3 Important Water Heater Maintenance Tips

November 21st, 2019 Posted in Water Heaters
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When was the last time you performed maintenance or service on your water heater? Many people never perform the needed maintenance and may be at risk of a water heater breakdown. While water heaters do not need much service, an annual tune-up can help prevent problems and extend the life of your appliance. Here are three water heater maintenance tips that can help minimize the risk of leaks and premature failure.

  1. Check the pressure release valve. The pressure release valve on water heater tanks is vital to maintaining the correct pressure. When the temperature or pressure become too high inside the tank, the valve releases water. This should be checked to ensure it is working at least once a year and replaced if necessary to avoid pressure build-up that can cause tank leaks or explosions.
  2. Drain the tank. The tank of a water heater can fill with mineral sediment that can cause damage to the inside of the tank. Draining the tank once a year can rid the tank of these minerals, helping your water heater last longer and run more efficiently.
  3. Replace the anode rod. Water heaters have an anode rod that attract minerals to reduce rust and corrosion of the tank. These rods are meant to rust and corrode, needing to be replaced every few years to continue protecting the tank.

Some homeowners choose to perform water heater maintenance on their own, while others call their local plumber. Either way, performing maintenance can help increase the lifespan of water heaters and prevent damaging leaks. If your water heater does need repair, call your local plumber for assistance.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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Preventing Plumbing Flooding Problems

August 23rd, 2019 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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Flooding can create disastrous problems in your home. From damaging walls, floorings and furnishing, to the mold issues left behind, flooding is something you want to avoid. While you cannot prevent natural disasters from occurring, flooding from plumbing can often be prevented or quickly handled. Knowing the possible causes of plumbing flooding can help you look for the signs to avoid this disaster in your home.

Leaking Pipes

A small plumbing drip or leak never stays small. Any leaking plumbing needs to be fixed before it becomes larger. Look for water stains on walls or ceilings; bubbling or soft flooring can also be a sign of leaks. Get these issues fixed before a pipe bursts and causes serious water damage in your home.

Water Heater Tank Leaks

One of the most common causes of plumbing flooding is tank water heaters. The interior of these tanks deteriorates over time from mineral buildup. Eventually, the tank can corrode or the release valve can stop working, releasing dozens of gallons of water into your home. Keeping up with maintenance and proactive replacement for your water heater can prevent leaks and expensive flood damage.

Frozen Pipes

Freezing pipes can cause damage that can lead to a burst pipe either during the freeze or down the road. Make sure all exposed pipes are insulated to prevent freezing. If a pipe does freeze, call a plumber to inspect the pipes for damage to prevent leaks later.

If you have a water heater or leaking pipe problem flooding your home, turn off your main water valve and call your local plumber. The quicker you can catch, stop and fix the leak, the less damage that will be done to your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Does Your Water Heater Need Maintenance?

August 23rd, 2019 Posted in Water Heaters
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Has your water heater tank been flushed in the last year? Do you know if your anode rod needs to be replaced? Tank water heaters need routine maintenance to prevent premature wear and tear on components. If you are not sure when your water heater received preventive maintenance or if it has never been serviced, it is time to schedule a flush and inspection.

Why Flush a Water Heater?

Tank water heaters hold water heated to around 120 degrees 24/7, 365-days a year. The minerals in the water can collect inside the tank, causing corrosion. Flushing the tank once a year can allow some of these minerals to be released, helping lower corrosion in the tank. This is simple to do – most homeowners can flush their heater as a DIY task – but it can also be completed with routine maintenance.

Inspection of Components

If you schedule routine maintenance through your local plumber, they can flush your tank and do a complete inspection. This will include checking the anode rod to see it needs replacement. It will also include inspecting the pressure release valve – this is a common component that can fail and cause a major leak that can flood your home with hot water from your tank. Annual inspections can identify components that need replacement, reducing the chance of a water heater tank leak or other emergency repairs.

Routine maintenance can help extend the life of your water heater. With regular service, a tank water heater can last well over 10 years, even close to 20 years in some cases. Make sure to schedule your next water heater service if it has been more than a year since your unit has been flushed or inspected.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

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3 Ways to Make Your Water Heater Last

February 21st, 2019 Posted in Water Heaters
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Replacing a tank water heater can be expensive, but if you maintain your heater, it can last much longer. With good maintenance, many tank water heaters can last 15 years or longer. However, homeowners often forget about water heater maintenance, which can shave years off the lifespan of their appliance.

