How to Tell if the Water Heater is in Need of Servicing

There’s More to Know About Water Heater Services

Depending on where and when people travel to the coast, they could be in for some rough swimming days. They might expect to jump into the ocean having it be warm from the sun only to find that the water is ice cold! Even if people haven’t been to the ocean or a lake to experience this, many can relate when they step into the shower expecting the water to be warm, but instead, the water is freezing because there is something wrong with the water heater. In this article, homeowners can learn more about water heater services and maintenance. 

Water Heater 101

A water heater is one of the most important pieces in the plumbing system. The water that enters the home is usually cold or cool and needs to be heated before it reaches the sink, shower, dishwasher, washing machine, or other appliances.

The most common type of water heater uses a water storage space. In these water heaters, the water is heated to a set temperature (controlled by a thermostat) and stored in a tank until it is ready to be used. This allows for the faster transfer of hot water when someone turns on the “hot” water tap. Both gas and electric water heaters are common, and they work in a very similar fashion. They both bring cold water through a dip tube and heat the water with a gas burner or with electric heating elements inside of the tank. Then the heated water exits the tank and can move to the rest of the home through the heat-out pipe.

Who Needs Water Heater Services?

Most water heaters will last between eight and twelve years, but they can have a few common issues that require repairs or replacements. If there is no hot water coming out of the tap, noises coming from the water heater, or other unusual events, it may be due to one of the following causes of water heater failure.

• Thermostat settings: If there is no hot water or too little hot water, check the thermostat settings. Homeowners may be able to fix this problem by turning up the temperature a bit but should use caution because turning it too high can result in scalding.
• Pilot light: If the water heater is gas-powered, the lack of hot water may be due to a blown-out pilot light.
• Too much sediment: If the water heater starts making unusually loud noises, it could be because sediment is building at the bottom of the water heater tank and is being burned by the heating element, which can result in a loud popping noise.
• Bacteria growth: Bacteria buildup in the water heater is often a cause of that rotten-egg smell in the water. In this case, the tank should be flushed out to clear out the bacteria, and the smell will start to disappear.
• Leaking tank: Over time, components of the water heater will start to wear down, rust, or leak. And once the tank starts to leak, it’s time for a replacement. 

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Every plumbing appliance has a lifespan, and once that time has run out, there’s not much else a homeowner can do. But throughout the lifespan of a water heater, there are a few maintenance tasks to keep things running smoothly for as long as possible. First, keep the water heater thermostat set at a safe temperature. A good rule of thumb is around 120°F to save money on heating bills and prevent scalding. 

Flush out the tank annually. This will help to clean out any sediment or bacterial buildup. Also, check the anode rod on a regular basis. This rod keeps the tank from rusting, so changing it out when needed helps to prevent water heater failure. Using these few tips can help to extend the lifetime of the water heater, and prevent those in the house from having to take ice-cold showers.

About Roman Plumbing Inc.

Roman Plumbing Inc. has been exceeding the needs of its customers since 2002. Their friendly and knowledgeable professionals are here to make homeowners’ lives a little easier with hassle-free service and reliable solutions. There is nothing they can’t accomplish, and homeowners can feel confident knowing that the job is going to be completed to their satisfaction, every time.

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