"Repairing A Water Heater Is Simple" And Other Misleading Myths
With the ability to deliver hot water through your taps at the turn of a knob or handle, your hot water heater is likely one of the most prized appliances in the house. Nevertheless, these valuable appliances often get disregarded and overlooked until something goes wrong. When something does go wrong with your water heater, reaching out to a water heater repair professional for help is always recommended. Don't be fooled by some of these prevailing myths.
Myth: Repairing a water heater on your own is simple.
While you can gather a lot of information from your owner's manual, the internet, and well-meaning acquaintances about repairing a water heater, repairs are not usually as simple as they seem. The myth normally stems from the fact that water heaters have a simplistic build and few things that can go wrong. However, the few things that can go wrong with a hot water heater can be more challenging to repair than anticipated, especially without the proper qualifications or experience. For example, replacing a leaking release valve can involve:
- Disconnecting gas and electrical connections
- Draining the water out of the tank
- Using appropriate tools to remove the old valve without damaging the tank
- Installing a new valve
- Reattaching lines and refilling the tank
- Testing the new valve for functionality and safety
As you can see by all the steps involved, the process can be far more arduous than just taking off one part and installing another.
Myth: Most water heaters have to be replaced every few years.
A good water heater can last a really long time before it has to be replaced, especially if you are doing your part to maintain the unit. The majority of problems with water heaters can be repaired by a professional relatively easily. Therefore, if you don't reach out for advice from a water heater repair pro when something goes wrong, you could easily end up spending money on a replacement when you don't have to.
Myth: Water heaters have to be drained for every kind of repair.
Draining your water heater can be quite a chore. You have to fetch a hose long enough to lead from the tank to a chosen drainage point, make sure the hose connector is attached, and then wait for all that water to be wasted as the tank is emptied. Thankfully, not all types of water heater repairs require the full tank to be drained. If you immediately drain your appliance when something goes wrong, you lose all the time and water for no reason. When a plumber checks out the problem, they will let you know if the tank has to be drained.
To learn more, contact a company like Good 2 Go Plumbing.