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Back to School: Water Heaters 101

Posted on September 16, 2021 by

Discover the Basics of Water Heaters!

When school starts again, it’s not just a time for kids to go back to school and adults to head back to college. It’s also a great time for homeowners to get familiar with the basics of common household appliances, such as water heaters. By learning the basics of water heaters, homeowners can prepare themselves for the inevitable instance of a water heater issue. Whether it needs to be repaired or replaced, a basic level of knowledge can come in handy. Often homeowners find themselves needing to troubleshoot a water heater issue, in which case a little bit of know-how goes a long way. So read on to learn all about water heater basics. 

Water Heater Types

water heater

There are several types of water heaters. For example, there are gas water heaters, electric ones, and even tankless water heaters. The most common water heaters that homeowners are familiar with have tanks heated by gas or electricity. These are the large cylinders that are usually found in garages, basements, or even utility closets. These are known as conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be used with either electricity or gas to provide heat. The heated water is stored in the tank until it is needed in the home. 

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, are becoming more and more popular as their design improves. These types of water heaters don’t have tanks. Instead, the water is heated very quickly as soon as it’s needed. This cuts down on energy costs but is not so great for homes that use a lot of hot water. There are also solar and heat pump water heaters, although these aren’t as popular. 

Water Heater Maintenance

To make the most out of a water heater, homeowners can perform regular maintenance. Taking care of the water heater will help it last longer, providing years of service without major issues. Here are some things to do to make sure the water heater is properly maintained. 

  • Flush and drain the water heater once or twice a year to remove sediment and keep things clean inside. 
  • When on vacation, take advantage of the appliance’s vacation setting to not heat water while there’s no one there to use it. 
  • Keep the thermostat around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Check the tank’s anode rod regularly. When it’s being drained and flushed is a good time for this. 

Water Heater Repair Signs

water heater In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to know the signs of an ailing water heater. The following signs mean that something is wrong with the water heater and it needs to be repaired or replaced, depending on the problem. 
  • Sudden temperature changes. 
  • Water leaking from the water heater. 
  • Low water pressure when using the hot water. 
  • Discolored or smelly water. 
  • Strange clunking, thumping, or whining sounds from the water heater. 
  • The hot water runs out quicker than normal. 

Homeowners who experience any of the signs above should consider calling a professional plumbing company to look at their water heater. Many plumbing companies also provide water heater maintenance services, as well!

About First Choice Plumbing Solutions

The friendly professionals at First Choice Plumbing Solutions have been serving Port St. Lucie, FL, for over 10 years. They offer expert solutions and competitive prices. Plus, they never charge after-hours fees and always provide up-front pricing. Contact them to learn more about water heater services in Port St. Lucie today!

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