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Heated water has been one of the most instrumental tools for humankind since before recorded history. The earliest examples of humans using heated water are the water heated with fire. As time has passed humans have evolved to the better and more improved methods for heating and dispersing water. Your water heater is one of the most important features of your plumbing system. If you maintain it well your water heater may last over a decade or so. The average lifespan for these appliances is 9 to 12 years, however, with proper water heater repair maintenance, it can last well over 12 years. If you live in the Mansfield, TX, area, you should consider hiring Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to help you with water heater repair and maintenance.
By understanding the water heater’s evolution and basic inner workings may help you make a better decision when it comes time to replace, repair, and maintain your water heater. Once your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan you will need to have it replaced by a professional water heater repair service.
Imagining a world without instant hot water can be a bit of a nightmare. Warm or hot showers would no longer be a thing. Washing and cleaning would be a lot harder to do as well. We have become so accustomed to water heaters that having no hot water, may be seen as a plumbing emergency, and rightfully so. Although having no hot water may not be related to your water heater, it could indicate that your water heater is experiencing a serious malfunction that requires immediate relief. If you notice that your hot water isn’t acting probably, you may want to contact a professional plumber for water heater repair and/or other plumbing related services. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Mansfield, TX is a reputable and local plumbing company that can help you maintain and repair any of your plumbing related fixtures.
Water heating fixtures became prevalent during the industrial revolution when fire heating tools and methods advanced into more modern and technology-driven ways. The water heater has gone through many different phases and continues to do so. For proper water heater repair and maintenance, it is important to know how your water heater is supposed to work, in order to fully understand how it isn’t. If your water heater isn’t working like it is supposed to, contact a reputable plumbing company for assistance.
What Is A Water Heater and How Does It Work?
A water heater is a plumbing appliance that provides instant hot water to faucets. Water heaters can usually be found in the basement, garage, or even attic of a building. Water heaters seem to provide instant hot water, which it sorts of does. However, the water is usually stored in a water storage tank then dispersed when you turn on a faucet in your home or place of work. This is why the hot water in your home, when too many people have taken a shower, or have used the hot water experience hot water shortages. This is when all of the hot water in the tank has run out and must resupply the tank with hot water. This is also the reason why you must wait some time in order to enjoy the luxury of instant hot water again. You are just waiting for your water heater to do its job. If your water heater is not producing hot water as it should, contact a professional water heater repair company.
If you are constantly running out of hot water, it may be time to either replace your water heater or get a new one entirely. If your water heater is old, or simply unsuitable for the household you live in, it may be time to have your water heater replaced with one that better fits your lifestyle, family size, and property. If water heater repair is what you need, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Mansfield, TX.
What’s Inside?
Understanding how the water heater works starts with understanding what it’s made up of. Conventional water heaters are the most prevalent types of water heaters in the US right now. Most water heaters work fundamentally the same, with slight differences here and there.
The Tank
Most water heaters have a tank. Conventional water heaters, which are also known as storage tank water heaters require tanks for water storage, as the name states. The tank is made of a metal material, that is usually lined by an inner shell, made of the same or another metal material. Water heaters require a lining in case of a tank malfunction or crack. If both the outer layer and inner layer become faulty or break in anyway, you will have to replace the entire tank. Fixing a broken or cracked tank is hardly worth the time and effort, most experts suggest a total tank replacement. If your water heater is poorly maintained, you may end up having to replace the whole thing. For proper water heating maintenance, you need to have a preventive maintenance plumber routinely check your plumbing appliance and perform any water heater repair and inspection techniques required, to keep your appliances running smoothly for a lengthy period of time. If you live in the Mansfield, TX, area, you should contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for assistance.
The water storage tank in the water heater can usually hold up to 40 or 60 gallons of water. There are many valves that help control the pressure and temperature of the water. The valves should be readily available and easy to use. You should understand how to use these valves in order to control the temperature of the water. The hot water temperature recommendation is between 114 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The tanks in water heaters also need to be flushed periodically, due to sediment build-up. If the tank in the water is not flushed periodically, the sediment builds up can become larger and harder. This can cause damage to the inside of the tank and cause leakage to occur. You may notice your tank is in need of a cleansing based on the sounds it may make when heating water. If you notice any strange sounds coming from your water heater tank you should contact a water heater repair professional before it’s too late.
