Water Heater Maintenance | Water Heater Repair Fort Worth

We take the water heater for granted, until something goes wrong with it. Life without it is almost unimaginable, and if you have experienced a cold shower due to a failed water heater, you will undoubtedly agree. A water heater has a finite number of service years. However, routine water heater maintenance and the provision of timely water heater repair in Fort Worth when required, will ensure an extended period of service from the appliance.

Signs the Appliance Requires Water Heater Repair in Fort Worth

A lack of hot water is the most noticeable sign of a problem. The hot water heater thermostat should be set at 120 degrees F. Less than 120 degrees isn’t recommended due to the potential for bacterial growth in the tank. Greater than 120 degrees isn’t recommended due to the potential for scalding, and will require more energy for hot water production.

Check the thermostat setting to ensure the correct setting. If the temperature is correct, check the breaker in the home’s electrical service panel (for an electric water heater) to ensure the appliance is receiving power. If the breaker is off, turn it on and see if the issue is resolved. If the breaker turns off again, you will need to call a plumber to locate the problem and to provide water heater repair in Fort Worth. The breaker may have gone bad, but it’s safest to allow a plumber in Fort Worth to determine the cause.

If the appliance is a gas hot water heater, check the pilot light to ensure it’s on. If the pilot is out and you don’t smell gas, relight the pilot. If you smell gas, evacuate all family members from the house immediately, and don’t turn lights or appliances off or on. Once a safe distance from the home and the odor of gas, call the gas supplier to cut the gas source off, and call 911. If there is no gas leak you can relight the pilot.

If a functional pilot doesn’t resolve the problem it’s time to call a plumber for water heater repair in Fort Worth.

Rust colored water may indicate tank corrosion. Over time the tank can corrode. Even a water heater with a glass lining can experience breakage of the glass, allowing the tank to corrode. Rust tinged water can be due to other causes, such as the rusting of outdated galvanized pipe, but in the absence of steel pipes, it’s a good bet the corrosion is occurring inside the water heater. Water heater repair in Fort Worth can’t help a rusting water heater. The appliance will need to be replaced by a plumber in Fort Worth.

A leaking water heater is an obvious sign of a problem. Look for where the water is coming from if possible. Check the water lines including around fittings. The replacement of a leaking fitting or pipe can cause a loss of hot water and is a fairly simple water heater repair in Fort Worth for a qualified plumber. Leaks involving water heater components, such as a drain valve for example, may not require a water heater replacement. However, if the tank is leaking, water heater replacement will be required.

Increased energy costs may be due to an aging hot water heater. Water heaters can take more energy to produce hot water as they age. For example, an electric water heater uses heating elements to heat hot water. Minerals from hard water can accumulate in the tank and on the elements over time. The elements are then forced to heat the build-up before hot water can be produced. This causes slow hot water production, increasing the amount of time the elements must operate, and raising the power bill. This can be prevented with routine water heater maintenance. Once elements are corroded, water heater repair in Fort Worth will be required.

Hard water will cause the build-up of sediment in the water heater. If the appliance has never been flushed, or it’s been some time, a thorough flush of the tank is in order. After a complete flush has been provided, draining just 2 quarts of hot water every two months will help to prevent the build-up from affecting the appliance, and causing its premature demise.

Water heater repair in Fort Worth isn’t a task for the average homeowner. However, water heater maintenance is a chore a homeowner with minimal skills can provide. Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with the task, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can provide the job for you. Flushing the water heater will reduce the need for water heater repair in Fort Worth, and will extend the appliance’s service life. The following guide provides instructions on how to flush a water heater:

1. Assemble an oven mitt (or a towel to protect your hand from hot water), a thick towel, garden hose, and a bucket if you’re unable to run the hose to the outside.
2. Turn off the gas valve or the electricity to the water heater. The water heater breaker should be clearly labeled in the home’s electrical supply panel.
3. Turn off the water supply at the appliance. If the shut-off valve won’t shut the water off, do so at the water meter. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can replace faulty shut off valves, and/or install them for you.
4. Use caution, hot water can scald you. Lay a thick towel on the floor under the drain valve to catch any water leakage. Connect the garden hose to the water heater’s drain valve located at the tank’s bottom. Place the other end of the hose outdoors through a door and ensure it won’t drain on people, pets, electrical components or plants. If you’re unable to do so, use a bucket and empty often, turning the drain valve off while you empty it. The water heater drain may be hot, open it with the mitt or a towel.
5. Open a nearby hot water tap to allow air into the plumbing system. This will enable the water to drain from the water heater.
6. Open the water heater drain valve, and allow the water to drain until there is no longer any sign of sediment on the ground or in the bucket. Once the water runs clear turn off the drain valve.
7. Remove the garden hose from the drain valve, holding it up carefully to prevent hot water from scalding you. Place the garden hose outdoors to completely drain.
8. Check the drain valve for leaks, and tighten if required. If the leakage continues, place a bucket under it and call plumber for water heater repair in Fort Worth. Otherwise, turn the water supply back on.
9. Turn the power back on to the water heater in the home’s electrical service panel. For a gas appliance, turn the gas back on and light the pilot.
10. Once a full flush is provided, drain 2 quarts every 2-3 months to prevent sediment from building up in the tank. If this routine is followed, a full flush shouldn’t be required. If flushing doesn’t restore its efficiency, it’s time to contact a plumber for water heater repair in Fort Worth.

A Benjamin Franklin professional plumber can provide the expertise you require for water heater repair in Fort Worth. We stand behind our repairs with the Benjamin Franklin 100% satisfaction guarantee. In addition, our plumbers offer water heater maintenance services for your convenience. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas with expert and reliable plumbing services for all of your plumbing needs. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.