Do You Need Water Heater Service
A water heater is one of those modern appliances that homeowners don’t really think about until something goes wrong. There’s little worse than being forced to take a cold shower in the morning because your water heater is on the fritz. Or, worse yet, if your water heater breaks and starts leaking everywhere. All of a sudden, you can no longer wash your clothes or dishes in hot water, not to mention your hands.
In this article, you’ll discover a little about how water heaters work, and about how you can prevent an unexpected water heater disaster. Here are the things every homeowner should know about water heater services.
Water Heaters Explained
Water heaters come in two types: gas or electric. But, no matter the kind, they’re incredibly similar. The only real difference is that an electric water heater uses a heating element to get the water up to temperature. A gas water heater uses a burner to do the same. A water heater is a fairly simple appliance. It is essentially a big tank, holding somewhere between 40 and 60 gallons, depending on the size.
Cool water enters the tank at the bottom. As the element or burner heats it, the hot water rises to the top. Once an internal thermometer registers that the water is up to temperature (usually between 120 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit,) the heater turns off. The hot water sits in your tank until you need it, re-heating occasionally when the temperature drops. Once you turn your hot water faucet, the water travels through a pipe at the top of your tank and to the open faucet.
When To Call For Water Heater Services
Water heaters sound pretty simple, right? But that doesn’t mean that they’re easy to work on. Fixing or replacing a water heater requires working with water lines, gas lines, electricity, and potentially hot water. Plus, water heaters usually show signs that they’re failing before they actually give out. Here are a few things to look out for.
One of the most common signs that your water heater is struggling is debris or discoloration in your water. Sediment can build up in the water heater and affect its function. Also, the heat of your water is a good indication of a healthy water heater. If your water takes a long time to heat up, or the water temperature changes frequently, it’s time to get your water heater checked. Of course, if you see water leaking around the heater, you should definitely call a professional before it gets any worse.
Proper Water Heater Maintenance
The best thing you can do to extend the life of your water heater is regular maintenance. Some things you can do yourself, like draining two or three gallons from the tank to remove sediment. However, other things are best left to professionals, like checking the sacrificial anode rod and replacing the pressure relief valve if it malfunctions.
Luckily, scheduling regular water heater maintenance checks is as easy as calling your local plumber. While they’re at it they can check the health of your overall plumbing system, helping you to avoid expensive and inconvenient plumbing emergencies.
About Knight Plumbing, Inc.
Knight Plumbing Inc.’s owner has been in the industry for 25 years. The company proudly helps Milwaukee, Wisconsin, residents with all their plumbing needs. While other plumbers push unneeded products on their customers, Knight Plumbing’s techs are there to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and to the highest standards possible. Satisfaction is their mission and plumbing is their passion.