Frequently Asked Questions

With proper maintenance, most tank water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. Tankless models can often provide 15 to 20 years of reliable performance. Regular flushing, inspections, and prompt repairs can help extend the life of your system.

A tank water heater is often a good choice for people who want a lower upfront cost and a steady supply of stored hot water. A tankless water heater heats water on demand, takes up less space, and may offer better energy efficiency. The right option depends on your household size, hot water usage, preferences, budget, and existing plumbing.

Hot water odors may come from bacteria, sediment, or the water heater’s anode rod. A professional inspection can help identify the cause.

You may run out of hot water if your heater is too small, has sediment buildup, or has a failing component. Repair or replacement may be needed.

The right size depends on your household’s hot water demand, including the number of bathrooms, appliances, and how many fixtures may be used at the same time. Our professionals at Tri County Water Conditioning can calculate the required flow rate and temperature rise to recommend the right tankless water heater for your home.

Most water heaters have a temperature control located behind an access panel (electric models) or near the gas control valve (gas models). For electric water heaters, you will need to turn off the breaker and adjust the dials with a screwdriver. If you have a tankless unit, you will likely be able to use the digital control panel.

Adjust the setting gradually and avoid setting it too high. For most homes, 120°F to 140°F provides a good balance of comfort, efficiency, and safety.

A standard water heater installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of unit and whether plumbing, venting, or electrical upgrades are needed. More complex installations may take longer.

Replacing an existing water heater usually takes 2 to 4 hours. If modifications to plumbing, gas lines, electrical connections, or venting are required, the project may take additional time.

Most water heaters should be flushed once a year to remove sediment buildup. Homes with hard water may benefit from more frequent flushing. Regular maintenance helps improve efficiency, extend equipment life, and reduce the risk of repairs.

Consider replacing your water heater if it:

• Is more than 10 years old
• Requires frequent repairs
• Leaks
• Produces rusty or discolored water
• No longer provides enough hot water for your needs

A professional inspection can help determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.

A lack of hot water may be caused by a tripped breaker, thermostat problems, sediment buildup, pilot light issues, a faulty heating element, or a failed component. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, schedule professional service to diagnose and repair the unit safely.

For electric water heaters, turn off the breaker and locate and press the reset button behind the upper access panel. Gas water heaters typically do not have a standard reset button. Instead, “resetting” often means relighting the pilot light, checking the gas control valve, or cycling the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

On some gas water heaters, there is a thermal reset switch. This safety device trips when the unit overheats or doesn’t get proper airflow, and it can prevent the pilot from staying lit. On models with a resettable version, turn off the gas before resetting. You can then typically press the small button in the center of the thermal switch until it clicks, then relight the pilot.

Tankless units are often reset through a power cycle or a control-panel reset rather than a simple button. Turn the unit off, wait briefly, then turn it back on; some models also have an error-code reset sequence on the display. If an error code returns, the code matters more than the reset itself because it usually points to the underlying fault.

If your unit’s reset button trips repeatedly or the heater still doesn’t work, contact our professionals.

Most manufacturers recommend setting your water heater to 120°F. This temperature helps provide comfortable hot water while reducing energy use and lowering the risk of scalding.

Most tank water heaters take 30 to 90 minutes to fully heat a new tank of water, depending on the size of the tank and whether it is gas or electric. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so hot water is available within seconds after reaching the fixture.

Turn off the power or gas supply and shut off the water to the unit if it is safe to do so. Leaks may be caused by a loose drain valve, condensation, a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, or a cracked tank. Contact our professionals to inspect the water heater and recommend the appropriate repair or replacement.

Routine maintenance includes flushing the tank annually, inspecting the temperature and pressure relief valve, looking for leaks or corrosion, and scheduling professional tune-ups. If you have hard water, installing a water softener can also help reduce mineral buildup and extend the life of your water heater.

An expansion tank is often required when your home’s plumbing system is closed, such as when a pressure-reducing valve or backflow prevention device is installed. The expansion tank helps absorb increased water pressure as water heats, protecting your plumbing system and water heater from unnecessary stress. Local plumbing codes determine when an expansion tank is required.

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. It can leave spots on dishes, soap scum on glass, scale on fixtures, mineral buildup inside pipes and appliances, and cause dry skin.

