Water heaters are one of those appliances everyone uses but no one really thinks about. This may be the result of location since this appliance is typically installed in out-of-the-way areas such as the attic or garage. Unfortunately, a poor choice of location can make people forget the appliance needs maintenance and, occasionally, water heaters repair in Mclean. For instance, any unit that uses a tank for storing the heated water will need to have the tank flushed periodically. This is done to remove the accumulated minerals from hard water and any dirt that might collect in the tank.
There are two kinds of storage-based water heaters. The first uses a fuel such as natural gas to heat the water and the second uses electrical resistance. The two types may look similar, but this is mostly superficial. For example, a gas-burning model has external components such as the fuel regulator and ignition controls. Plus, it uses a burner placed under the tank to heat the water. The most significant difference, though, is the tube placed in the middle of the tank that allows the exhaust and heat to rise.
Electric water heaters will have one or more heating elements and matching thermostats. A single element is used on small units such as twenty gallon systems. Larger models like the forty gallon unit have two or more. Unfortunately, these elements are inserted in the tank, and this exposes them to any minerals in the water. Minerals can cause the element to break or short circuit, and this means it is time for water heaters repair in Mclean.
Sooner or later, every water heater will fail and require replacement. This catastrophic failure will likely be the result of corrosion in the tank since most tanks are made from steel. A leaking water heater can cause extensive damage to the building, and the way the appliance was installed could make things worse. Water heaters need a drain pain to reduce potential damages, but a leak in the tank or pipe fittings could result in spraying water that saturates drywall or other construction materials. This is one reason the location of this appliance is important. Learn more about water heaters from the experts at All Plumbing Inc. Parts & Service.