Water Heater Services | Water Heater Repair Fort Worth
The average American doesn’t give the water heater a second thought, until a problem occurs with it. There is no denying the appliance is an essential feature of the average home in the U.S., and with minimal care, you can assure a reliable source of hot water, and extend its lifespan. The professional inspection and timely water heater repair in Fort Worth by a Benjamin Franklin plumber will assist you in the goal of water heater reliability and a longer lifespan. Contact us today for professional water heater services.
Periodic inspection for leaks, and flushing the water heater are tasks the homeowner can provide the water heater. When your home is located in an area with hard water, flushing is essential in maintaining its reliability for as long as possible.
Flushing the water heater isn’t a difficult task for most people, though for those who lack the time or are unable to perform the task, our plumbers in Fort Worth can provide it, and/or water heater repair in Fort Worth for you.
At the minimum, the water heater should be flushed annually. Although, it is preferable in hard water regions to flush biannually, or to provide a full flush, and to remove 2-3 quarts every 2-3 months afterward. Flushing sediment from the tank is the single most important action you can provide for preventing problems in the water heater, that will result in the need for water heater repair in Fort Worth.
The Effect of Sediment on the Water Heater
Over time, the water heater loses efficiency, as sediment causes the appliance to work harder. As the mineral build-up grows, eventually the appliance is heating up sediment before it can heat water. This increases the amount of time the appliance runs to heat water, increasing energy cost and reducing the water heater’s lifespan. Flushing removes sediment, and increases both efficiency and lifespan while reducing the frequency of water heater repair in Fort Worth.
Flushing the Water Heater
Use the following instructions to flush the water heater. However, if you are uncomfortable with the procedure, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for a professional cleaning, and inspection.
1) Turn off the electric water heater as follows:
- Turn off the circuit breaker labeled for the water heater in the home’s electrical panel.
Turn off the gas water heater as follows:
- Turn the gas setting to pilot.
2) Shut off the cold water supply to the water heater. If there is not a shut off valve located at the water heater, you can turn the water off at the water meter.
3) Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the appliance. Place a thick towel beneath it to absorb leakage.
4) Place the other end of the garden hose out of a door or window to drain onto the ground. Ensure hot water will not drain on people, pets, plants, electrical outlets, or other electrical items. You can use a sturdy bucket, though it will need emptying when about half-full. Shut off the drain valve while emptying the bucket.
5) Open the nearest hot water tap to enable the water to drain out of the water heater.
6) Open the drain valve slowly using caution, as the water will be hot. Water should start coming out of the hose. If using a bucket monitor the water level closely to prevent overflow. Close the drain valve and empty the bucket often.
7) Keep a visual check on the draining water for sediment. When sediment is no longer visible, and the water is clear, shut the drain valve off.
8) After closing the drain valve, disconnect the garden hose using a towel or oven mitt to avoid scalding. Hold the hose up to prevent water from flowing out and scalding you. Turn the hot water faucet previously opened off. If the drain valve leaks after the procedure try tightening it. If the leakage continues, contact a plumber for water heater repair in Fort Worth.
9) Turn the cold water supply back on. Allow the water heater to fill back up, and open the hot water tap once again to purge air from the system.
10) Turn the water heater back on.
Two Months-Two Quarts Method
After providing a full flush to the water heater, remove 2-3 quarts of water from the drain valve on the water heater tank every 2 to 3 months. If you adhere to the schedule, you will not require a full flush.
Water Softener
A water softener will provide protection for the home’s plumbing from hard water, and reduce the need for water heater repair in Fort Worth related to hard water issues.
Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber for water heater repair in Fort Worth or other water heater services. Our plumbers in Fort Worth offer plumbing expertise, and a broad range of residential and commercial plumbing services. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington, and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating. Contact us today to schedule water heater repair in Fort Worth.