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Importance of Water Heater Maintenance

What Is Done During Water Heater Maintenance and Its Benefits

A water heater is one of those household appliances that's easy to forget about—until faced with an ice-cold shower or a costly emergency replacement. While it quietly works behind the scenes to provide hot water for daily needs, neglecting maintenance can lead to inefficient performance, higher energy bills, and even complete system failure. Just like any major appliance, a water heater requires regular attention to function at its best and reach its expected lifespan of 8-12 years. This guide explains why water heater maintenance matters and shares simple steps to protect the investment and ensure reliable hot water for years to come.

Essential Maintenance Tasks

The maintenance of a water heater needs to be done regularly, as it impacts the efficiency, longevity, and safety of the unit. Draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup is the most fundamental maintenance procedure, as minerals naturally settle at the bottom of the water supply. This sediment layer can significantly reduce heating efficiency, cause unusual noises, and eventually lead to tank deterioration if left unchecked. The process involves connecting a garden hose to the drain valve, safely releasing the hot water, and thoroughly flushing the tank until the water runs clear.

Inspecting and replacing the anode rod is also another crucial maintenance, which is often times referred to as a “sacrificial rod.” It prevents tank corrosion by attracting corrosive elements to itself instead of the tank walls. When the anode rod is deteriorating, it may leave the tank vulnerable to rust and eventual failure.

To prevent dangerous pressure buildup within the tank, testing the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve is a must. Lifting and lowering the test lever ensures the valve moves freely and properly releases water, and should be done annually. If any of these components show signs of wear or malfunction, immediate replacement is necessary to maintain the water heater's safe and efficient operation.

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the water heater is advised to improve overall performance and cost-effectiveness. Removing scale buildup and sediment can boost energy efficiency if maintenance is done regularly. It allows the unit to heat water more effectively while consuming 15% less energy. Additionally, regular maintenance helps extend the water heater’s lifespan by preventing corrosion and identifying potential issues before they develop into major problems.

The financial benefits of consistent maintenance go beyond reduced energy costs. By investing in regular upkeep, costly emergency repairs and premature replacements can be avoided. A properly maintained water heater can last 2-3 years longer than a neglected one, leading to significant long-term savings. Routine maintenance also ensures consistent hot water delivery, better temperature control, and a lower risk of system failure, offering peace of mind and reliable performance when needed most. These advantages make water heater maintenance not just a recommendation, but an essential part of home care that pays for itself over time.

How Often Should Maintenance Be Done?

For optimal performance and longevity, industry experts recommend regular maintenance and professional inspection at least once a year. This includes a comprehensive inspection of all components, including the anode rod, pressure relief valve, and heating elements, along with a thorough flushing of the tank to remove sediment buildup. If hard water or high mineral content is detected, a maintenance interval of six months is advised to prevent accelerated wear and efficiency loss.

Extending the time between maintenance visits will only mean reduced efficiency, higher energy costs, and potentially costly repairs or premature system failure. A qualified technician should be able to perform the necessary cleaning and adjustments to maintain the unit's performance, ensure all safety mechanisms are functioning properly, and identify early warning signs of potential issues. This proactive approach not only extends the life of the water heater but also helps maintain its energy efficiency, ultimately saving money on both utility bills and potential emergency repairs.

Call About Plumbing Inc.

About Plumbing is a reliable plumbing service provider in Barnhart, MO, and beyond. They offer straightforward pricing, affordable solutions, and the latest technology. Call them for plumbing services in the Jefferson County area.

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Do You Need Water Softener Installation?

What Is Hard Water?

Water can have varying levels of minerals dissolved in it. Water that doesn’t have many dissolved minerals in it is referred to as soft water, while water that contains a high dissolved mineral content (typically expressed in terms of parts per million or grains per gallon) is called hard water.

Hard water can cause a variety of problems and many find that water softener installation is a worthwhile project that pays significant dividends.

Signs Indicating That a Home Has Hard Water

Many homeowners struggle with the problems caused by hard water without realizing that the mineral content of their water is to blame.

For example, dry hair and skin is one of the most common signs of hard water, as the excess mineral content can strip away the oils that keep hair and skin soft. Another common problem homeowners notice is the presence of spots on their plates, cups, and silverware after being washed.

Other problems attributable to hard water include stains and deposits on bathroom fixtures and scale buildup in water pipes. At times, some people also notice that their clothes become faded and wear out prematurely when washed in hard water.

It is possible to have the water in a home tested to determine how hard it is, but most homeowners find that these signs provide all of the proof they need.

How Does a Whole House Water Softener Work?

A water softener system works by exchanging the minerals that cause most hard-water problems–primarily calcium and magnesium–for other minerals, which do not cause problems–typically potassium or sodium “salts.”