Hard water in Minnesota will usually show up in a variety of ways. The most common signs include mineral scale on fixtures, soap scum throughout the home, stiff laundry, dry skin and hair, white spots or film on dishes and glassware, poor appliance efficiency, and plumbing issues.

Many locations throughout MN often have hard water, such as Arlington, Prior Lake, Winsted, Glencoe, Buffalo, and more.

Hard minerals in water are usually calcium and magnesium that dissolve into groundwater as it moves through soil, limestone, and rock. This is a common issue in many homes that use well water or mineral-rich local water sources. Hard minerals are most commonly removed with a water softener.

A water softener removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water. This helps reduce scale buildup, soap scum, spotting, and wear on plumbing fixtures, pipes, laundry, and water-using appliances.

A water softener uses charged resin beads to attract and remove hard minerals from water. These minerals stick to the resin, while softened water moves into your plumbing system for daily use.

Over time, the resin becomes full of minerals and needs to be cleaned. During the regeneration cycle, the system uses salt or potassium chloride to flush away the collected minerals and recharge the resin. This allows the unit to continue providing soft water for your Minnesota home.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration process that pushes water through a special membrane to reduce many contaminants. A reverse osmosis water filter is often used to improve the taste, clarity, and quality of drinking water.

Many reverse osmosis systems are effective at reducing certain PFAS compounds. Proper system design, filter quality, and maintenance are important. Water testing can help determine the best treatment solution for your water.

PFAS are man-made chemicals found in some stain-resistant products, nonstick pans, food packaging, firefighting foam, and other products. PFOS and PFOA are two common types of PFAS. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they resist natural breakdown processes in the environment and the human body.

PFAS can get into lakes, rivers, and groundwater. This means they may be found in city water or private wells. Many locations throughout MN may have PFAS in their water sources, such as Cottage Grove, Apple Valley, Woodbury, Stillwater, and more.

Water testing is the best way to know if PFAS are in your water. Treatment options often include reverse osmosis systems or carbon filtration. Reverse osmosis is a common way to help reduce certain PFAS in drinking water.

Tri County Water Conditioning can test your water in Minnesota and help you choose the right filtration system for your home. View the EWG’s PFAS contamination map to see if they have been found in your area.

A rotten egg smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, often caused by sulfur-reducing bacteria in the water. It can also occur naturally in groundwater and even be linked to your water heater. This issue is more common with well water. Water testing can help identify the cause and the right treatment option.

Sulfur smells are commonly treated with oxidation systems, carbon filtration, aeration, or other specialized water treatment equipment. The best solution depends on the source of the odor.

Sulfur and methane gases can form naturally underground and enter well water supplies. Sulfur is often noticed as a rotten egg smell, while methane may cause bubbling water or trapped gas in plumbing. These issues are more common in private wells and can vary based on soil conditions, water depth, and local geology.

Dissolved gases in water can be damaging to piping systems and cause wear on valves, seals, and washers. Treatment depends on the source and gas levels.

Common solutions include aeration systems, oxidation, activated carbon filters, and other custom treatment equipment. Water testing is the first step to identify the problem and choose the right solution.

Our Sanitizer Series may be the appropriate treatment method. In severe cases of hydrogen sulfide and methane gas, we also offer the Sentry Open-Air, a system that is like your own private water treatment plant.

If you only notice a rotten egg odor when using hot water, the problem may be fixed by simply having your water heater serviced.

Cloudy tap water is often caused by tiny air bubbles and may clear after sitting for a few moments. If cloudiness remains, it could be related to sediment, hardness, tannins, or other common water quality problems.

Dirt and sediment are small particles such as sand, silt, rust, or debris that can get into your water supply. They are more common in private wells, older plumbing systems, or water sources affected by heavy rain and ground movement.

These particles can make water look cloudy and may build up in pipes, faucets, water heaters, and appliances over time. Sediment is commonly treated with cartridge filters, backwashing filters, or whole-house filtration systems. The best solution depends on the amount of sediment and your water source.

Hard minerals in water are usually calcium and magnesium that dissolve into groundwater as it moves through soil, limestone, and rock. This is a common issue in many homes that use well water or mineral-rich local water sources. Hard minerals are most commonly removed with a water softener.

A metallic taste may come from iron, manganese, copper, zinc, or aging plumbing materials. Water testing can help identify the source and allow you to choose the right filtration system.

