Things You Need to Know About Water Heater Services

How to Protect Your Water Heater

Your water heater is probably one of your favorite appliances at home. There’s nothing like a hot shower at the end of a day. Your hot water heater also provides you with the hot water necessary for getting laundry and dishes cleaner and more sterile than they would get with unheated water. 

When you are having problems with your water heater, everyday activities like bathing are no fun. This article will teach about your hot water heater and services that are offered to help you get the most out of it. You will also learn about routine maintenance that you can have done to prevent breakdowns. 

What to Know About Your Water Heater

There are two types of energy sources that describe water heaters: electric and gas. Conventional electric water heaters are composed of a thermostat, a tank, and a couple of heating elements. When cold water flows into the tank, the thermostat tells the heating elements to turn on. The heating elements quickly heat the cold water to the desired temperature and then turn off. 

In a gas hot water heater, the tank and thermostat are the same as in an electric tank. However, instead of heating elements, the heat comes from a powerful gas burner at the bottom of the tank. Gas heaters are more complex because of ignition systems and safety devices that prevent fires or explosions from leaking gas. 

Water Heater Services

As you can see, gas and electric water heaters are fairly simple mechanisms. But, there are some common problems that can occur in a water heater. Some of these problems are:

• Water Leaks: Tanks can spring leaks after a few years in service. Leaks can also occur at pipe fittings and around the drain valve and safety valve. 
• Bad Heating Elements:  In electric tanks, heating elements can burn out and require replacement. 
• Burner Problems: In gas heaters, burners can degrade and not provide enough heat. There can also be ignition problems that keep the burner from igniting. 
• Thermostat Issues: A bad thermostat can lead to water that is not hot enough or water that is too hot. Bad thermostats should be replaced immediately to avoid injury. 

Water Heater Maintenance

As a homeowner, there are steps you can take to protect your water heater. Enlisting the help of a licensed plumber will help. Having your tank inspected and drained yearly will prevent the build-up of minerals that can cause the failure of the tank itself or heating elements. 

If you find that your tank has a lot of scale, it may be helpful to install a water softener to remove some of the minerals from the water before it enters your tank. Water softeners will also help your laundry and dishes get cleaner and they will also prevent mineral scale in fixtures and toilets. 

Testing the safety valve is important. Safety valves are designed to prevent tank explosions. If they get stuck they won’t be able to open to relieve pressure. Popping the valve open annually can give you the peace of mind that the safeties are working properly. 

About Magic Plumbing

Magic Plumbing has been serving the San Francisco, CA area since 1980. They have a passion for providing excellent customer service and cost-effective solutions to your plumbing problems. Whether you have clogged drains or you need a toilet installed during a renovation, they are ready to help. 

• 
  +
• 
  +
• 
  +
• 
  +