Water heaters wear out from the constant heating and storage of water. This puts stress on the metal tank and the heating elements, especially due to the minerals that are released from the water. There are simple ways to reduce this stress and prolong the life of your water heater, including these three tips:

  1. Keep 120-degree temperature. You want your water to be hot enough to kill bacteria, but not overly hot which can put extra stress on the tank and run up your energy bills. Keep your temperature at 120-degrees, a safe level for your needs.
  2. Drain the tank annually. Releasing the minerals and sediment in the tank can help reduce corrosion and help keep the heating elements efficient. You can do this yourself or your local plumber can do this as part of an annual service.
  3. Replace sacrificial anode rod. There are sacrificial anode rods in tank water heaters. These are meant to attract minerals to reduce corrosion occurring in the tank but will slowly disintegrate as they do their job and need replacement.

By doing these three maintenance items, along with repairs as needed, you can get more years of life from your tank water heater. Make it easy by scheduling annual service for your water heater with a local plumber. They can drain your tank and check the anode rods and other parts, replacing components as needed to keep your water heater maintained.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Should You Drain and Flush a Water Heater Yourself?

August 16th, 2018 Posted in Water Heaters
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Your water heater needs regular maintenance to keep it working great and to extend the time before replacement. Like most appliances, it can benefit from regular service to reduce wear and tear on the mechanisms. One maintenance service that should be done annually is a drain and flush of the tank. However, is this a DIY job or should you hire a plumber?

Draining and flushing your water heater tank is important to limit corrosion inside the tank. Minerals can collect in the tank and cause rust and corrosion. This can lead to leaks in the tank and a premature replacement of the water heater, which can cost thousands of dollars. Draining and flushing can remove these minerals and extend the life of your water heater.

You can drain and flush a water heater on your own, but it does take some know-how. There are several hundred gallons of water that must be carefully removed; a wrong move could cause water to flood your home, putting you at risk for water or mold damage. If you decide to attempt this procedure, make sure you research it carefully to ensure you do not cause more harm than good.

Another option is to schedule a tune-up or service for your water heater with a local plumber. Not only can they drain and flush the tank, they can inspect the other components on your water heater. There are many components that can need replacement over the years; proactive replacement can prevent water heater malfunctions and emergency repairs while extending the life of your appliance. If it has been more than a year since your water heater tank has been flushed, call your local plumber and schedule a service.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

December 2nd, 2015 Posted in Water Heaters
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It is easy to take your water heater for granted. Year after year, it continues to give you hot water when you need it, even with little or no maintenance. However, just like any mechanical equipment, eventually parts will begin to wear out and you could be left with only cold water for your morning shower. Here are some warning signs that your water heater made need maintenance or repair.

  1. Water is not getting as hot as it did before. If your water is not heating to the same level, the thermostat may need to be replaced. It also may need to be flushed to remove mineral deposits.
  2. Banging noises. If your water begins making banging noises, it may need annual service to flush out the mineral deposits from the tank.
  3. Leaks. Any leak around the water heater is a critical warning sign to call your local plumber. A small leak can turn into a large disaster in your home, causing major water damage and mold.
  4. Running out of hot water. If you seem to run out of hot water quicker than normal, it could be a mechanical or electrical problem.
  5. Rusty water. If your water has rust, it may be time for a new water heater. Most water heaters only last between eight and fifteen years, so if you have an older heater, it may be time to invest in a newer, more efficient model.

To extend the life of your water heater, it is prudent to have annual maintenance performed to keep the tank clean and to inspect all the parts.   To prevent future problems, talk to your local plumber about scheduling a routine maintenance service, even if have not had any signs of trouble.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Have You Been Neglecting Your Water Heater?

March 24th, 2015 Posted in Water Heaters
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Water heaters are often the most neglected of the water appliances, expected to provide hot water day after day without getting much TLC. Most water heaters will last 8 to 10 years, often longer if they are given proper maintenance. An annual tune-up of your water heater can help extend the life and ensure it’s working efficiently to keep your home in hot water. 

Annual Water Heater Service

If you’ve never had your water heater serviced, it’s actually a fairly simple process which can be done by you or your local plumber. To reduce mineral sediment build-up and prevent breakdowns, the water heater should be drained and refilled once a year as part of the annual service. In addition, here are a few other in need of a bit of attention:

  • Check the temperature
  • Clean intake filters
  • Test the water pressure, electric/gas elements and emergency shut-off valve
  • Check for leaks and corrosion

Replacing any parts as needed can improve the performance of your water heater and even save money on your energy bills. It’s estimated a well-functioning water heater can save 15% off your energy bills versus a poorly maintained unit.  Plus, by maintaining your water heater, you may get 2-5 more years of service before you need to replace the unit with a new model.

