How Long Does a Gas Water Heater Last?

Many homeowners may be either looking to purchase a gas water heater, to replace their electrical one or may be considering buying a house that has a gas water heater already installed.

For many people, understanding how to best maintain these appliances can help extend their life.

Is Your Gas Water Heater Showing Signs of Age?

If you've purchased a house that already has a gas water heater, there's an easy way to tell how old it is.

Simply check (in most cases) the serial number located on the upper part of the apparatus.

The first two numbers in the code are the last two numbers of the year it was manufactured, so a heater with a serial number starting with 15 is one that was made in 2015.

Other indications of age include:

• Leaking from either the tank or the pipes
• Rusty or cloudy water from your faucets
• Shortage of hot water, where you aren't getting as much hot water volume as before
• Varying water temperatures, or water that runs from scalding to freezing
• Strange noises, such as popping or rumbling sound from the unit

How To Prolong the Life of Your Water Heater

Preventative maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your gas water heater – and any other appliance in your home. This includes annual or semi-annual inspections from a professional plumber capable of detecting small problems with the heater before it gives out, plus a thorough cleaning of all parts and replacing anything that looks worn.

Other ways to prolong the life of your water heater include:

• Checking the pressure, or TRP valve several times a year. First, turn off the gas supply to the heater. Then, open and close the valve a few times. A properly functioning one will release water when this happens
• Schedule an annual water heater maintenance flush annually, to remove sediment that can cause damage to the tank and affect the quality of the water
• Inspect the anode rod annually, and replace it every three to five years. This piece attracts minerals like calcium and helps to rust and corrosion
• Check the burner annually

These things are often part of a preventative maintenance service for your local plumber.

What Are My Options For Repairing or Replacing a Gas Water Heater?

A professional plumber can take care of all repairs, major and minor repairs, of your water heater.

Instead of sitting on the phone with support from the manufacturer, have a professional plumber come to your home when it's convenient for you, to complete a preventative maintenance and repair service.

Schedule Professional Plumbing Service Today!

We offer residential service for all major brands and can work with your timeline and schedule. Give us a call today to schedule professional repair or replacement of your gas water heater.

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Water Heater Anode Rod Replacement – How Often Should I Replace the Anode Rod?

Corrosion is the #1 killer of water heaters.

Even a high-quality water heater can fail prematurely if it’s not properly maintained and protected against rust. And periodic anode rod replacement is the best way to protect your heater, maintain it, and get the most out of your investment.

Learn more below, and see how often you should replace the anode rod in your gas water heater or electric water heater.

What Is a Water Heater Anode Rod? Why Is Anode Rod Replacement Important?

The anode rod is a metal rod, normally no longer than 44 inches (sometimes 53 inches), that protects your water heater from rust and corrosion. It’s usually made of zinc, magnesium, aluminum, or a combination of these metals.

The purpose of the anode rod is to be more reactive to corrosion than the steel of your hot water tank. Metals like zinc, magnesium, and aluminum are used to make anode rods. Through the process of electrolysis, the anode rod corrodes in place of your water tank.

What this means is that, as long as your anode rod is in good condition, it will corrode before your steel water tank. This is its purpose.

However, once the anode rod has fully corroded, the steel tank will start to rust and corrode.

That’s why routine anode rod replacement is important.

By replacing your anode rod before it wears out, you can keep your water tank in great shape, and avoid the need for complete water heater replacement.

Check The Anode Rod Once a Year & Replace It Every 5 Years

As a general rule, anode rods need to be replaced about every 4-5 years.

However, this can vary depending on how much water flows through your gas water heater or electric water heater.

Very large families, for example, may use a lot more hot water, and may need more frequent anode rod replacement intervals.

The best way to make sure your anode rod is in good shape is to have a plumber maintain your water heater every year. Your plumber can check and replace the anode rod, drain sediment from your hot water heater, and make sure your unit is operating properly.

Need A New Anode Rod or Hot Water Heater? Contact G&C Plumbing!

Whether you think you need a new anode rod or complete water heater replacement, G&C Plumbing is here to help in Bellingham, MA. Our honest, professional, and reputable plumbers are always eager to assist you. Contact us online or give us a call at (508) 541-8783 to get the assistance you need.

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Should I Replace a Hot Water Expansion Tank on My Own?

When your hot water expansion tank needs to be replaced, you may be tempted to do this work yourself.

Far too many people try and often do it incorrectly or dangerously. If somebody isn't licensed to undertake plumbing work in the state of Massachusetts, it's illegal for them to work on your hot water expansion tank replacement.

Reasons You Should Avoid Doing it Yourself

There are several reasons why you should call a professional, some of which we're going to look at now.

• A Lack of Tools

  It's highly unlikely you'll have the right tools for the job. Without the right tools, you won't be able to complete the job to a high quality and run the risk of needing further work in the immediate future.

• A Lack of Product Understanding

  Without an in-depth understanding of the products being used, you're likely to install them wrong and cause more problems with your hot water. Choosing a pro means you get the right equipment for the job each and every time.

