a 25-watt light bulb…to say nothing of the tremendous ecological benefit that goes along with it.

A re-circulating pump that attaches directly to your heater.
Requires no additional wiring or electrical expense. The pump keeps the water in your pipes moving, resulting in a constant availability of hot water without the wait or the waste! Turn the shower on and get hot water.

Add comfort and conserve water.
Why waste your water and time? Call you for a convenient appointment. Add a new water heater and save more. Stop postponing. You’ll love the convenience. Call for more info and mention online special, save $50.

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DIY Water Heater Troubleshooting

Water heater troubleshooting - Gas or electric

• Water heater: before doing anything
• Water heater rumbling, popping, banging sound
• Water heater pilot light, gas burner problem
• Temperature and pressure T&P valve
• Not enough hot water
• Water problems; odor, color
• Water heater maintenance ideas
• Water heater emergency shut down instruction

If your tank is leaking, it's time to replace.

Water heater; before doing anything
Check for the odor of gas. If you smell gas call your gas supplier immediately and have them check for leaks. If possible turn off the gas supply and get out of the building.

Do not attempt to repair your water heater unless you are qualified. Call a licensed plumber for repairs. We also advise that you install a carbon monoxide detector to help prevent poisoning.

Electric water heater problem
Check main fuse or breaker, reset or replace if necessary.
Water heater thermostat or element may be defective.

Gas water heater problem
Make sure gas supply line is turned on. Remove the inner and outer burner access covers. Can you see if the pilot light is lit?

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Water heater rumbling, popping or banging noise
Water heater popping sounds usually suggests that sediment has built up in the bottom of the tank causing all sorts of noises to occur. Hot water is trapped in the mineral sediment and makes noises when escaping or "boiling".

If your mineral buildup is not rock solid, try flushing the tank for a few minutes or least emptying a couple of gallons by attaching a drain hose to the valve at the bottom of the tank. It makes sense to drain water after a shower so less hot water is wasted. Make sure you turn off gas or electric before flushing.

Warning: Use extreme caution when draining hot water as it can scald you within seconds. Do not discharge hot water into your toilet as it could crack the bowl or onto your lawn, which can kill the grass. You may want to drain after a bath or a load of laundry when less hot water is in the tank.

Please note: After many years of experience, sometimes a drain that's never been opened before, especially an old plastic drain, will leak when closed. If it does a new drain valve or drain cap will be needed.

Newer water heaters offer a feature to help prevent sediment build up in the tank. If your heater is old and has severe sediment your should replace. You have less water in the tank (because of the sediment) and it takes more energy to heat the water.

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Water heater pilot light is lit
Turn on a hot water faucet and let the water run. Check to see if burner comes on. If not run the hot water several more minutes. If the burner still does not come on the problem could be a defective control valve/thermostat. Check to see if the control valve knob is in the "on" setting and not set to the "pilot" position.

Pilot light won't stay lit
Sometimes a draft will blow the pilot light out. Make sure the burner access covers are in place. Other causes are dirt in the gas line, defective or loose pilot safety switch connection.

Pilot light is not lit
Follow the instructions posted on your water heater and attempt to re-light pilot with care. Make sure gas valve is open. If the pilot light will not re-light, the problem could be that gas is not reaching the water heater or a clogged/dirty pilot line. Call PDM for help.

If the pilot light will light but does not stay lit when the gas valve control is released the problem could be a defective pilot safety switch or perhaps a loose pilot safety switch connection to the gas control valve. Make sure the pilot safety switch connection to the control valve is tight.

Burner flame noisy (whistling)
Problem may be improper gas pressure or dirty burner orifice. Check, adjust and clean.

Yellow flame
Problem could be scale on top of burner, dirty burner orifice, flue way clogged or improper gas pressure. Clean and adjust.

Burner flame floats
Problem may be improper gas pressure, wrong orifice or clogged flue. Clean and adjust.

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Temperature and pressure relief valve leaking water

Do you know what happens when relief valve is stuck closed? Blow-up? Click to see video.

Relief valve should open when the water temperature or water pressure gets too high. If the inlet to the water heater is fed directly from the water main with no pressure relief valves or check valves between them then when the water heats up, it expands, the extra volume of water simply flows back toward the water main. If however there is a blockage such as a check valve or pressure reducing valve with a defective bypass then the increase in water volume has no where to go and the pressure with increase dramatically.

Placing a water heater expansion tank in the line at the inlet will give the increased volume of water someplace to go and prevent operation of the relief valve.

Another possibility is that the City water pressure has increased above the setting of the relief valve. Again the installation of an water heater expansion tank will solve the problem.

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Not enough hot water
Check the thermostat setting, it may be set too low. But be careful, a hotter setting can lead to scalding within seconds. Check the dip tube, if the dip tube has broken or fallen off, incoming cold water will be drawn out through the hot water outlet without being heated. Other possible causes are clogged burners and low gas pressure.