Shut Off Valve
The shut off valve is a valve that will allow you to separate the heater from the outside and indoor plumbing units. It will stop the water heater from affecting other plumbing fixtures in the house. The shut off valve is usually located somewhere above or next to the water heater. If you are unsure of how to use the shut off valve or simply don’t have one, it would benefit you to have a professional water heater repair technician install it for you and/or show you how to use it in case of an emergency.
Dip Tube and Heat Out Pipe
The Dip tube is a very important component of the water heater. Without this component, no water would be able to enter the storage tank. The Dip tube allows water to enter the tank in order to be heated. The water is then dispersed through the pipe system from there.
The heat out pipe is located near the top of the tank and this is where the water is allowed to escape to enter the plumbing system and then into your faucets, sinks, and basins. If you live in the Mansfield, TX, area, you should have a reputable plumbing company, such as Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, routinely check these water heater fixtures in case of any needed water heater repair or maintenance.
Drain Valve
The drain valve for the water heater is usually located near the bottom of the outside of the building. This valve is usually used to drain the storage tank of sediment or any other forms of debris that may have gotten into the storage tank.
Turning the drain valve to flush the tank is easy, but should only be handled by a professional. Draining the water heater tank can be a very dangerous task due to the high temperatures that may come spewing out if you’re not careful. Contact an experienced and insured water heater repair company to help you maintain and flush your water heater tank for a job well done and safe maintenance.
Heating System
Your water heater will need some way to generate heat. This requires your water heater to have some sort of heating mechanism in place. There are several different types of heating systems that water heaters are available in. The most common types of water heaters available are gas and electric powered water heaters.
Gas water heaters typically utilize natural gas or propane as a means of generating heat. The gas is then lit by burners that will then transfer that heat to the water in the storage tank. Unfortunately, gas leaks could occur but aren’t very likely to. This is why most water heaters are powered by natural gas which has been combined with a rotten smelling gas that will give you an indication that something is seriously wrong. You need to contact an emergency plumber right away and stay out of the home until the gas leak is found. Also, refrain from turning anything on, especially electricity-powered items, the stove, anything that can create or spark a fire. Contact your local water heater repair professional for an annual inspection to help you avoid this disastrous malfunction from happening to you.
Electric Water Heaters
Electrical water heaters utilize 2 heating elements in order to heat the water that has been directed into your water tank. Electrical water heaters may be considered slightly safer than gas heaters because there is no chance for gas to leak. However, there are many other problems that can occur with your electrical heater. If any of the following problems occur with your electric water heater, make sure you contact a water heater repair specialist right away.
Electrical heaters are powered by electricity and if something goes wrong with the connection, then, unfortunately, you will not have any hotter water. Many things could be wrong with the connection, such as a power outage or overloaded circuit. If this is the case, you may need to actually contact an electrician. However, if the problem is excluded from your water heater and the area around it, it could be something wrong with your appliance and not the entire electrical system. Recurring water heater repair and maintenance can help you avoid a faulty electrical connection to your water heater, and help you maintain and keep your water heater for years to come.
Other water heaters use different sources of power to work the water heater that may be more suitable for your lifestyle and the way you want to live. If you are interested in leaving less of a carbon footprint on our earth, you may want to consider getting a solar-powered water heater. If you live in the Mansfield, TX, area, and are in need of water heater repair, or installation contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for all of our water heater repair and maintenance needs.
There are other components that add to the functionality of your water heater. Some of these components include the sacrificial anode rod and coils. The type of parts and water heater repair needed for the appliance depends on the kind of water heater you have and what kind of maintenance your water heater has received. Proper care and maintenance can help you avoid breakdowns and fault mishaps that may occur. Maintaining your water heater can help you save money, live more comfortably, as well as maintain or increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. If you live in the Mansfield, TX, area, contact the reputable Benjamin Franklin Plumbing company for all of your water heater repair and maintenance needs.