Some Hot Tips for Water Heater Maintenance
Your Water Heater Needs Regular Maintenance
Water heaters are an important, yet often ignored appliance in your home. They provide you and your family with hot water whenever it is needed; yet it is always hidden from view. It is only when it does not perform at its usual abilities do people wonder about it. It is a most unappreciated appliance. But what most people do not realize is that in order to properly function for as long as it can, water heaters need to be regularly maintained and cleaned. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prolong the life of your water heater, and save you money in the long run.
You have a variety of options to help protect your water heater as soon as you get it, most importantly the installation of proper water treatment equipment. Water treatment equipment can consist of water softeners, and water filters that will act as the strongest primary defense in maintaining clean water in your tank which in turn can increase the life of your water heater. Water contaminants are the leading cause of damaging and creating inefficiency in your water heater. Sources of water already contain minerals, sediment, and other chemicals, and the only way to ensure that they do not come into your water heater is to have water filtration units installed. See our article “The Importance of Testing the Water at Your Home“ for a deeper look at what can be in your water.
Contaminants are Dangerous
Contaminants in your water get into your water heater whenever new water is added into the tank, and can often lead to a stalling of your water heater. Common contaminants are dirt, sediments, minerals, chlorine, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Contaminants are what do not get dissolved into your water, but remain as particles inside of your water heater’s tank. They build up over months and years, and can cause the rusting of your hot water taps, and prevent the drain valve from functioning properly. Ultimately, these contaminants can cause the water heater to rust out at the bottom and begin to leak. Once this happens water heater installation service will be necessary. For those whose tanks sound exceptionally loud, you have a massive buildup of calcium and sediment at the bottom of your tank that has trapped water beneath it, and every heating of the water causes loud popping noises. If you hear a loud sound in your tank, it is time for it to be flushed.
Get a Professional’s Help
In order to properly clean and maintain your water heater, you should enlist the help of a professional plumber. A plumbing company will have expertise in water heater repair, and will be able to clean your water heater and test its components. It is recommended to have a professional who can safely disconnect your water heater from its power and flush your tank, clearing out all of the built up sediment, dirt, and contaminants in your tank at least once a year. Furthermore, this maintenance can consist of checking the anode rod, the pipes, and the temperature and relief valve. Additionally, for electric water heaters the maintenance should include testing the heating elements and the thermostats. If you have a gas water heater, there is a different process of cleaning and maintenance than there would be if you use an electric water heater. Ultimately, Regular maintenance and cleaning along with water filtration can greatly increase the efficiency and life span of your water heater.
