Here is some basic information on a regular residential Menlo park plumbing topic, water heaters. In general, water heaters typically have a ten year lifespan without maintenance. It can be increased to fifteen if flushed every year. Water heaters are constructed out of steel drums lined with a layer of sand glass on the inside, which protects the iron from rusting. A burner heats up to provide a constant source of hot water. This process removes calcium and minerals as well, which tend to crystallize and build up . If not flushed, this build up becomes more substantial, blanketing the base of the heater up to 4 inches.
A water heater must work harder to heat the metal surface to break through the build-up blanket. As a result, the protective glass liner is weakened through the stress put on the metal exposing the water to metal, which creates rust.
Each time hot water is used, rust forms and is then washed away. After 10 years, this constant process eats a hole through the iron ultimately producing a leak. This is the point of no return, plumbing repair is out of the question. Most water heaters only have a 5-6 year warranty, so the likelihood of depending upon that is also slim.
With water heaters, replacement is the best route when dealing with plumbing problems such as leaks. A simple yearly flush really can work wonders.
Menlo Park plumbers of Roto-Rooter are happy to provide solutions for problems with water heaters and other plumbing or drain needs.
