Give Your Water Heater A Spring Cleaning

May 26th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Many water heaters are neglected, despite all the work they do for a home on a daily basis. Just like any appliance, water heaters need regular maintenance to ward off expensive future repairs. One of the regular maintenance services that should be performed on your water heater is draining out the old water and flushing the tank. This spring, take the time to give your water heater the cleaning it needs to do its job for years to come.

Why Clean Your Water Heater?

Over the years, the tank on your water heater can begin to accumulate mineral deposits from the water it processes. These deposits can create mineral formations, and a heavy build up within the tank. This mineral layer acts like insulation between the water and the heating elements, making your water heater work harder. Not only does this waste energy by causing your water heater to stay on longer to heat the water, the heat can damage the metal on your tank, leading to leaks and possibly the need to replace the entire unit.

An easy fix to this issue is draining out the old water once a year and replacing it with fresh water. This can reduce the mineral build up and extend the life of your water heater. In addition, it is also a good time to inspect the other components of the heater, such as the anode rods, replacing any that are getting worn out before they cause an interruption in your hot water. Your local plumber can drain your water heater for you as well as give it an annual inspection, so call them to schedule your spring cleaning today!

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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Is Your Water Heater Working Too Hard?

March 26th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Minerals and other components in your water can lead to build-up in your water heater, wasting energy and causing stress on the unit. Especially in homes with well water, there may be a high level of mineral content, which can build mineral formations inside your water heater. This build-up may be making it harder for your water heater to do its job, and can eventually lead to its demise.

Problems With Mineral Build-Up

The minerals in your water can often settle at the bottom of your water tank, eventually creating mineral formations inside the tank itself. Along with these formations, a layer of build-up can create a type of insulation between the heating elements and the water. This can make it harder for your water heater to do its job, using more energy and costing you more money. In addition, this excess heat can transfer to the surrounding metal tank, causing it to be more susceptible to leaks.

These mineral build-ups happen all the time, especially in homes with hard water. However, there are ways to reduce the strain to make your water heater last longer. The best advice is to have routine maintenance performed on your water heater at least once a year, which includes draining the unit and removing this excess mineral build-up that can put such a strain on your water heater.

Your local plumbing professional can perform a full annual maintenance service on your water heater, usually increasing the life of your water heater. This can save you the expense of needing a water heater repair or replacement, as well as save you on your energy bill.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

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Tips For Maintaining Your Basement Plumbing

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Many people have a variety of plumbing appliances and fixtures in their basements. It’s very common for washers, water heaters and other plumbing to be located in the basement. To keep everything running smoothly, there are a few maintenance items that should be performed regularly and also some basic safety rules that you should follow.

  • Never store flammable items never a water heater. Paints, solvents, gasoline and other flammable items should be stored away from your water heater to prevent them from accidental igniting and fires.
  • Check for leaks. Make sure you don’t have any leaks by checking your water meter when no water is going to be used for 8-10 hours. Note the reading, then check it after the elapsed time. If it has moved and no water was used, you may have a leak.
  • Prevent sewer gas backup. Every few months, it’s a good idea to pour a bucket of water down your basement floor drain to fill the trap seal. This can prevent sewer gases from rising and filling your home.
  • Stop water tapping noise. If you have water tapping or hammering noises, talk to your plumber about installing shock absorbers to keep your pipes from vibrating and making excess noise.
  • Check washer hoses. Periodically, your washer hoses need to be checked for bulges or wear. Replace as need to prevent flooding.
  • Adding new plumbing fixtures. Basement plumbing usually requires more knowledge than above ground plumbing. If you want to add a bathroom, laundry room or other plumbing to your basement, be sure to get the help of a professional plumber.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

 

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Bi-Annual Maintenance For Your Water Heater

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Many people ignore their water heaters, at least until there’s a problem. Unfortunately, when water heaters do cause a problem, it is usually expensive. From major leaks and water damage to failing altogether, water heaters can cost a small fortune when they are not properly maintained. By completing basic maintenance and checking on your water heater every six months, you can find small problems and often get them fixed by a professional before they become larger, more expensive issues.

  • Flush. Once or twice a year, you should flush your water heater to remove sediment. After turning off the gas or electricity and shutting off the cold water valve, drain water heater completely using a garden hose attached to the drain valve. When refilling, make sure all hot water valves in the house are turned on.
  • Check pressure valve. Shut off electricity, gas and cold water inlet to the water heater. After putting a bucket under the pressure valve, trip the lever on the valve. You should hear air release if it is working properly. If it is dripping water when closed, it may need to be replaced.
  • Check for leaks and drips. Most small leaks or drips are caused by faulty connections. These can be an easy fix for a very experienced do-it-yourselfer, but a fairly inexpensive repair for your plumber.
  • Check anode rods. Your anode rods help keep your water heater from rusting. They are steel wires usually covered by aluminum or magnesium. If the steel wire is showing, they need to be replaced.

By doing bi-annual or at least annual maintenance on your water heater, you can identify possible problems and needed repairs from a professional before your water heater fails or causes water damage in your home.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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