Do you have what it takes to think like a plumber? Let’s find out!
We love talking to our clients about the ins and outs of plumbing, whether it’s to explain our most-complicated services or to provide simple, DIY solutions for homeowners in need of just a little guidance.
One of the systems we address most frequently around Red Oakland? Water heaters. How much do you know about this vital part of our plumbing? Take our quiz to find out!
1.) Tankless water heaters are __________ than other models of water heaters.
A.) More environmentally friendly
B.) Less environmentally friendly
C.) Louder
D.) Larger
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Tankless water heaters are much greener (and less expensive to operate) than traditional water heaters, and they actually save space, since they don’t store water for continuous use during the day. Instead, tankless heaters quickly heat water via “heat exchangers” at the point of use.
Want to learn more about tankless water heater systems? Read on here.
2.) The pilot has gone out on your gas water heater. What should be your first step?
A.) Light a match and place it under your water heater.
B.) Replace your unit.
C.) Locate the gas regulator valve and stop the flow of gas.
D.) Locate the gas regulator valve and increase the flow of gas until the light restarts on its own.
CORRECT ANSWER:
C. Relighting your water heater’s pilot is a fairly easy DIY task, but it’s not one to take lightly. Instead, take every precaution possible – including shutting off the flow of gas before you attempt anything with heat or flames. On gas water heaters, the regulator valve features a small knob and should be located on the outside of the unit, close to where the gas pipe enters.
For more on how to relight your water heaters’ pilot, check out our DIY guide here.
3.) What chemical compound causes your hot water to smell like rotten eggs?
A.) Hydrogen Bicarbonate
B.) Hydrogen Sulfide
C.) Cabon Monoxide
D.) Potassium Nitrate
CORRECT ANSWER:
B. Our water naturally contains both small amounts of sulfur and sulfate-reducing bacteria; both are harmless to humans and much of this bacteria is treated out by the city, which sanitizes our drinking water. But when you combine higher amounts of sulfur, bacteria, and with the corrosive metal of a heater’s anode rod in your water heater, you get hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which reeks.
Does your hot water come out smelling less-than ideal? Here’s how to get rid of the smell like the pros.
4.) Which of the following is NOT a way to prepare your water heater for winter?
A.) Have it tuned up by a pro.
B.) Scrub the exterior with bleach.
C.) Insulate it.
D.) Change the water temperature.
CORRECT ANSWER:
B. While it makes sense to have your water heater and surrounding pipes inspected, insulated, and adjusted before the winter months, giving it a cleaning won’t give you a ton of practical benefits (as far as we know).
Ready to get a jump on the harsh Red Oak winter? Here are a few more ideas about how to protect your water heater.
5.) Water heaters are one of the top five appliances that cause household flooding. What surprising solution can help treat water damage caused by a flood?
A.) Mustard
B.) Petroleum Jelly
C.) Mayonnaise
D.) Candle Wax
CORRECT ANSWER:
C. While petroleum jelly can help your plunger attain a more-secure seal, it is mayonnaise that, surprisingly, can help treat water damage to wood. Simply smear the mayo over the stain and let it sit, for anywhere from several minutes to a few hours. Don’t worry about leaving it on too long – the mayonnaise won’t cause the wood any harm. After letting it set, wipe the mayonnaise off with a clean cloth, then polish the spot with some wood oil. You should see a significant lightening of the water mark!
Curious about how else to put this inexpensive ingredient to work around your home? We’ve got the inside scoop.
6.) What is the lifespan for a standard tank water heater?
A.) 10-15 years
B.) 5-8 years
C.) 15-20 years
D.) 20-25 years
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Most standard tank water heaters have a lifespan of 10-15 years. They aren’t built to last forever – so it may be time to ask yourself just when the last time yours was inspected, serviced, or replaced.
Age isn’t the only warning sign of a faulty water heater. Here are nine more signs that your water heater needs replacing.
7.) A worn-out gasket or valve may be the cause of...
A.) An unbalanced water heater
B.) Your pilot light going out
C.) A leaky water heater
D.) Gaskets and valves don’t get worn out!
CORRECT ANSWER:
C. In our experience, there are four main sources of leaks on water heaters. In addition to gaskets and valves, it’s important to consider the storage tank, inlet and outlet pipes, and the temperature/pressure gauges.
Looking for a quick fix for your water heater? Here are some things to keep in mind.
8.) Calcium and mineral deposits in your water heater can cause it to:
A.) Tip over
B.) Catch fire
C.) Rust more quickly
D.) Make a rumbling sound
CORRECT ANSWER:
D. As materials pile up at the bottom of your heater, they trap water, causing it to boil up as steam bubbles. As this happens, it can cause your water heater to moan or roar like a belly at a Fourth of July cookout.
Curious about any other plumbing mysteries? Check out our guide to the meanings behind some common plumbing symptoms.
How’d you do? Obviously, we’re not keeping score! The most important takeaway, in our opinion? It’s never the wrong time to think about your water heater. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to have it inspected, serviced, or replaced. And when that time comes, you can trust that our team here at Combat Plumbing has the know-how you’ll need. Drop us a line to talk today!