When water passes through the water softening system reservoir, the minerals contained in the water become attracted to small beads. The calcium and magnesium ions stick to the beads and remain behind in the reservoir, while the sodium or potassium salts take their place.

Periodically, water softener systems must be flushed to remove the calcium and magnesium.

The Benefits of a Whole Home Water Softener

Homeowners typically notice a litany of benefits after installing a water softener.

Because water softening technology removes the calcium and magnesium from water, things like scale buildup in the home’s pipes stop happening. Clothing stops becoming faded and worn out prematurely. They also notice fewer (if any) spots on dishes after they’ve been washed, and they no longer notice bathroom fixtures becoming stained.

In fact, water softeners also help to protect many home appliances. Once the water no longer carries harmful minerals, things like pipes, plumbing fixtures, and water-using appliances start to function better and last longer.

But many of the most obvious benefits relate to the ways homeowners directly interact with the water. Many notice that their hair no longer feels dry after using soft water to wash it. Most also notice that their skin feels softer after water-softening technology has been installed. Many people even find that water-softening systems help make the water taste better.

Call About Plumbing Inc. Today!

With straightforward pricing and a customer satisfaction guarantee, About Plumbing Inc. has quickly become the leading plumbing service provider in the Jefferson County area. In business since 2016, About Plumbing Inc. only employs background-checked, drug-tested employees so that homeowners can feel safe and confident. Contact them today for reliable plumbing service in Jefferson County, MO.

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Key Indicators of a Faulty Water Heater

When Does a Water Heater Need Service?

Some problems that homeowners will face are obvious, especially with the plumbing. If a pipe leaks, it will likely be found quickly, allowing owners to call in a professional. However, some problems can lurk out of sight long enough to become serious. Water heaters are essential plumbing appliances that provide hot water to the home. Apart from obvious signs of trouble like a total loss of hot water, there are other signs that water heater service may be needed. Here are three subtle signs that water heaters need plumbing professional attention.

Utility Costs Are High

Heating and cooling a home make up the biggest portions of the monthly energy expenditures. However, heating water is a close second. Water takes a lot of energy to heat to usable temperatures, and water heaters are designed to do this as efficiently as possible. However, there are times when a water heater will cause bills to go up simply because it needs repairs. Owners should take the time to monitor their bills every month to look for spikes that may indicate a need for water heater repairs.

Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of a water tank, causing efficiency to drop. Likewise, dirty burners or problems with the pilot lot may inhibit efficient energy exchange, resulting in higher bills. Calling for water heater repairs and remembering water heater maintenance every year can prevent these scenarios and restore lost performance to a water heater.

Strange Sounds Are Coming From the Unit

Hearing strange sounds from the water may be difficult since the water heater is usually in a place that is not consistently occupied. However, the sounds a water heater makes are great indicators of its operational status.

A water heater shouldn’t make much noise under normal operating conditions. Apart from quiet airflow from the burner or gentle ticking noises as the tank heats, the unit should be quiet. On the other hand, certain sounds are indications that water heater repairs are needed. Listen for problems like:

Hissing
Thumping
Rumbling
Leaking
Squealing
Whistling

These are all indicators that something is wrong. Calling for water heater repairs can restore lost performance and prevent further damage.

Discolored or Smelly Hot Water

All the hot water in the home passes through the water heater. When the water heater needs service, this may manifest in the quality of the hot water. For example, a water tank suffering from corrosion may allow oxidized metal to precipitate into the water. This can cause the water to become dingy, cloudy, or have a reddish hue. However, this effect may not be observed in the cold water. If the hot water from the tap is discolored, then water heater repairs are needed.

Water heaters may also impart a smell to water in the presence of corrosion. Corrosion may allow water to react with the metals in the tank to release sulfides, making the water smell like rotten eggs. Additionally, if the water smells sulfurous, the tank temperature may be consistently too low, allowing bacteria to grow in the tank.

About About Plumbing Inc.

About Plumbing Inc. has affordable and effective solutions for plumbing problems. Trustworthy technicians provide residential and commercial plumbing services to the highest industry standards. Call today for water heater repair and install in Jefferson County, MO.

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How to Identify Water Leaks in the Plumbing

How to Find and Fix Water Leaks

Water leaks are a common, frustrating problem that most homeowners will have to deal with at some point. They waste tons of water, drive up water bills, and can also do significant damage to a home by ruining floors and walls and spurring mold growth. Dealing with these pesky plumbing problems takes some knowledge and attention. This article aims to help homeowners better notice the presence of water leaks in their homes.

Watch for High Water Bills

Homeowners are responsible for paying for lost water and repairing leaks at any point after the water meter, which can lead to high water bills and headaches. Water leaks can occur at any point in the system, so many can stay hidden for quite a while. The best way to spot leaks like this is to monitor the water bill.

