Essential Education on Water Heater Systems

With August here, most Lansing children’s thoughts are on returning to school and all that they will be doing and learning about in the coming school year.

In the spirit of the beginning of the school year, we want to give the adults a little sneak peek of what the kids will be going through and take you back to school as well.

While you may not realize it, your water heater is one of the most used appliances in your home. Today, we’re going to give you a little lesson on water heaters!

How Do Water Heaters Work?

There are two common types of water heaters found in the United States - gas and electric. Both types are considered conventional storage water heaters, which means that the water is heated up to a specific, set temperature and then that water is stored in the tank at the same temperature until you are ready to use it.

The only difference between the two is the method in which the water is being heated. Essentially, the water starts out by coming down into the water heater through the dip tube and is then heated up with either an electric heating element or with a gas burner.

When there is a need for hot water, the water rises up through the heat-out pipe. Each water heater also has an adjustable thermostat, as well as several protective measures including both temperature and pressure release valves. They also have an anode rod, which stops the water heater from prematurely rusting.

Tips for Maintaining Your Water Heater

Routine maintenance on your water heater is the most important factor to consider when trying to increase the lifespan of your unit. Simple solutions you can implement in your home includes:

• Setting the temperature of the water to a safe temperature (120 degrees is recommended).
• Checking and cleaning the water heater annually.
• Inspecting that the pressure release valve works and is not leaking.

One other thing that you can do at home is to flush the sediment out of the tank. Simply turn off either the gas or electricity to the water heater, then turn off the cold water inlet.

Take a standard garden hose and attach it to the drain valve, and find a safe place for the very hot water to flow. First open the pressure valve, then the drain valve, and let all of the tank’s water flow out. When it’s finished, close the drain valve, remove the garden hose, and then close the pressure relief valve.

To replenish the water in the tank, turn on all of the hot water taps in your home, turn the cold water inlet back on, and turn the taps back off as the water flows through them. While this is a great way to keep your water heater in the best shape, it can also be complicated. If you’re not confident in DIY maintenance, trust a plumber to help you with your home needs.

How to Tell If Your Water Heater Needs Repairs

There are a few signs to pay attention to when it comes to recognition of potential problems with your water heater that may require repair service. One of the top signs is the lack of quick, hot water in your taps or shower.

Other signs of a failing water heater include rumbling or popping noises and cloudy water. It’s also important to watch out for leaking from either the tank or the pressure valve.

Now that you know how water heaters work and how to recognize the signs of trouble with your own water heater, give our office a call at (517) 339-6300. We can get you scheduled for either a routine maintenance appointment to keep yours running smoothly, or come out to do any necessary repairs if yours isn’t in the tip-top shape it should be in.