As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
Beyond Replacing It, What Can A Plumber Do For Your Hot Water Heater?
Jorge Alexander
Many homeowners call a plumber about their hot water heater twice: once to install it, and again 10 to 15 years later to remove and replace it. This approach works, but only marginally. If you were to call your plumber for additional hot water heater services over the years, you'd likely be able to extend the life of your water heater and keep it running more efficiently. What can a plumber do for your hot water heater? Take a look.
Sediment Removal
Even though your water probably seems like it's clean and clear, all municipal water contains a little dissolved sediment. As the water sits in the hot water tank, the sediment will settle to the bottom of the tank. Over time, the sediment will build up. It will interfere with the hot water heater's ability to heat your water. Your water may not get as hot, or if it does, the tank will require more energy to heat it.
Your plumber can remove the sediment from the bottom of your water tank simply by draining a few gallons of water out of it. This will keep your water heater running more efficiently and ensure your showers stay hot.
Valve Lubrication
Your water heater has a few different valves. There is one that controls the flow of water into the tank, and there's another one that can be used to drain water out of the bottom of the tank. There's also a pressure-release valve at the top. Over time, like any valves, these can become tough to open and close. This may prove to be a big problem if there's ever a leak and you need to turn the water tank off quickly. A plumber can test all of the valves, lubricate them, and, if needed, they can even replace any stuck or corroded valves.
Replace the Anode Rod
Water heaters are fitted with an anode rod, which basically corrodes away to prevent corrosion from happening to the tank itself. If your anode rod corrodes too fully, though, your tank will start corroding, which could be what causes it to need replacement. Instead, you can have your water heater technician replace the anode rod and continue to protect the tank.
Have a plumber check on your water heater every now and then. They can address all three of these problems at once and extend the life of your tank in the process.
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