One of the essential but most often overlooked home appliances is a water heater, and it typically has a lifespan of around 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand and the care it receives. Typically, it’s used for cleaning, shaving, cooking, bathing, and everything else, and it’s beneficial during winter.
It’s best to keep up with its maintenance to ensure that it performs to its maximum potential. As a homeowner, you can usually perform basic maintenance tasks, such as temperature checks and visual inspections. Still, you may also want to consider professional maintenance which offers a more comprehensive approach. This is because the right contractors possess the expertise and tools to thoroughly assess your appliance’s condition, identify potential issues, and address them before they escalate into costly problems.
During a professional maintenance service, a qualified plumber will inspect all components of the water heater, including the heating elements, pressure relief valve, anode rod, and internal tank. Those specializing in water heater maintenance will also flush out sediment buildup, check for leaks, and assess the system’s overall efficiency. When you entrust this job to the professionals regularly, you can rest assured that your system is operating safely and efficiently, ultimately saving you money on repairs, and energy costs, and extending the lifespan of your water heater.
What’s Involved in Maintenance in the First Place?
Routine Inspections: Regularly check your water heater for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or unusual noises, because catching problems early can prevent costly repairs later on.
Temperature Check: Verify that your water heater is set to the appropriate temperature, usually between 120°F and 140°F (49°C to 60°C), to prevent scalding and save energy.
Pressure Relief Valve Inspection: Test the pressure relief valve annually by lifting its lever to release a burst of hot water. Make sure it’s functioning correctly and isn’t blocked by sediment buildup.
Flushing Sediment: Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Drain and flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup.
Anode Rod Inspection: The anode rod helps prevent corrosion inside the tank by sacrificing itself. Check the rod annually and replace it if it’s significantly corroded or depleted. See more about an anode rod on this webpage here.
Check for Leaks: Inspect all connections, valves, and pipes for any signs of leaks. Address any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Insulation Check: Insulate the hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and save energy. Also, consider adding insulation to the water heater tank if it’s not insulated.
Professional Maintenance: It’s a good idea to have an expert plumber inspect your water heater annually. They can perform more thorough checks and identify any potential issues early on.
Why Choose to Call the Pros?
Expert HVAC repairmen can determine the root cause of the problem and fix it. Overall, they know what they are doing, and they’re going to make your life easier. Some of the factors that you should take advantage of are the following:
Expertise and Experience: HVAC technicians have the training, knowledge, and experience to accurately assess the condition of your heater. They can identify potential issues that may go unnoticed by homeowners and provide effective solutions to ensure optimal performance and safety. They can also do tune-ups and give you a lower utility bill by ensuring everything works well according to their specifications.
Thorough Inspection: The best companies conduct comprehensive inspections of all appliance components, including internal parts that may not be accessible to homeowners. They have specialized tools and equipment to detect problems such as sediment buildup, corrosion, and leaks, allowing them to address issues before they escalate.
Safety Assurance: Water heater maintenance involves working with pressurized tanks and electrical components, which can be hazardous if mishandled. Professional contractors adhere to safety protocols and regulations to minimize risks and ensure the safe operation of your water heater.
Efficiency and Longevity: Regular maintenance performed by experts helps to keep your water heater running efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending its lifespan. When you’re able to address the minor issues early on, professional maintenance can prevent costly repairs and premature replacement of the water heater.
Installation of the New Heater: Replacement will mean that you’ll have to rely on someone with decades of experience in this industry. They know everything including how to set up the fuel supplies, plumbing, and wiring and you can depend on them to have the proper tools and knowledge when it comes to installation. Read info about wirings at this link: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/wiring.
Safety is their Priority: These appliances generally have around 240-volt lines that can result in lethal shocks, so you need to be careful with them. They can also cause constant leaks and flooding, but this won’t happen with the help of the pros. They will be installed by the experts and prevent you from personal injuries and other risks.
