Hot Water Heater Service and Plumbing Repairs
A hot water heater repair is something you should have done periodically to keep your heating system in good working condition. Most systems today are designed to last for many years. It is important to understand when to have the unit serviced by a professional, and what you need to know about servicing your system. When should you have your tank checked?
You should have a licensed professional come out to your home at least once a year to check the heating system and make sure it is in good operating order. Of course, if you live in an area that does get cold in the winter months, you will want to have your tank checked more often. For a hot water heater service to be necessary, the temperature of your tank must be at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this level, your servicing company may recommend a different type of tankless water heater system or may even suggest you turn down your thermostat.
Some of the things that can affect your hot water heater performance include buildup of sediment, clogging, and algae. Sediment can build up in the tank over time, particularly if you are using an old style tankless system. Some types of sediment such as calcium can actually cause the motor to work harder to produce hot water. In older systems that employ the use of iron cylinders, algae and other type of micro organisms can build up in the system which can also affect performance.
If your tank is not producing enough hot water, you may want to have a professional perform a hot water heater maintenance. There are many reasons why it might be necessary to have the unit serviced. Perhaps there is a problem with the filter which can clog up. Perhaps the system does not properly heat the water. Perhaps the unit is leaking. Whatever the reason, it is good to know you have a reliable professional available to diagnose and rectify any problems that you might have.
Plumbing repairs can be just as important for your hot water heater as the unit itself. In fact, you might benefit more by having your entire plumbing system in order than you might from simply having the heaters serviced on occasion. Many plumbing technicians offer a full range of services including leak detection and repair, inspection, and replacement of appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Although many of the professionals that offer hot water heater service are licensed, you should still do your own research to ensure that the plumber you choose is competent and trustworthy. Many plumbers offer free estimates through their websites, but you might find it useful to contact them by phone before making a decision. Ask the technician for references or ask friends and family whom they have used before. Find out if the particular technician is licensed and whether they carry insurance against plumbing repairs. Once you have found the right person, your plumber will be able to perform routine maintenance on your heating system and plumbing repairs on a routine basis so that you won’t need to call them for emergency help.