Water meters are sensitive devices that track water usage in the home. When leaks start to occur in the system, the bill can show a dramatic increase over the course of a month. By tracking water bills, homeowners can spot bill increases more quickly and call for a leak detection service to fix the costly leak.

Other Signs of Leaks

The unmistakable signs of water leaks include standing water or hissing noises. However, since all water leaks aren’t obvious, homeowners must know the subtle signs to address them promptly. Since water contributes to humidity, most signs of hidden water leaks revolve around this principle.

For example, when water leaks from pipes, it can raise the humidity in the home, causing discomfort. If the HVAC cannot control the humidity in the home, a plumbing leak may be to blame. Likewise, excess moisture in the home can cause flooring to buckle and walls to become wet and moldy. When these signs are evident, plumbers should be called for leak detection and repair.

Use the Water Meter to Your Advantage

When plumbers are called to look for a plumbing leak, they often use the water meter to verify the presence of a leak. Luckily for homeowners, this test is easy and can be used by anyone anytime they suspect a water leak.

Before performing this test, it is best to wait until everyone is out of the house. For accuracy, no water usage is allowed during the testing period. Turn off all washers, dishwashers, and plumbing fixtures so the system is completely on standby. Next, go to the water meter.

This device is usually underground in a special box that allows access from the surface. Open the box and look for the meter. The meter will have sensitive dials that sense the water flow through the piping. If these dials are moving despite no water usage inside the home, a leak is present, and plumbers must be called to investigate further.

More of About Plumbing Inc.

About Plumbing Inc. offers reliable service from trustworthy technicians. Using the latest technology, their teams handle problems from drain and sewer issues to water leak repairs. They also offer straightforward pricing and top-notch service performed by experienced technicians. Call today for reliable plumbing service in Jefferson County, MO.

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How To Know When the Water Heater Needs To Go

Knowing When It’s Time To Say Goodbye to the Water Heater

A water heater is like the old faithful in the household—it helps ensure that showers are warm in the winter, that radiators keep the household comfortable, and that clothes are appropriately cleaned in the washing machine. But like the refrigerator and stove, a water heater isn't good forever. Here are some ways to know that it's not just a quick fix but that a full water heater replacement is in the cards.

There Are Signs of Corrosion

Corrosion is a real concern in water heaters and becomes more common the older they are. It can occur for a number of reasons, including age, the chemistry of water itself, and even sediment buildup within the system. Corrosion is extremely detrimental to a water heater's longevity and health, creating new challenges and increasing the risk of leaks and water damage.

Signs to look out for in tank corrosion or water heater corrosion are rusty-looking water coming out of the taps and in the toilet, a strange, metallic-y taste or smell in the water, and rust or corrosion visible outside the water tank. Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of the water heater and, if left, can lead to larger problems, including total system failure. Therefore, a professional must be called immediately to perform a water heater replacement and assess the extent of the damage, which could include leaks or flooding in the house or on the property.

Every Shower Is a Cold Shower (And It’s Not Your Choice)

It's like that one hotel on the side of the highway where no matter how far to the "H" the shower knob was pushed, the water stayed lukewarm or just frigid. Sometimes, even water heaters in the home cannot perform the jobs they once were relied on to do - like the hot shower at the end of a long work day. If a water heater is no longer heating water effectively and there are lots of cold and lukewarm showers in the house, or if the shower starts hot but gets cold very quickly, it could be a sign that the unit is getting tired and may need to be retired and replaced.

The roots of these issues could come from sediment buildup in the system, failure of a heating element, or even tank corrosion, all of which compromise the water heater's ability to do its job. At the end of its life, it is less frustrating and uncomfortable to recognize the unit's no longer able to do its job of water heating, stop enduring cold water showers and inconsistent hot water supplies, and call in a professional for a new water heater installation.

The Heater Isn’t Young

No matter how much energy and precaution is put into a water heater, like all things, it has an average life expectancy and will not be able to work for hundreds of years. The average life lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is usually between 8 and 12 years. A tankless water heater generally has a longer lifespan but is only expected to last between 15 and 20 years with good maintenance and care.

Like all electronics and beings, as water heaters age, they become less efficient and are more prone to damage, malfunctioning, and other issues. This can result in higher utility bills, cold showers, inconveniences in the flow of hot water, and just daily nuisances. If a water heater is reaching the outer limits of its life expectancy or requires constant repair and professional intervention, it might be a warning sign that a water heater replacement is coming up. If a water heater is getting old, tired, and inefficient, investing in a new water heater could mean improved energy efficiency and a newer, more trustworthy water tank.

What Is About Plumbing, Inc.?

About Plumbing, Inc. is the one-stop shop for all plumbing needs. With straightforward pricing and satisfaction guaranteed, it is a trustworthy option for professional and friendly service. For plumbing services in Jefferson County, MO, call About Plumbing, Inc. today.