A water heater is essential for any home because it provides residents with hot water for cleaning, cooking, and maintaining good hygiene. Many people think of a plumber as someone who works on drains, water pipes, and backed-up toilets, which they certainly do. Plumbers also work on water heaters, which requires special skills, tools, and experience to get the best results. If your water heater needs maintenance, repair work, or a replacement, here's why you should hire a licensed plumber to do the work.

Ensure Correct Water Heater Installation

Water heaters last many years, but even the best-maintained models eventually require replacement. According to Energy Star, most water heaters should be replaced after 10 years. If yours is near the end of its service life, or you need a water heater installed in a new home, you should have a licensed and experienced plumber do the work. A plumber can ensure everything is installed correctly, so you get the best service from your new water heater and reduce the risk of something going wrong.

Prevent Potentially Deadly Gas Leaks

Many water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat a tank of water and keep it ready for use when needed. The gas lines leading to such water heaters need to be installed correctly to make sure they don't leak even a small amount of flammable gas. A gas leak might cause a deadly and catastrophic explosion inside your home. It also could cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. A licensed plumber can make sure your water heater won't leak potentially deadly gas and maintain it for continued safety.

Lessen the Chance of Internal Flooding

One of the most common causes of water damage inside a home is when a water heater ruptures and allows water to flow unchecked into your home. Until the water supply is shut off, a ruptured water heater can fill up your home quickly and cause a lot of damage to flooring, furnishings, and the structure. Water pipes also might leak and cause water damage or promote the growth of mold and mildew. A plumber can help prevent ruptured tanks and leaking pipes, which helps keep warranty protection in effect for the water heater and insurance for your home.

When you need a licensed plumber to install or fix your water heater, you can call our friendly staff at A-General Sewer and Plumbing Service to get help from one of the area's best providers of plumbing services.