Maintaining Your Water Heater...
In a corner of the home stands the quiet plumbing appliance most relied on for continuous hot water. From washing dishes and clothes to enjoying a steamy shower—the water heater is essential. It’s a low maintenance appliance inexpensively powered by electricity/gas.
Without proper maintenance, the water heater starts drawing attention—signaling repairs or full replacement might be necessary—by making noises, leaking water or not producing hot water before it bursts and floods the room. In an effort to prevent water heater issues, J.C. Enriquez Plumbing recommends an annual preventive maintenance to keep sediment from building up, tank working efficiently and stay budget-friendly while extending its life span.
Water contains naturally-occurring minerals (i.e., calcium, magnesium, etc.) which float around the tank during appliance use. Then they settle at the bottom of the water heater and clump together, like rocks, when the tank is not in use. Over time, the sediment accumulates, increasing ongoing corrosion in the tank. The debris (combination of sediment and corroded material) bump around the tank causing noises or even protrusions leading to water leaks.
Water may leak from the top or bottom valve. Probable causes might include high water pressure from the main line or the tanks’ internal water pressure. If the water heater tank is not up-to-code or equipped with an expansion tank, the pressure builds and finds an exit through a valve, causing a water leak from the top or into the pan.
Check the water heater’s power source first! If the power source is working properly, then the thermostat or anode rod have been severely blocked by settled sediment and debris. Once the thermostat and/or anode rod get blocked by the calcium/sediment buildup, the cost to run gets higher as more energy is consumed. It’s your queue to call our licensed professionals.
To keep your water heater working efficiently and extend the life span of the tank from the initial 8-10 years to 15- or even 20-years, we recommend an annual preventive maintenance.
3 Annual Maintenance Tips For Your Water Heater
Water Hardness
A water test kit can confirm the level of hard water in the home.
Water Pressure
Check the water pressure at the water meter is between 40-60 PSI.
Power Flush
Clear the sediment and debris from the tank with pressure. A Power Flush goes beyond a “gravity flush” to clear sediment in the water heater; less buildup means less corrosion, a longer life span and continuous hot water for years to come.
Prefer not to wrench around? Call J.C. Enriquez Plumbing to schedule your annual Water Heater Power Flush WITH a complimentary visual plumbing inspection* of your home.
*Simply put, we’ll inspect all parts, controls, and connections on plumbing and/or gas lines of your home and Power Flush your water heater tank—clearing built-up sediment and minimizing internal corrosion—PLUS provide a diagnosis of your tank’s condition in the same visit.
Plumbing San Antonio For Over 50 Years
We Plumb To Please!
J.C. Enriquez Plumbing and Remodeling became known in San Antonio because we provide quality service with highly competitive pricing! As a result of our solid business ethics and high expectations, we have built a reputation of excellence!
We are dedicated to providing only the highest quality service for plumbing San Antonio.
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