The Vaughn water heater is constructed with a heat trap installed within the water heater’s hot water outlet connection. This device helps prevent heat from escaping through the storage tank’s hot water outlet during standby periods, resulting in improved operating efficiency. The heat trap is constructed from a specially designed bronze nipple with an internal floating ball that during standby periods of no flow settles and closes off the storage tank thereby preventing thermal conduction of hot water radiating through the hot water outlet.

The unique design of the Vaughn heat exchanger electrically isolates the heat exchanger from the tank by means of a non conductive barrier installed between the two. This provides dielectric isolation between the tank and the heat exchanger thereby eliminating electrolysis between the two due to dissimilar metals. This feature is one reason why the Vaughn indirect water heater far outlasts competitor models.

The most important factor related to the life expectancy of a water heater is the quality and type of storage tank. On an average the life expectancy of a glass lined electric water heater is about 10-12 years (according to the National Association of Home Builders 2007 Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=99359 ), compared to a cement lined electric water heater’s average life expectancy of 23-26 years (Independent study of over 25,000 installations for an Electric Utility). Of course, there are various other factors that affect longevity including pressure fluctuations, usage, water conditions, environmental conditions, etc.

All water heaters constructed using a steel tank requires a lining to protect the internal steel surfaces from corrosion. Certain linings (i.e. glass and epoxy), due to their nature, have unavoidable holes and imperfections resulting in exposure of the steel tank. As a result of this deficiency, the manufacturer will install an anode rod(s) in an attempt to delay corrosion of the steel tank. An anode rod is typically made of aluminum, magnesium or zinc, is a maintenance item that requires periodic inspection and replacement, and is often times the cause of a “rotten egg” odor to your hot water. Often referred to as a sacrificial anode rod because, over time, it slowly dissolves, sacrificing itself as it is attacked by aggressive substances in the water which would otherwise attack the steel tank through the pinholes and imperfections of the glass or epoxy lining. A cement lined steel tank on the other hand does not require an anode because of the thickness and guaranteed 100% coverage of the cement lining over all internal surfaces of the steel tank. This eliminates the need for an anode rod in a cement lined water heater, resulting in a significantly longer life compared to a glass or epoxy lined water heater. For a further discussion please click on the following link Cement Lining

Yes. Vaughn water heaters are all made in the USA and our factories located in Connecticut and Massachusetts and qualify for incentives under The Buy American Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). For more information go to the following link Here.

There are numerous ways to purchase a Vaughn water heater depending upon the model you desire and your geographic location. The easiest way is either to visit our "Where to Buy" option in the red menu bar across the website, or contact Vaughn directly at 978-462-6683 and ask for the sales department where you will be directed to either our local representative or our order entry department for quick and easy ordering.

The installation of water heaters are mostly governed by the Uniform Plumbing Code (or CPC in California), Uniform Mechanical Code, and National Electrical Code. These are standard codes that are used across the United States, and each state can amend them as they wish. To take it further, each city and county jurisdiction has assigned one or more building officials with what is called Administrative Authority. This Authority" allows each jurisdiction the right to interpret the codes as they see fit. Because of this many cities differ on their requirements. Vaughn strongly recommends that you contract with a plumbing engineer who knows and understands the intricacies of the building code requirements for your location.

Yes. All Vaughn water heaters will work with both types of plastic piping.

Check out the Vaughn Product Center at Here for a complete listing of all technical Operation & Maintenance manuals documentation available by model. Get easy access to Installation Sales Brochures Service Bulletins Wiring Schematics Parts Breakdowns and various other technical documents related to the full line of Vaughn water heaters. Or if you prefer please call us at 978-462-6683 and ask to speak with Sales.