Can A Water Heater Repair Technician Make Your Appliance Safer? | Brookhaven, GA
Do you have a water heater installed at your Brookhaven, GA home? Then you understand how critical this appliance is, especially on those cold winter mornings when you are preparing to go out to work. Bathing with cold water could be inconvenient and even make you contract a common cold. Unfortunately, the water heater might develop issues that make heating the water impossible. Hence, you must have a water heater repair technician service and inspect this critical appliance to ensure it is always optimally operating. Unfortunately, some of these issues might prove dangerous. For instance, a pressure buildup in the water heater tank might explode or scald the hot water, which could burn you. As a result, the water heater features some safety measures such as a TPR valve, gas shutoff valve, thermostat, and flame arrestor. However, there are other measures that a technician can take to ensure that the appliance is safer. They include:
Installation of Expansion Tanks
Expansion tanks are a safety feature that can be installed on a water heater to enhance its safety. They are designed to help prevent the water heater from over-pressurizing, which can lead to dangerous explosions or leaks. As water is heated, it expands. If this expansion is accounted for, it can prevent the pressure in the water heater tank from becoming too high. The expansion tanks are designed to provide a place for the expanded water to go, reducing the pressure in the tank and helping to prevent these types of accidents and issues that require water heater repairs.
These tanks work by separating the water heater tank from the rest of the plumbing system. They are connected to the water heater tank via a small pipe and are typically installed near the water heater. When the water in the tank expands, it flows into the expansion tank, relieving the pressure on the water heater tank and helping to prevent over-pressurization. Besides enhancing the water heater’s safety, expansion tanks can also help extend the appliance’s life by relieving pressure on the tank and reducing the risk of leaks or other types of damage. If you are concerned about the safety of your water heater or would like to improve its performance, a water heater repair technician may recommend installing an expansion tank.
Installing Anti-Scalding Devices
The water heater repair technician can also install an anti-scalding device. This safety feature can be installed on a water heater to help prevent scalding. They work by maintaining a safe water temperature, even if the incoming water supply temperature changes. This can be especially important in Brookhaven, GA homes with children or elderly individuals who may be more sensitive to hot water and at a higher risk of scalding. Several different types of anti-scalding devices can be installed on a water heater, including thermostatic mixing valves and pressure-balancing valves. Thermostatic mixing valves mix cold water with the hot water from the water heater to maintain a safe temperature. On the other hand, pressure-balancing valves work by adjusting the flow of hot and cold water to maintain a consistent water temperature.
Having a water heater repair technician install an anti-scalding device on your water heater can help to make it safer in several ways. First, it helps prevent scalding by maintaining a safe water temperature. This can be especially important if you have young children or elderly individuals in your home, as they may be more sensitive to hot water and at a higher risk of scalding. In addition to preventing scalding, anti-scalding devices can also help extend your water heater’s life by reducing the risk of overheating and other types of damage that need water heater repairs.
Regularly Checking the Thermostat
The other safety feature that comes with a water heater is the thermostat. Although it acts as the brain of your unit, it also helps protect you and the water heater from issues like overheating. The thermostat works by measuring the temperature of the water and turning the heating element on or off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. If the thermostat is not functioning properly, the water in the tank could become too hot, leading to scalding or the tank overheating and potentially bursting. A water heater repair technician may test the thermostat to ensure it is calibrated correctly. They may also clean any dirt or debris accumulated on the thermostat or its sensing element to ensure proper operation.
Maintenance
Regular servicing of a water heater can help ensure that it operates safely and efficiently. During a service appointment, a water heater repair company in Brookhaven, GA will typically perform several tasks to ensure that the water heater is in good working order. These tasks may include:
- Inspecting the heating elements: The technician will check the heating elements to ensure that they are functioning properly and are not damaged.
- Flushing the tank: The technician will flush the tank to remove any sediment or debris that may have accumulated over time. This helps improve the water heater’s efficiency, enhance its safety, and extend its lifespan.
- Checking the anode rod: The water heater repair technician will check the anode rod, a rod made of a sacrificial metal that helps protect the tank from corrosion. If the anode rod is heavily corroded, it may need to be replaced to extend the water heater’s life.
Overall, regular servicing helps ensure that a water heater is operating safely and efficiently, which can help prevent costly breakdowns and extend the appliance’s lifespan. By having a water heater serviced regularly, homeowners can help to protect themselves and their families from the risks associated with faulty or poorly functioning water heaters.
Routine inspection and maintenance are needed to ensure your water heater is safe and optimally functioning. Do you need a water heater inspection, repair, or maintenance? Contact us at Peach Plumbing & Drain today for a water heater service appointment. You can enjoy a free consultation if you call us now.