Thursday, 10 April 2014 00:00

From Buildup to Breakdown

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If you own a house you probably own a water heater. If you’re like most home owners, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about the water heater until, one morning, you go to take a shower and there’s no hot water. Then you probably think about it a lot. Despite their almost constant use all day, every day, water heaters generally stay maintenance free for years with average water heaters lasting 8-12 years. The water heater is one of the most critical parts of a home heating system. Some homeowners, however, may not realize the importance of keeping their system clean on a regular basis. Cleaning the hot water system is a critical part of maintaining the unit. Potential problems can include:

 

Sediment Buildup – The most common cause of water heater damage results from sediment buildup in the tank. Sediment, known as scale, is caused from the heating of minerals in the water. If enough sediment accumulates, it will eventually clog the drain valve and can cause the water heater to overheat. Sediment also reduces the amount of hot water available and can cause discoloration. Sediment buildup is more common in areas with hard water. Hardness of water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium concentrations in the water.

No Hot Water – this could be caused by several different things depending on if you have gas or electric water heaters. Both models are designed to include built-in safety devices to ensure maximum safety for you and your home. Should you have a problem it is extremely important to have a skilled technician service your unit, despite the built-in safety features. And please, never tamper with or disable any water heater safety device for any reason.

Inadequate Hot Water – if your water heater is operating properly and you are still running out of hot water, the unit may not be the right size for your home. MacGregor’s water heater experts can determine the best model and size for your hot water needs.

Water leaking around base of heater – a leaking water heater is usually not a good sign, but does not necessarily mean a new unit is required. If you see any amount of water around your water heater, have it inspected as soon as possible in order to prevent further water damage or expense.

Other problems to look out for are:

• Rust colored water

• Rotten egg odor

• Low rumbling or popping noise

• High pitched whining

 

Benefits Of Cleaning A Water Heater

If you keep your water heater clean, you’ll find that the system will work better, which can help you save on water heating costs. Since the water heating system is usually one of the biggest fuel expenses in a household, keeping the unit clean and well-maintained can improve your energy efficiency, which can drastically affect your energy bill.

Is It Time To Replace Your Water Heater?

MacGregor can replace your tired or leaking water heater. We proudly stock American and Marathon water heaters to serve your water heating needs. We can install water heaters that can provide hot water for every size and type of home. MacGregor will take $50 OFF the install of a water heater! Just mention this article. 231-242-7528

Read 5899 times Last modified on Thursday, 10 April 2014 17:05

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