Port Charlotte Water Heater Repair

It’s sometimes hard to imagine what it would be like without hot water. That is, until you don’t have it. Your water heater may be the most important and reliable fixture in your home. But when something goes wrong with your water heater, it can have a big effect on your day to day life.

Your water heater provides hot water for dishwashing, laundry, bathing and many other things. When your water heater stops working, it can be a big headache and it can be costly to replace. It’s a good idea to try and take care of it to make sure that it lasts a long time and works properly.

How to Maintain a Water Heater in Port Charlotte FL

How long will a typical water heater last? Generally, a water heater will last between six and twelve years depending on many conditions. Most homes in Charlotte County use an electric water heater, followed by a few gas water heaters and a small number of tankless water heaters. Since most of the water heaters are electric, we will focus on those in this article. That being said, if the water heater doesn’t seem to be working, the first thing to check would be the breaker to see if it is tripped. Resetting the breaker will turn the water heater back on if that is the problem. But, this could be an indication of another problem inside the unit and you should have it checked out.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Here are a few tips that will help you extend the life of your water heater to help it run properly for many years to come.

• Installing a water softener If you are in an area that is known to have hard water, you might consider installing a water softener. Hard water contains minerals that can lead to a build-up inside your heater.  This accumulation of minerals can shorten the life of your water heater and may eventually cause it to stop working. The water softener will help to reduce the mineral build-up and will help to extend it’s life.

• Flush your water heater Every year you should flush out your water heater. Flushing your heater removes excess minerals and debris that has accumulated at the bottom of the tank. This will also help to keep it working properly and free of deposits.

• Installing an expansion tank Many newly installed water heaters already have an expansion tank installed. Water expands as it is heated. As the water expands it needs a place to go as your plumbing is on a closed system. This expansion and contraction can cause fluctuations in your water pressure. The expansion tank creates a space for the expanded water and alleviates pressure and stress on your water heater.

Of course, even after maintaining your water heater, eventually it will need to be replaced. If you are wondering how to repair a water heater, that is probably best left to a professional plumber. The newer water heaters are more energy efficient and are built with newer technology to last for years to come.

When it comes time to replace your water heater, give Protek Plumbing and Drain Specialists a call at 941-575-7324. We can replace and install your water heater affordably and professionally. We guarantee it.