If you have an electric heater the problem could also be: lower thermostat or element may be defective, wiring problems or scale built up on elements.

Slow hot water recovery
Sediment buildup in bottom of heater, flushing the water heater may help. Other possible causes may be insufficient combustion air caused by insufficient ventilation, a clogged flue (could be dangerous and allow carbon monoxide poisoning), or improper burner operation.

Soot
Combustion air inlets or flue-way is restricted or not enough ventilation air supplied to room. Also, may be improper gas pressure or dirty burner orifice. Remove obstruction or debris from heater or flue way and improve ventilation. An obstruction could create carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Hot water smells like rotten eggs
Certain types of bacteria can react with the magnesium anode rod resulting in a rotten egg odor. Clean the tank using chlorine bleach or by changing the anode rod to aluminum usually will solve the problem. If older heater, you’re better off replacing with new efficient unit.

Rusty or black water
Anode rod may have dissolved or there is excessive sediment build-up. Check anode rod. You may be better off replacing tank with an energy efficient model. Save on future repairs and utilities.

Milky water
May be as simple as aerated water. Allow a glass of hot water to set for a few minutes. If the water turns clear, the condition is a natural occurrence. If not, call PDM for help.

Leaking tank
Can't repair a leak. Replace the water heater with energy efficient model. The savings in energy can help pay for the heater. PDM Since 1885 offers same day replacement and a variety or warranties are available.

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Water heater emergency shut down instruction

1. Turn gas or electric off:
   Gas: Twist dial on top of thermostat to OFF position Electric: Turn power supply OFF to the water heater at appliance or at breaker/fuse panel
2. Turn water supply off:
   Twist handle on water valve above heater clockwise till it stops. If water does not stop, turn OFF main water valve next to water meter.
3. Drain heater if necessary to avoid water damage:
   Attach garden hose to drain faucet at bottom of heater and run opposite end to a lower location so hot or rusty water won’t cause damage. Open hot water faucet at a sink to allow air to enter heater. Be careful about scalding hot water!
4. Call PDM Since 1885 for fast help
   
   

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Water heater maintenance ideas.

1. Why drain your water heater?
   As water is heated, minerals are released from the (hard) water and left behind in the tank resulting in poor efficiency and shorter water heater life.
   
   Use extreme caution when draining hot water heaters—the water might scald you. To further conserve energy, flush the hot water heater after bathing, washing clothes, or cleaning dishes when less hot water is in the tank.
   
   Open the drain at the bottom of heater twice a year, letting the water run into a bucket or attach hose and run to drain until it looks clear (usually about 5 gallons). Prevents hard water sediment accumulation. (Good reason to have a water softener).
   
   Electric water heater? Make sure you turn off the power before draining. If you don't you could destroy the heating elements.
   
   Please Note: After many years of experience, sometimes a drain that's never been opened before, especially an old plastic drain valve, will leak when closed. If it does a new drain valve or screw on a cap to stop leak.
   
   Also, do not drain hot water into a toilet as it may crack or onto your lawn as it will kill the grass.
   
   If you don't feel comfortable with this chore, ask a professional like PDM for help.
   
2. Temperature-pressure relief valve operation critical
   for safe operation.
   Test pressure buildup by lifting or depressing its handle and draining water from the overflow pipe once a year. If water doesn't drain out, shut off water to the heater, open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house, replace valve. A defective pressure relief can cause the water heater to explode. See exploding water heater video.
   
   Due to the scalding potential of the hot water, the outlet from the valve should be piped to a safe area. Typically they are piped down into a drain line.
3. Anode rod prevents water tank corrosion.
   This metal rod usually made of magnesium or aluminum. It helps prevent corrosion of the metal tank. Electrolysis eats away the metal anode instead of the metal of the tank. Once the anode is gone the tank itself begins to corrode. To prolong the life of the tank, make sure your anode rod is still there, and replace it when needed. The anode is screwed into the top of the tank and can be replaced. Sometimes the anode is built into a special outlet fitting.
4. Gas burner.
   You may need to clean burner. Dirt causes poor combustion, wastes up to 15% energy.
5. Ensure sufficient flue draft upstream to make sure deadly carbon monoxide gases leave the building.
6. Water Temperature.
   It doesn't take long for hot water to cause serious burns. Be extra cautious with babies, young children and elderly. About 4,000 children are scalded by tap water every year, injuries that can leave permanent scars or cause death.
   
   120°F - Usually more than 2 minutes (make sure it's safe)
   125°F - 90 to 120 seconds
   130°F - up to 30 seconds
   135°F - up to 10 seconds
   140°F - Less than 5 seconds
   145°F - Less than 3 seconds
   150°F+ - About 1 second
7. Dip tube.
   This is a long narrow tube that directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank. If a dip tube is broken, it may seem as though you run out very quickly, or you just get a luke warm temperature.

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