All About Water Heaters from a 1-800-anytyme Service Manager
As the dreaded day comes when the hot water just isn’t flowing or worse, you come home and your house is flooded, there is very little an average homeowner can do to fix the problem. Most people are lucky if they know whether their water heater is gas or electric, let alone where to start when the unit breaks down. Javier Vidrio, the service manager at 1-800-anytyme answers the most pressing questions concerning water heater maintenance, repair and installation.
How long have you been a water heater technician?
I’ve been working as a technician for over 10 years.
Why isn’t it a good idea to fix your own water heater?
Any job involving specialized technologies should be handled by a licensed professional. This is especially the case when it comes to water heaters, since flooding and severe water damage can occur if the job is not done right. Furthermore, most water heater units have unique parts and design, so the repair or maintenance needs to be done up to code.
What is the most common problem with water heaters?
At 1-800-anytyme most of our calls are emergency calls. Homeowners often wait until the last minute to call in the pros when something goes wrong and the water heater fails. From my perspective, many water heater emergencies could be avoided if homeowners would follow a maintenance schedule to increase the useful life of their water heaters. Serious water damage and flooding caused by a failed water heater could therefore be avoided.
Can you recommend a maintenance routine that can help prevent water heater failures?
The average lifespan of a water heater is 5-7 years, but a few annual maintenance check-ups can allow your water heater to last for up to 10 years. First, all water heaters should be drained once a year. This ensures that any build-up of calcium or other materials are flushed out. Another water heater maintenance routine is to have a professional licensed plumber come in and inspect all flex lines and gas lines, and more importantly, detect any leaks that may have developed.
Are there some warning signs that might indicate a potential water heater problem?
If you ever notice water around your water heater, there may be a leak that calls for the immediate attention of a water heater technician. Calling in a tech to do a leak detection will save you money in the long run; having your house flood due to a failed water heater will cost you a pretty penny, while a simple check-up will cost you just a fraction of that.
Also, if you find that you keep running out of hot water quickly, there are probably large quantities of calcium build-up in the water heater tank. Flushing the water heater tank will get rid of any material that has accumulated on the bottom of the tank, and the chances of a leak or other serious problems can be reduced.
How long does it take on average to install a new water heater?
Water heater installations usually take around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on the model and type of the water heater in question.
What type of water heater do you recommend for an average household?
We carry all types and brands of water heaters, and can help you to select the right one to fit your household’s needs. We generally suggest that homeowners consider installing a tankless water heater system, since it will save you money on your energy bill each month. The tank size of a traditional water heater depends mainly on how many people live in the household.
What should everyone know about their water heater?
- Turn off the cold water inset valve
- Turn off the gas supply valve if you have a gas-powered water heater
- Disconnect the electrical supply if dealing with an electric water heater
- Attach a hose to drain valve and drain tank
Water heater leaks and failures are extremely time sensitive, since there is an imminent danger of water damage to your home in the case that a water heater breaks down.
We have designed a scheduling system that guarantees that all emergencies are handled within 60 minutes from the time you call us, minimizing the damage and cost associated with broken water heaters. Schedule a water heater maintenance or installation online, or call us at (760) 477-0072 to consult with a water heater technician.