Discover the Basics of Water Heaters
It's that time of year when kids head back to school, which means learning is in the air. And even though most homeowners have left their school years behind, it doesn't mean that the learning is done. Owning a home of any kind is a humbling education. So whenever homeowners can get out ahead and avoid some lessons from the school of hard knocks by being prepared, they should.
The following information can help homeowners with all different kinds of water heaters renew their knowledge and maybe even help them prevent serious water heater issues!
Kinds of Water Heaters
All water heaters do the same thing; they heat water. But they don't all do it in the same way. There are several kinds of water heaters available. The basic difference is between gas and electric water heaters. Gas water heaters use natural gas, which is cheap and more efficient than electricity-fed water heaters.
Then there are big differences, like that of a conventional storage-tank water heater and a tankless water heater. Conventional water heaters are still the norm. They're large cylinders that one can find in garages, basements, and utility closets in homes worldwide. These appliances maintain a ready supply of hot water that's ready to be used whenever needed. On the other hand, tankless water heaters heat water very quickly, causing no more than a second or two of delay before the hot water is delivered. As one would guess, this makes tankless water heaters more efficient.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Like any other home appliance, water heaters need regular maintenance to keep functioning well for the homeowners. And while specific maintenance tips may differ slightly based on the manufacturer, there are a couple of things that one should do every year in regular water heater maintenance.
Having the water heater drained and flushed can help clear mineral build-ups, which can cause severe damage if allowed to build up too much. In addition to this, the pressure release valve should be checked and tested, and the anode rod should be inspected and replaced if necessary. Lastly, one should clean all filters thoroughly for best results.
How to Tell When a Water Heater Needs Repair
Water heaters hold up pretty well when they receive yearly maintenance. However, that doesn't mean that they won't need a repair once in a while. And a water heater that hasn't received maintenance is likely to start acting up sooner or later. Some telltale signs include strange noises like hissing, popping, or whistling; low water pressure or a lack of hot water; discolored hot water; and hot water that smells bad. All of these are signs that there's something wrong and needs repair.
Most homeowners can do some basic maintenance on their water heater with the help of the owner's manual and, if need be, the internet. But when it comes to diagnosing problems and making repairs, it's best to call in a professional plumbing company!
About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc
Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc has been serving Seaside, CA with pride since 1999. They offer excellent service done right the first time. They also provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee and competitive pricing. Contact that for reliable water heater service today!