Water Heaters for Your Home: Maintenance Tips
Water heaters are incredibly durable pieces of home equipment that can last for a long time, even up to 15 years with the proper maintenance and care. However, without regular maintenance, water heaters can deteriorate and malfunction, leading to a breakdown. Unfortunately, many people don’t check their water heater until there is a problem, when the repairs are much more expensive and difficult. They just pop over to real online pokies and totally forget about making sure their heater is up to date.
Although water heaters are built to be rugged and dependable, professional maintenance can keep them functioning at their peak performance. Services included in a professional water heater maintenance visit include flushing the tank, adjusting the temperature and pressure components, testing the safety and manual shut-off valves, and checking the system for any cleaning or minor repairs. If any major issues are discovered, the technician can recommend a repair plan.
Keeping your water heater properly maintained with regular visits from a maintenance technician will keep it operating at its peak performance and lasting longer. Regular maintenance also helps identify any small issues before they become larger ones, saving you from expensive repairs and avoiding future frustrations.
When Do You Have to Replace Your Water Heater?
Knowing when to replace your water heater is essential, as failing to do so before it fails can cause water damage and other costly repair bills. Generally, a water heater should be replaced every 10 to 15 years, provided it is the correct size for the space and home in which it’s housed.
It is important to check for signs of wear and tear, including rust that could indicate a leak. Other signs that you might need to replace your water heater include decreased hot water production; strange odors or noises coming from the tank, and visible corrosion on its exterior.
It’s also important to note that modern hot water heater models are generally more efficient than older ones. Upgrading to a new tank-style water heater can help you save money on your energy bill. An additional benefit is that newer models have improved safety features, such as pressure relief valves and backflow prevention devices, that can reduce the risk of property damage.
If you’re not sure whether now is the right time to replace your water heater, you may want to consult with a professional plumber for an expert opinion. This way, you can ensure your water heater is operating at peak efficiency and keep your repair and replacement costs to a minimum.
What Happens When You Don’t Keep Up With Water Heater Maintenance?
When you fail to keep up with your water heater maintenance, a number of negative consequences can arise. Over time, limescale and sediment can build up in the storage tank, leading to decreased efficiency, increased energy bills, and, in some cases, a noisy, unreliable heater.
Water heaters that are not maintained properly, can also become dangerous—certain components such as safety valves and expansion tanks can fail if not inspected and maintained regularly. In some cases, this can lead to flooding in the area surrounding the water heater, causing significant water damage and potentially putting the owner at risk of an electric shock.
In the long run, neglecting to keep up with your water heater’s maintenance can be costly and potentially dangerous, so regular inspection and cleaning are recommended.
Top Maintenance Tips
- Check the thermostat settings regularly to ensure they are correctly set. Keeping the thermostat settings too high can cause the tank to overheat, leading to damage or inefficient performance.
- Have the hot water tank inspected and serviced regularly by a qualified professional to detect any potential problems before they arise. This can help maintain efficient operations and catch any problems before they become more costly.
- Check the anode rod if your model is equipped with one. The anode rod attracts corrosion to it and helps protect the lining of the tank. If it wears away too much, it needs to be replaced.
- Check the temperature and pressure relief valves often by lifting the lever and allowing some water to flow through. If they are leaking or not releasing any water, have them replaced.
- Check the connections and shut off valves on the cold and hot water lines to make sure they are not leaking.
- Keep the area around the tank clear to help ensure that hot air can escape and the heating elements don’t overheat.
- Check for any signs of rust or corrosion on the tank itself and contact a professional if these signs appear.
- Maintain regular flushing and cleaning of the tank to avoid mineral buildup, which can reduce its lifespan.
- Insulate the hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and make sure the water heater functions efficiently.