A problem with the water heater in your Bossier City, Louisiana, home can cause difficulties with your water temperature, bad smells, damage, and a number of other issues. Hot water heater replacement cost can be high, so you’ll want to do all that you can to prolong the life of your water heater. You can prevent rust and leaks in your water heater by draining your tank, maintaining it regularly, and paying attention to strange noises or smells.
Drain Your Water Heater’s Tank
You should empty your water heater’s tank at least once per year to keep minerals like calcium and magnesium from accumulating. Over time, these minerals can sink to the bottom of your tank, causing corrosion and reducing its capacity. You could start running out of hot water before everyone can finish showering, or rust could turn your hot water red or brown. Fortunately, you can flush your water heater by turning it off and letting it cool down, and then attach a garden hose to the valve at the tank’s base and drain the water and sediment.
Maintain It Regularly
You should have your water heater checked by a professional like the ones at Pioneer Comfort Systems once per year. That way, you can catch problems like a faulty temperature and pressure or T&P relief valve, or a loose seal on a pipe, before they cause expensive water damage. An expert can also replace your water heater’s anode rod when needed. This aluminum rod attracts rust and keeps it from harming the rest of your unit.
Pay Attention to Strange Noises or Smells
Popping, knocking, or banging noises could be from minerals hitting the walls of your water heater’s tank. A malfunctioning temperature and pressure relief valve might hiss or whistle. Minerals in the water could make it smell like rotten eggs.
Professional Shreveport Plumbers
The Shreveport, LA plumbers at Pioneer Comfort Systems have more than 55 years of plumbing, indoor air quality, heating, and air conditioning experience. We can help you with plumbing maintenance in Shreveport, plumbing repair in Shreveport, and installing your water heater. Call us anytime at 318-795-8000 for outstanding service from our skilled, friendly professionals.