Most plumbing companies offer an affordable water heater tune-up or maintenance service that includes inspection and cleaning of your unit. This is almost always a worthwhile investment, paying for itself in lower energy costs alone. Call your local plumber today and schedule a TLC appointment for your water heater.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

 

 

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Five Fall Plumbing Maintenance Tips

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
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As the year eases from summer into fall, it’s time to start getting your home ready for winter. This includes maintaining your outdoor plumbing. Even in regions with mild winters, there are still times when the temperatures can drop below freezing, so it’s important to protect your plumbing and fixtures from cold weather damage. Here are five tips to maintain your plumbing through the months ahead. 

Hoses. Unscrew your outside hoses and drain them completely, storing them in a garage or other insulated area. Hoses with any moisture in them can freeze, cracking the rubber or plastic and rendering them useless when spring weather arrives.

Sprinklers. Make sure to drain or blow out your sprinklers and irrigation system to remove all the water from the pipes and heads. An early cold snap could freeze your sprinklers, causing expensive damage to the entire system.

Insulate all exposed pipes. If you have outdoor spigots, pipes or any other plumbing, make sure to cover and insulate them before winter. Even some open pipes in garages which are not heated may benefit from insulation. Look for areas where cold air can reach pipes, sealing or insulating these drafty spots.

Water heater maintenance. Fall is a good time to do an annual tune-up on your water heater. Your local plumbing company can perform a routine maintenance check to ensure your water heater is ready for the colder months ahead.

Water main education. Winter is a common time for burst pipes. Everyone in your household should know where your water main is located, and how to shut it off in an emergency. A single large pipe can funnel as much as 10 gallons of water into your home a minute if it bursts, causing extensive water damage to your home. Keep your local plumbers number easily accessible for these types of emergency situations.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

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Water Heater Maintenance: Don’t Overlook It!

November 6th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Often we take our water heaters for granted until something goes wrong. However, these are expensive pieces of equipment and can last much longer if simple maintenance is done regularly on them. By scheduling a maintenance inspection at least once a year, you can increase the longevity and efficiency of your water heater. The following three items are usually included in a water heater inspection by a plumber.

 Check The Pressure Release Valve

The first step in your annual maintenance is to check the temperature-release valve (TPR). The water supply valve and the power to the water heater should be shut off first. Then a bucket is put under the pipe that leads to the TPR, which should be on the side or top of the heater. The handle on the valve will be lifted to release some water into the bucket and then let the handle go. If water continues to come out, the valve is not working properly and may need to be replaced. 

Check The Anode Rod

On the top of the heater, there is a hex head that contains the anode rod. To remove the anode rod, your plumber will first drain out a few gallons of water from the tank, then unscrew the hex head and pull out the anode rod. If the rod is less than 1/2 inch thick or is corroded, it may be recommended to replace the rod.  

Flush The Tank

The last step in annual maintenance of a water heater is flushing the tank. The water  will be drained out of the tank. Once it is empty, a little water will be added to flush sediment from the bottom and then it is drained again. This is repeated until water comes out clean. 

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Heat Pump Water Heaters

March 14th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Many homeowners prefer gas water heaters because they have historically been less expensive to operate.  However, when prices for natural gas rise, the operating cost advantage of a gas water heater decreases and there are some disadvantages to gas water heaters.  Because they use gas, there is always the possibility of a gas leak and since they have an open flame, there is a risk of fire or carbon monoxide formation.  Finally, in some areas gas supply lines are not available and electric water heating is the only option.

If you would prefer to heat water using electricity but are concerned about the cost of electricity for water heating, there are energy efficient electric water heating options available such as a heat pump water heater.

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular way to heat and cool a home, but only recently have water heater heat pumps become widely available.  Heat pumps work by moving heat rather than creating it and are accordingly very efficient.  A heat pump water heater absorbs heat from the surrounding air and uses it to heat the water in a storage tank.

In order to operate effectively, a heat pump water heater must be installed in a location that stays warmer than 40 degrees.  This can be inside a heated space in the home or in an unheated area such as a basement or garage of a home located where temperatures rarely fall below 40 degrees.  In addition, there must be at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around the water heater which can make indoor installations problematic.  They are equipped with a backup electric heating element in the event the ambient air temperature drops too far.

If it’s time for a new water heater installation, talk to your plumber about whether a heat pump water heater is a good option for your home.

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