• A Lack of Testing Knowledge

  If you're unaware of how to test your hot water expansion tank, you're probably going to end up with something that won't operate as intended or at all. Working with a licensed plumber ensures you get a fully tested and fully functional hot water expansion tank.

• A Lack of Water Supply

  As water expands when it heats up, expansion tanks need to be calibrated correctly to deal with this extra pressure. Only a professional with a water pressure gauge and an accurate reading of the house's water pressure will be able to set the expansion tank to the correct psi. Also, as portable and non-portable expansion tanks are available, it's possible to get something that's not compatible with your system.

• A Lack of Knowledge on Energy Supplies

  If you're not experienced working with gas or electric heating systems, you shouldn't run the risk of causing a serious incident by attempting to work on your hot water expansion tank. There's a reason that people need a license to carry out such work, it's dangerous and can cause major problems.

https://youtu.be/NGygvtP6Sdk

If you don't meet any of these areas, it's best to call a professional. The team at G & C Plumbing & Heating can help you with your hot water expansion tank replacement as well as a full range of other plumbing and heating services. To find out more, call us today.

source https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/should-i-replace-a-hot-water-expansion-tank-on-my-own

Why Does My Water Heater Keep Tripping Out My Breaker?

When your water heater keeps tripping out your breaker, it may be a sign that it's in need of repair or replacement. There are three main reasons why this problem occurs, all of which need the attention of a professional in order to remedy them.

If you find yourself experiencing this issue, it's likely that your water heater's heating element has burnt out, you've got an issue related to your thermostat, or there's a wiring problem somewhere in your system.

Don't keep flipping the breaker back on - wiring will overheat causing a fire

Before we explore these issues, what causes them, and how to fix them, it's important to note that you shouldn't keep flipping the breaker back on as this can cause the wiring to overheat which in turn can lead to a fire breaking out.

Burnt Out Heating Element

An indicator that your heating element has burnt out is that your water won't be as hot as it usually is. In this instance, it won't trip out your breaker but will still need to be repaired. Sometimes, the casing that protects your heating element can split and expose the electrics inside to water or moisture, which in turn will cause the breaker to trip.

Faulty Thermostats

In a traditional electric water heater, there are two heating elements, however, only one element is on at a time thanks to your thermostats. If there's a problem with your thermostat, it can cause both elements to turn on at the same time which results in breaker tripping because of more electricity being delivered than what it can handle.

Bad Wiring

There's a small chance that the problem may be with your wiring and not the water heater itself. If this is the case, a plumber will let you know and advise you to contact an electrician.

G & C Plumbing & Heating is your number one choice for everything related to water heater repairs. If your water heater keeps tripping your breaker, you may need a water heater repair service.

Contact us today to find out more about our service and how we can help you.

source https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/why-does-my-water-heater-keep-tripping-out-my-breaker

My Water Heater Pressure Release Valve Is Leaking – What Should I Do?

If you’ve noticed water pooling around your hot water heater, this may be because of the water heater pressure release valve. Wondering what this means, and what you should do about it? Find out now!

Where Is the Water Heater Pressure Release Valve?

The water heater pressure release valve is attached to the upper portion of your hot water tank.

It typically consists of a valve that attaches to the side of the tank with a long copper tube or PVC tube that runs vertically downward, allowing water to drain out of the valve when necessary.

If you are having trouble finding the valve on your unit, or cannot identify it, we recommend searching for the make and model of your water heater on the internet. The manufacturer’s schematics and manuals will help you locate the water heater pressure relief valve.

What Is the Water Heater Pressure Release Valve & What Does It Do?

https://youtu.be/IqvY6YGOqro

The water heater pressure release valve, also known as the “temperature and pressure” (T&P) valve is a valve that helps control the pressure and temperature of your water heater, preventing it from overheating, becoming too highly pressurized, and potentially exploding.

The way this valve works is by sometimes letting a little bit of water drip out of the tank. When there is too much pressure inside the tank, the valve opens up to relieve this pressure and some water will drip out of it. This is normal, and indicates that the valve is functioning properly.

However, if your water heater pressure release valve is constantly leaking a lot of water, the water contains debris, or your valve is making a lot of noise like whistling and screeching, this may indicate that it has failed, and is not operating properly.

What Should I Do If My Water Heater Pressure Release Valve Is Leaking?

If your water heater pressure release valve only leaks every once in a while, this is normal. It’s doing its job, and there’s nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not draining constantly.

But if you notice the aforementioned issues like lots of drainage coming from the valve, water flooding, or whistling and screeching sounds from the valve, you should:

1. Turn off the power to the heater – You can flip the breaker attached to an electric heater, turn off the gas to a gas heater, or use an on/off switch if present on the heater itself.
2. Turn off the water – Located the water supply going into the tank and shut it off to prevent more water from building up.
3. Call G&C Plumbing to get help – Call us right away to get help. A damaged or failing water heater pressure relief valve could cause serious damage, so you need to work with a professional to repair or replace your water heater, as necessary.

Get Help from The Pros At G&C Plumbing – Call Today

Before you call G&C Plumbing for help, remember to shut off the power and water to your hot water heater. Then, call us today at 508-541-8783, and we’ll head your way first thing the next day.

