Winter is nearly here. Unfortunately, that means you need to make sure all your heating appliances are working and ready to go. One of the most essential appliances for colder weather is your water heater. While an efficient hot water supply is essential all year-round, it’s particularly necessary in cold, winter months. Whether you’re taking a shower, washing dishes, or cooking, your water heater makes these everyday chores happen easily and effectively.
If you want to make sure your water heater is working as it should, you’ll need to know the basics. From essential maintenance to common problems, here’s everything you need to know about water heaters.
Everything You Need to Know About Water Heaters
Here is the most basic information you need to know about your water heater.
How Do Water Heaters Work?
A traditional water heater uses an electrical heating element to heat your water. tCold water is brought inside the water heater through a dip tube. The tube then passes through the heating element where the water is warmed to the set and desired temperature. The hot water rises through the tank and is sent to your residential faucets when you turn on the hot water faucet. Tankless water heaters heat the water on demand. In contrast, traditional heaters keep a full supply of heated water in the tank until you need it.
Maintenance and Replacement
Maintaining your water heater is vital to the longevity of your system. You should also know what to look for when it comes to common issues so you know when to call a professional for help. While your water heater is expected to last for 10-15 years, how well you maintain it will ultimately impact the lifespan of your system.
Purchase and install your water heater using a reliable company. You’ll get the best results and biggest return on your investment. Routine maintenance requirements vary from home to home based on your usage and the type of heater you have. Talk to your local plumber to decide what works best for you.
Common Water Heater Issues
You can experience several issues with your water heater, but two of the most common include:
Hot Water Heater Won’t Stay Lit
If your water heater doesn’t stay lit, then there might be a problem with its thermocouple. The thermocouple is a device that checks if your water heater’s pilot light is on or off. So, if there are any issues with it, you might have trouble keeping your pilot lit. Talk to a professional plumber to help with this issue. Since you’re dealing with fire and natural gas, it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure a resolution.
Leakage
Water heaters can leak from both the top and bottom of your tank. If your water heater is leaking from the top, check the pipes that go into the top of your water heater. There might be damage that is causing your system to leak. If the heater is leaking from the bottom, the drain valve is likely damaged. Contact a professional plumber to check your tank and repair whatever is causing your leaks.
Contact a Reliable Plumber for Your Needs
If you have a residential plumbing issue, it’s vital to contact a professional immediately for help. Contact your local Pasadena plumber to schedule an appointment.