Basics of Water Heater Maintenance and Its Benefits
A household’s water heater is essential, providing a consistent supply of hot water for various daily tasks such as bathing, dishwashing, and laundry. However, imagine having to start the day with an ice-cold shower due to a faulty water heater. Some homeowners overlook the importance of regular water heater maintenance until they're faced with a costly breakdown.
Proper maintenance not only helps prevent issues but also provides several other cost-effective benefits. This post will explore why water heater maintenance should be a priority, including what is done during a maintenance visit, the advantages of routine maintenance, and how often it’s needed.
Water Heater Maintenance Tasks
Regular water heater maintenance encompasses several critical tasks impacting the unit's efficiency, longevity, and safety. Of course, an essential part of maintenance is thoroughly inspecting the system and looking for any issues. Draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup is another important part of maintenance. This sediment buildup can create a barrier between the heating element and the water, forcing the water heating unit to work harder and consume more energy.
Another task done during maintenance is inspecting the anode rod and replacing it when needed. It can also be called the sacrificial rod, as it prevents tank corrosion by attracting corrosive elements in the water. A deteriorated anode rod leaves the tank vulnerable to corrosion and leaks, so it must be replaced regularly. Testing the temperature and pressure relief valve is essential for safety, as this component prevents dangerous pressure buildup within the tank. During maintenance, professionals will also examine electrical connections, thermostat settings, and heating elements to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues before they worsen.
Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance
Regular water heater maintenance offers numerous compelling benefits. Through proper upkeep, water heaters can operate more efficiently. This improved energy efficiency leads to reduced utility bills and helps save homeowners money. Routine maintenance also helps the water heater operate more reliably with a lower risk of problems occurring, ensuring a more consistent hot water supply throughout the home and saving homeowners on repair costs.
Proper maintenance can also extend the water heater's lifespan, preventing the need for an early replacement and leading to savings on replacement costs. Inspections during maintenance help prevent and identify potential issues before they become major problems, allowing them to be fixed before they become more serious problems that require replacement. By investing in routine maintenance, homeowners can save money, prevent problems, and help their water heater’s longevity.
How Often to Schedule Maintenance
Water heater maintenance is crucial for its optimal performance and longevity, with professional inspections and maintenance recommended at least once annually. During these annual maintenance visits, a qualified technician should perform essential tasks such as flushing the tank, checking the pressure relief valve, and more. However, water heater maintenance may be needed more often than annually when a household has hard water since it causes buildup in the tank and the anode rod to deteriorate quicker than in a home without hard water.
The anode rod plays a vital role in preventing tank corrosion and protecting a water heater’s longevity. While the typical lifespan of an anode rod is three to five years, hard water can require replacing it more often, as frequently as every two years. While the water heater should typically be drained and flushed annually, hard water may require this task to be done more often, around every six months.
About Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc.
Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. is a trustworthy and reliable heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company serving Lombard, IL, and the surrounding areas. They offer on-time service, fast turnaround times, and no mess left behind. Call them for water heater maintenance and repair services in Lombard, IL.
