Heading Back to School With Water Heaters 101

Learning Water Heater Basics

Students and teachers all around the country are gearing up for that time of year – back to school time, that is! And with so many returning to the classroom, what better time for a class for homeowners on Water Heaters 101! Yes, this may not seem like the most interesting topic, but homeowners and their families utilize their water heaters almost every day, so it is important for them to know the ins and outs of how they work.

In particular, homeowners should understand the different types of water heaters on the market, the best maintenance techniques to prolong the life of their water heater, and what signs they should look out for that may indicate water heater repairs are in order. Read on for all of this information and more!

Main Types of Water Heaters

Starting with the actual water heaters themselves, there are many options available on the market when it comes to choosing a water heater. One common type of water heater is a gas-powered water heater, which leverages convection and uses a furnace to heat water. After this process is complete, the water is stored in the tank to later be transported to other parts of the home.

Another type of water heater is an electric-powered water heater, which is one of the more efficient models and has the capacity to heat water virtually on demand. A third common type of water heater is a tank-free model which, as the name implies, does not have a tank. Rather, these water heaters leverage coils to heat water (also virtually on demand).

Maintenance Techniques for Water Heaters

Proper maintenance of water heaters is a must, as this can prolong the life of these fixtures and also prevent hot water crises that nobody wants to put up with. Additionally, this can prevent the need for costly repairs down the line. Some key preventative measures include:

• Checking for cracks, rust, or leaks
• Insulating the water heater and surrounding pipes
• Preventing overheating by lowering temperatures (~120 degrees)
• Removing buildups through “flushing”

By taking even just a few of these measures, homeowners can make a really positive impact on their home water heaters.

Common Signs That Repair Is Needed

Along the way, homeowners should watch out for potential indications that their hot water heaters need repairs. Some of the most common signs include:

• Discolored water
• Odd sounds
• Odd water patterns (e.g., temperatures, length of sustained hot water)
• Signs of corrosion

If homeowners notice any of these in or around the water heater area, they should seek professional help right away. Water heater issues are not something that homeowners want to try to solve on their own. When homeowners call for professional service, plumbers will be able to identify the possible cause(s) of these signs above and make repairs as needed. They can also help homeowners brainstorm ways to avoid encountering these issues in the future!

About Hall’s Plumbing

Hall’s Plumbing of Woodland, CA is a family-owned and operated company that has been in business since 1995. With a team of experts dedicated to quality service, they combine top-notch workmanship with upfront, flat-rate pricing, budget-friendly solutions, and satisfaction guaranteed for each of their customers. Call them for plumbing help today!