We’ll check your water heater pressure relief valve, determine the source of the issue, and let you know your best option for restoring the proper, safe functionality of your hot water heater. Call today to get the help you need in Franklin or Bellingham, MA today.

source https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/my-water-heater-pressure-release-valve-is-leaking-what-should-i-do

Full "S" Traps to the “Oh Snap” – It’s Prohibited in Mass! Why S Traps Aren’t Allowed

Did you know that full S traps, or just “S traps” for short, are not allowed in homes in Massachusetts?

It’s true!

If you have one or more S traps in your plumbing, they need to be replaced with a more modern “P trap” or a similar plumbing solution.

Why can’t S traps be used in Massachusetts, and what is an S trap anyway?

We’re glad you asked! Let’s teach you everything you need to know about S traps, how they work, and why they need to be replaced.

What Is an S Trap?

An S trap is a type of “plumbing trap.” All plumbing traps are meant to do the same thing. They consist of some kind of bend in the pipe, which traps some liquid in the pipe.

This liquid blocks gases, such as sewer gases, from entering your home. The gas cannot pass by the trap, since the liquid is blocking its path out of the drain, tap, or another fixture.

An S trap consists of two “U” shaped traps. One of the “U” traps is installed normally, while another is flipped upside down and attached to it, creating the shape of an “S” on its side – hence the name!

Why Are S Traps Not Allowed in Massachusetts Plumbing Codes?

S traps may not seem dangerous, but they are! They are now banned by many plumbing codes, including Massachusetts, Minnesota, and others.

The reason for this is that the “S” shape of the trap, combined with the fact that it does not have a vent, means that water can be siphoned out of the trap.

In other words, if enough water flows into the S trap, it will all get sucked out of the trap – which completely eliminates the fluid barrier that prevents sewer gas from escaping into your home.

That can stink up your home – but more importantly, sewer gases can be dangerous to your health when breathed in, or can even explode in some cases.

For these reasons, S traps are not allowed in Massachusetts.

What Should I Do If I Have an S Trap Sink or Find an S Trap in My House?

Don’t panic! You can contact a plumber in your area to assess the situation. There are a few different fixes you can look into.

Your plumber may recommend replacing the S trap in your plumbing with a P trap, which is allowed by the Massachusetts code, and may also recommend the installation of an Air Admittance Valve (AAV), which will allow the pipe to vent properly.


In some cases, however, it may be necessary to cut a hole into the wall and the ceiling to add the new P trap to your plumbing stack vent system.

This depends on the specifics of your situation.

Contact A Plumber Today If You Have A Full S Trap

If you have one or more S traps in your plumbing and aren’t sure what to do, contact an experienced plumber in Massachusetts right away, such as G&C Plumbing and Heating.

We can provide you with the guidance you need, and ensure that the recommended fix meets all Massachusetts plumbing requirements. Contact us online or call now at 508-541-8783 to get started.

source https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/full-s-traps-to-the-oh-snap-it-s-prohibited-in-mass-why-s-traps-aren-t-allowed

How Dangerous Is A Leaking Water Heater? What You Should Know

If your water heater is leaking, you may think that this is nothing more than an inconvenience, particularly if it’s in an unfinished basement area with a drain where the water can flow and exit your home.

But you should be aware of the dangers of a leaking water heater. In some cases, leaks could indicate that the tank is about to fail catastrophically – and even explode, as seen in this MythBusters video. Learn more below.

Most Hot Water Tank Leaks Do Not Indicate an Explosion Risk

Most commonly, hot water tanks leak due to corroded pipes leading to the water tank, loose fittings and connections, or a deterioration in the tank itself.

And if your water heater is leaking from the bottom, this may be a problem with the drain valve.

If you notice a leak, you should definitely turn off the power and water right away, and contact a professional for repairs.

Failing to do so could lead to further damage to your water heater, or moisture damage in the basement or area where your water heater is located.

A Water Heater Leaking from the T&P Valve Could Fail Catastrophically

The dangers of a leaking water heater are mostly small, but if you notice that your T&P (Temperature & Pressure) valve is leaking, this could indicate a serious problem.

The T&P valve helps release pressure and control the temperature inside your hot water heater. Typically, it won’t release any water until the pressure reaches 150 PSI and the temperature inside the tank reaches 210° F.

This valve is usually attached to the upper section of the tank, and consists of a valve and a small-diameter pipe that drains downward.

If you see water leaking from this valve, turn off the power and water immediately and contact a professional!

Water leaking from the T&P valve indicates unsafe pressure and temperatures in the heater, and in some cases, the water tank could explode.

Got A Leaky Water Heater? Get Help Right Away!

Water heater explosions are rare, but they do happen – and any leak in your hot water system is a sign that something has gone wrong.

So, don’t risk your home or your well-being. Get in touch with G&C Plumbing and Heating right away to get the help you need.

Contact us online or call at 508-541-8783 to discuss your issue with a plumber immediately!

source https://www.gandcplumbing.com/post/how-dangerous-is-a-leaking-water-heater-what-you-should-know