Water Heaters

Life of a Water Heater:
One key to extending the life of your water heater is soft water. Hard water will build up in the tank of a water heater and cause it to corrode, reducing the life of your water heater. A visible sign of this is spotting on your plumbing fixtures. If this is evident, a water softener may be your solution. This will also extend the life of your faucets and plumbing fixtures. Another option would be to periodically drain 7-10 gallons of water from your water heater. This helps to remove the calcium build up in the tank. Consider a Haller Enterprises’ Service Agreement for your water heater to help extend the life and efficiencies of your equipment.

What is the purpose of preventive maintenance? Most individuals wouldn't think about driving hundreds of thousands of miles without checking on the condition of their vehicles. Checking the pressure in tires and the oil and water levels in order to extend the life of their vehicles.

Unlike a car, a plumbing system within a home doesn't have any warning lights to let you know when potential problems are arising. And, unfortunately the plumbing system in a home is used more than the family vehicle. In fact, the plumbing system is the most used system in a home and it also undergoes the most ware and tear.

Tips for Prevention - Gas Hot Water Heater
·Check the main burner and pilot - rust scale and/or dirt in or on the main burner or pilot can cause improper fuel/air mixture and lead to carbon or soot buildup.

·Check for proper vent draft - improper or back drafting from your water heater could allow the excessive formation of carbon monoxide. This could then enter your home.

·Check for water leaks - Leaks may indicate a future serious problem, which can be costly. When leaks are found early, appropriate action can be taken which may save you stress and money.

·Check operation of emergency cutoff - If you are not aware of where the emergency water cut off is located, or if it is inoperable, this could cause a costly problem if you have a leak.

·Check temperature and pressure safety relief valve - A non-functional safety relief valve may not open when it is needed. This could result in the pressure building up to extremely high and dangerous levels.

·Check drain valve operation - The drain valve is used for flushing sediment from the tank and draining the water heater in case of repairs and or replacement.


Tips for Prevention - Electric Hot Water Heaters
·Check operation of all elements - One or more heating elements can be burned out and you may be going without an adequate supply of hot water needlessly.

·Check Thermostat operation - It may be possible to reduce your thermostat setting, saving you money on your electric bill, and still assure an adequate supply of water.

·Check condition of wiring - Loose or worn wiring can lead to loss of hot water and can be dangerous.

·Check for water leaks - Leaks may indicate a future serious problem which can be costly. When leaks are found early, appropriate action can be taken saving you stress and money.

·Check operation of emergency cutoff - If you are not aware of where the emergency water cut off is located, or is it is inoperable, this could cause a costly problem if you have a leak.

·Check temperature and pressure safety relief valve - A non-functional safety relief valve may not open when needed. This could result in the pressure building up to extremely high and dangerous levels.

·Check drain valve operation - The drain valve is used for plushing sediment from the tank and draining the water heater in case of repairs and or replacement.

Gas Water Heaters:
A clean and unobstructed vent is very important for a gas water heater to operate safely. Keep obstructions (snow, leaves, etc.) clear of the outside vent of a power vented water heater. If your water heater has cycled off due to a power outage, breaker trip or some other similar reason, first unplug the power vent and then plug it back in again. The water heater should restart. If it does not, call Haller Enterprises to schedule a service call.