Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, but it’s also one that most people don’t think about until there’s a problem. Most water heaters can run for a decade or two, but they require regular maintenance to do so – and you’re likely to only find out about a problem when you get a surprise cold shower. To maintain water heaters Portland Oregon has expert plumbers to keep your hot water running smoothly.
A hot water heater is a tool that requires regular preventive maintenance because the large appliance develops problems inside where a homeowner can’t see them. Most plumbers recommend two inspections per year, but one a year should fend off any sudden problems if the cost is an issue. The more you know about your water heater and how to maintain it, the easier it is to avoid sudden breakdowns.
To ensure no hidden problems in your water heater, it’s best to have inspections performed by a qualified plumber. We Do It Plumbing is a certified plumber taking on new clients in the Portland area and can provide the best maintenance of water heaters Portland Oregon offers. Read on to learn everything you need to know about water heaters in Portland, Oregon.
The Advanced Guide to Water Heaters Portland Oregon-Style
The Two Types of Water Heaters
A tankless water heater is also called a “demand-type water heater” and it provides hot water when turned on but doesn’t have a store of hot water. This saves homeowners on water and energy bills, but it’s a bigger up-front investment. The hot water faucet triggers the water to flow through the water heater and is heated by the power element, providing up to five gallons of hot water a minute.
Tanked water heaters are the older model, and are ideal for larger families that use more hot water in a day. Tanked water heaters are gas or electric powered and they heat and store the water until used in an insulated tank. The tank draws water from the home plumbing system and has a sensor that knows when the water level is getting low.
Installing a Water Heater
Installation costs for a new water heater can be high, so many people try to set up a new model themselves. Both gas and electric models are sold at major retailers and come with do-it-yourself instructions. A guide to installing a gas water heater can be found here, and a guide to installing an electric water heater can be found here.
A water heater should have at least six inches of clearance on all sides, to ensure suitable ventilation and minimal fire risk. Check your local laws, because many municipalities require professional installation for gas water heaters.
Water Heater Troubleshooting and Maintenance
The water heater is the costliest part of your home plumbing system, so maintaining and troubleshooting it regularly can save you on repair bills. A catch bucket underneath your water heater can quickly alert you to any leaks, and insulation around your water heater helps it keep the water warm even in cold weather.
If you have a lingering unpleasant smell around your hot water heater, this indicates a bacterial infection. It can smell like rotten eggs, and this can contaminate your drinking water. The best way to solve this without a plumber is to flush out the tank and replace it with water mixed with peroxide to kill the bacteria.
If your hot water heater suddenly stops working, you’ll want to inspect all four parts of the heater – the tank, the cold water intake, the hot water outlet, and the drain valve. If the problem requires professional help, you’ll be able to quickly identify the source and cut down on hours of labor.
Water Heater Maintenance – Easier Than You Think
With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality water heater can last decades or more. Partnering with a qualified plumber can take all the work and stress out of maintaining your water heater, so contact We Do It Plumbing to set up a maintenance check today.