Iron is a common mineral found in many groundwater sources and private wells. As water moves through soil and rock, it can dissolve iron and carry it into your home’s water supply.

High iron content in Minnesota water may cause red, orange, or brown stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, and laundry. It can also create metallic tastes and cloudy water. Iron bacteria can grow, as well, which can produce slime that clogs pipes and faucet aerators.

Treatment depends on the type and amount of iron present. Iron comes in different forms, including ferric and ferrous iron. Both of these can leave behind stains that are extremely hard to remove and cause other issues. Common solutions include softeners for lower iron levels, air injection systems, specialty filters, or custom whole-home treatment systems.

One of the systems we offer is the EcoWater ECR 3502, which is rated to remove up to 15 ppm of clear water iron (ferrous iron). In most cases, our equipment can remove triple the iron compared to competitive brands.

If your water looks red when it runs out of the faucet, an ETF AII9 Air Injection filter ahead of a water softener can help treat the issue. In severe cases, a separate iron filter may be needed.

Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that can enter groundwater from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, animal waste, and natural soil conditions. Because nitrates dissolve easily in water, they are commonly found in private wells and rural water sources.

High nitrate levels in drinking water can be a health concern, especially for infants, pregnant women, and livestock. The best way to know if nitrates are present is through professional water testing.

Nitrates are commonly treated with reverse osmosis, ion exchange systems, or other specialized treatment methods. Testing is important to confirm nitrate levels and choose the right solution.

Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective methods for removing nitrates from drinking water. Tri County Water Conditioning offers advanced RO systems that significantly reduce nitrates, including EcoWater’s ERO375 Reverse Osmosis System. This system removes up to 99% of nitrates from water.

Bacteria in water are microorganisms that can enter private wells or water systems through surface water, flooding, damaged well caps, plumbing issues, or natural sources. Some types may cause odors, bad tastes, stomach illness, or slime buildup in toilet tanks and plumbing.

Treatment depends on the type of bacteria present. Common solutions include UV water treatment systems, chlorination, filtration, and well system repairs, plus sanitation. Regular testing is especially important for private well owners.

Our EPS 1000 microbiological purification system is often a top choice for treating bacteria in water. It is certified to meet or surpass the EPA requirement for removing viruses, bacteria, and cysts (such as Giardia and Cryptosporidia). The EcoWater EPS 1000 can be installed on both municipal and well water supplies.

Chlorine is a disinfectant commonly added to public water supplies to help control bacteria and other microorganisms. While it plays an important role in public water treatment, some people notice a chlorine taste, odor, or dry skin after bathing. Chlorine can also react with natural organic matter in water and create byproducts such as total trihalomethanes (TTHMs).

Chlorine is commonly reduced with carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems. The best treatment depends on your water source and goals.

Many locations throughout MN may have high chlorine in their water, such as Minneapolis, Eagan, and more.

Chlorine is commonly reduced with activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, or whole-home water filtration installation. The right option depends on your water use and goals.

PFAS are man-made chemicals found in some stain-resistant products, nonstick pans, food packaging, firefighting foam, and other products. PFOS and PFOA are two common types of PFAS. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they resist natural breakdown processes in the environment and the human body.

PFAS can get into lakes, rivers, and groundwater. This means they may be found in city water or private wells. Many locations throughout MN may have PFAS in their water sources, such as Cottage Grove, Apple Valley, Woodbury, Stillwater, and more.

Water testing is the best way to know if PFAS are in your water. Treatment options often include reverse osmosis systems or carbon filtration. Reverse osmosis is a common way to help reduce certain PFAS in drinking water.

Tri County Water Conditioning can test your water in Minnesota and help you choose the right filtration system for your home. View the EWG’s PFAS contamination map to see if they have been found in your area.

Chromium-6, also called hexavalent chromium, is a form of chromium that can enter water through industrial pollution, manufacturing waste, or natural deposits in the ground. It has received attention because high levels may pose health concerns.

Chromium-6 cannot usually be seen, smelled, or tasted, so water testing is the best way to know if it is present. Treatment options may include reverse osmosis systems or other specialized filtration equipment designed to reduce chromium in drinking water.

Common contaminants in our area can include arsenic, lead, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and more. We offer full laboratory testing at an affordable price so you can test for these and other contaminants in your water supply.