3 Questions To Ask A Plumber When Your Water Heater Is On The Fritz And Needs To Be Repaired
When your water heater starts to show signs of damage, you may have concerns about what you should do to get it fixed. One of the best resources you can contact for assistance with your water heater repair is an experienced plumber. Plumbers have the training and skills to diagnose any issue with your water heater and give you the answers you need. Continue reading to see the questions you should ask a plumber to better understand how your water heater repair will work.
1) How will you determine what specific repairs the water heater requires?
There are many reasons that your water heater could stop working properly, and there are also various repair solutions that are best for different situations. A plumber can quickly identify the root cause of the problem with your particular water heater by using information about the symptoms you've seen (such as a decrease in water pressure and fluctuating water temperatures) to run some tests that will reveal the issue. For instance, if you notice that your household's water supply is coming out colder than expected, your plumber will check if the heating element in the water heater needs to be repaired. If your water heater is visibly leaking, a plumber can tell if it's a problem with the tank or a water line before making the appropriate repairs. The exact repairs for your water heater will depend on the distinct issues that your plumber uncovers.
2) What are the basic steps of the water heater repair process?
As soon as your plumber has established what the problem is with your water heater, the repair process can begin. Most water heater repairs follow a series of basic steps. First, the broken parts in your water heater will be repaired. This could include cleaning a dirty burner assembly, fixing a faulty thermostat, or removing a rusty dip tube. Then, your plumber will install any components that need to be completely replaced in the water heater. Some of your water heater's internal parts can become damaged beyond repair, so it's more effective to put new pieces in place instead. Finally, your plumber will confirm that everything is running smoothly by checking the water temperature and verifying that all leaks have been repaired.
3) Is there anything to do to maintain the water heater so that it won't need the same repairs again in the future?
It's important to ask your plumber for advice about a water heater maintenance routine you can accomplish on your own. That way, your water heater can remain operational for a longer period of time before needing repairs again. Drain your water heater and flush out the tank at least once a year. Be sure to clean the outside of the water heater tank regularly and check for signs of corrosion. You should also schedule a visit from a plumber for an annual inspection of your water heater and to conduct repairs as part of a preventative maintenance plan. Taking good care of your water heater on a consistent basis will reduce the likelihood of severe damage and more complicated repairs later.
Asking these questions will help you get a better idea of how to keep your water heater running as it should and what to do if it breaks down. Call a plumber to find the answers to any questions you might have about water heater repair.
Contact a local water heater repair service to learn more.