Water Heater Maintenance: What's Involved and Why It's Important

Bradford White Water Heaters

Wondering if your water heater really needs maintenance? The answer is "Yes!" Skipping routine maintenance can shorten the life of your water heater, reduce efficiency, increase energy costs, and even lead to unexpected breakdowns. In this guide, we'll explain how and why preventative maintenance saves you money and stress. We'll also share the key things we do during a water heater maintenance visit and when you should call a plumber.

Water Heater FAQ:

1. What does water heater maintenance include?

2. Can I flush my own water heater?

3. How often should a water heater be serviced?

4. How does maintenance prevent costly repairs?

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Need water heater maintenance near Tiffin, Ohio?

Greene's Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical provides professional maintenance services for gas, electric, and tankless water heaters.

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The Significance of Annual Water Heater Maintenance

1. Preserving Efficiency:

Efficient water heaters contribute to energy savings and lower utility bills. Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank and cleaning components, ensures that sediment and mineral buildup do not impede the heater's efficiency, allowing it to operate at its peak performance.

2. Extending Lifespan:

Like any plumbing appliance, water heaters have an expected lifespan. This is typically around 10 years, though with proper maintenance, it can last many more. Without any maintenance, water heaters can last less than 8 years. Addressing issues promptly, inspecting for corrosion, and flushing the tank contribute to a longer, more reliable lifespan for your water heater.

3. Preventing Costly Repairs:

Small issues left unattended can escalate into major, costly repairs. Routine inspections catch potential problems early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing unexpected breakdowns that could disrupt your daily routine and lead to emergency repairs.

4. Enhancing Water Quality:

Sediment buildup in the tank not only affects efficiency but also impacts water quality. Regular maintenance prevents contaminants from entering your water supply, ensuring that the water remains clean, safe, and free from impurities.

5. Ensuring Consistent Performance:

A well-maintained water heater provides consistent and reliable hot water. Sediment accumulation can create "hot spots" on the heating element, leading to uneven heating. Heating elements can be replaced if the damage is caught early enough, but if gone unchecked, the damage can spread to other parts of the water heater, causing the whole unit to need replaced. Regular care ensures that your water heater delivers a steady and dependable supply of hot water when you need it, avoiding these repairs and replacements.

Key Water Heater Maintenance Practices:

Wondering what happens during a professional water heater maintenance visit? At Greene's Plumbing, Heating & Electrical, we inspect and test the following components to help ensure your water heater is operating safely and efficiently:

• Water Heater Tank (flushing & visual inspection)

• Expansion tank

• Water connections

• Drain pan

• Exhaust vent (gas only)

• Gas line and connections (gas only)

• Gas valve and connections (gas only)

• Carbon Monoxide levels (gas only)

• Ignitor and pilot assembly (gas only)

• Pressure relief valve

• Thermostats and limit switches/safeties

• Electric elements (electric only)

Not every water heater has every component listed above. Our technicians inspect the parts that apply to your specific system, whether it's gas, electric, tank, or tankless.

1. Flushing the Tank:

Regularly flushing the tank removes sediment and mineral buildup, preventing it from hindering the water heater's efficiency.

2. Inspecting for Leaks:

Periodically checking for leaks ensures early detection and prevents water damage to surrounding areas. Checking for gas and Carbon Monoxide leaks ensures the appliance is operating safely in your home.

3. Testing the Pressure Relief Valve:

The pressure relief valve is a vital safety feature. Regular testing ensures it functions correctly, releasing excess pressure and preventing potential hazards.

4. Professional Inspections:

While homeowners can perform some of these on their own, like flushing the tank of sediment and checking for water leaks, scheduling annual professional inspections is crucial. Plumbing experts can identify and address potential issues that an untrained eye might miss. They can provide thorough feedback on its overall health, suggest better habits to prevent wear and tear, and provide comprehensive care for your water heating system.

Conclusion:

By prioritizing these proactive maintenance measures, you can help ensure your water heater operates reliably, providing the comfort and convenience your home deserves. Whether your water heater is brand new or more than 10 years old, regular maintenance is one of the best ways to improve efficiency, extend its lifespan, and reduce the risk of unexpected repairs. If it's been over a year since your last maintenance visit, Greene's Plumbing, Heating & Electrical is here to help.