You count on it for water to wash your clothes, clean your dishes, and enjoy hot showers; but, how much do you really know about your water heater? If you’re looking for a new water heater or trying to maintain your current one, it helps to understand the basics of this appliance. The questions below are often asked by curious homeowners.

Common Questions About Water Heaters

What types are available?

The water heaters you may be familiar with are traditional models with large tanks. They hold the water while it is heated from the bottom by a gas flame. Tankless heaters don’t store any water and, instead, direct water through the unit to quickly heat it as needed. Heat pump models have a tank like traditional models, but they extract heat from the air, making them extremely efficient.

What maintenance is required?

In a traditional heater, you should have the tank flushed at least once a year to remove mineral deposits and debris that could decrease efficiency. You should also visually inspect the pressure release valve and the fittings to ensure they’re not corroded or leaky. A tankless model should also be flushed with vinegar at least once a year to descale the pipes.

Why is my heater making loud noises?

As water is heated, it expands, pressurizing the tank. If there’s sediment at the bottom of the tank, water can get trapped near the heating element. As the water boils, it will push up through the sediment, making a loud sound as it does. This noise isn’t an immediate cause for concern, but it does indicate a buildup of mineral deposits, and you should clean your tank soon.

Keep your water heater in peak shape with the services of GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store. For almost three decades, they’ve served Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and southern Baldwin County with sewer line cleaning, plumbing fixture repair and replacement, water heater maintenance, and other 24/7 plumbing help. To schedule an appointment, call (251) 974-5630, and visit them online to view their inventory.