Conquer Hot Water Blues With Early Water Heater Maintenance
There's nothing worse than waking up to a cold shower. Well, except maybe finding out the water heater needs replacing. But the good news is, regular water heater maintenance helps prevent cold water nightmares. Not sure if the water heater needs maintenance? Keep reading to find out why it definitely does, and why now is a great time for it!
Water Heater Maintenance: Why Does It Matter?
The home's water heater goes unnoticed most of the time, at least until it stops working. But this unsung hero of the home's plumbing system needs regular, once a year maintenance, and here's why:
- Efficiency: Regular water heater maintenance improves the efficiency of a unit. As time goes on, calcium and other minerals build up in a water heater's tank. While heating water, the unit must fight through these layers of minerals, increasing the unit's energy usage.
- Longevity: A clean, well-maintained water heater lasts longer than one that misses annual maintenance appointments.
- Warranties: Most water heater warranties require regular maintenance performed by a certified technician to remain active.
- Saves Money: Annual maintenance allows technicians to identify any problems in a water heater before it becomes a major issue. Regular maintenance prevents surprise water heater failure, costly part replacements, and expensive emergency technician visits.
What Goes Into Water Heater Maintenance?
During a water heater maintenance visit, a certified plumbing technician will do the following:
- Drain and Flush the Tank: As previously mentioned, water heaters tend to collect hard mineral deposits in the tank. During annual maintenance, the technician will drain the tank and flush out any mineral buildup in the tank.
- Check Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure relief valve helps reduce pressure buildup in the tank. The technician will verify if the valve is responding to pressure correctly and make a replacement if needed.
- Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod helps prevent the damage hard water buildup eventually causes in a water heater. Instead of the minerals deteriorating the tank, the rod attracts the minerals and erodes instead. The rod usually needs replacing every three years or so to prevent damage to the tank.
Warning Signs of Water Heater Trouble
- Leaks: If water has collected outside the water heater, it may have a leaking valve or tank. Both situations require repairs and need attention from a professional to diagnose correctly.
- Cloudy Water: If the home usually has clear water that starts turning cloudy, there may be hard water buildup in the water heater tank. The longer buildup goes on, the greater the risk of tank failure. Cloudy water may indicate other plumbing issues, so it's best to have a plumber assess the problem.
- Cold Water: If it takes forever for the water to heat up in the house or stay cold, the water heater needs attention.
- Popping Sounds: If the water heater sounds like a popcorn machine, it needs immediate attention. There is likely too much buildup in the tank, resulting in water popping and boiling beneath the sediment.
Don't run the risk of a failed water heater! With a simple house call, a reputable plumbing contractor can get the tank clean and ready for another year of reliable use.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
When it comes to fast and trustworthy plumbing solutions, the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has homeowners covered. Their local experts are trained in the latest technology and reliable techniques to handle everything from rusted pipes to hard water deposits. Give them a call for annual water heater maintenance in Northfield, MN today!
