Water heating is likely the most utilized system in your home. Whether for a shower first thing in the morning, cleaning dishes after dinner, or washing laundry, we use hot water throughout the day – often without giving it much thought. However, if you neglect to maintain your water heater regularly, you can expect problems like loud noises, discolored water, and short tank life. If a good portion of your household budget goes to monthly energy bills for hot water use, it might be time to consider investing in preventative maintenance for your heater. This blog post will cover why regular water heater maintenance is so essential and how it can save you from costly repairs later down the road.
What Can Go Wrong With a Water Heater?
Many things can go wrong with a water heater, especially if it hasn’t been properly maintained. This section looks deeper at a few of the most common water heater issues and some potential causes.
No Hot Water or Low Pressure
One of the most common problems with water heaters is a lack of hot water or low pressure from the taps. If your tank has been running out of hot water more quickly than usual, it could mean that there is a problem with the heating element inside your tank. It could also mean that there is sediment buildup in your tank, which reduces its capacity to generate hot water. Any objects lodged in the tank’s intake valve could also result in a lack of hot water or low pressure from your taps.
Leaking Tank
Another common issue with water heaters is leaking tanks. If you notice any signs of leaking or pooling around or near your tank, you should investigate further to determine where the leak is coming from. Leaks may be caused by corrosion within the tank itself, or they may be caused by broken pipes or valves connected to the tank. It’s important to address leaks immediately, as they can cause severe damage if left unchecked over time.
Rusty Water and Unusual Noises
Suppose you notice rusty-colored water coming from your faucets when you turn on the hot tap. In that case, it means that rust has built up inside your tank and needs to be addressed immediately, as it can lead to further damage within your plumbing system if not adequately addressed. Additionally, listen for unusual noises, such as popping or rumbling when you turn on the hot tap—these noises could indicate sediment buildup inside your tank. They should be checked out by a professional plumber as soon as possible.
How Regular Water Heater Maintenance Helps
There are many benefits of scheduling water heater maintenance. A few of the benefits are listed below.
Fewer Repairs
One of the primary benefits of regular water heater maintenance is that it can help to prevent expensive repairs. Water heaters are complex appliances that can develop various problems over time, such as leaks, corrosion, and sediment buildup. By performing regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank and checking the anode rod, you can help to keep your water heater in good working condition and avoid costly repairs.
Extended Lifespan
Regular water heater maintenance can also help extend your appliance’s lifespan. Water heaters typically have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but by performing regular maintenance, you can help prolong its life and avoid prematurely replacing them.
Better Performance
In addition to improved efficiency, regular water heater maintenance can also lead to better performance from your appliance. When sediment builds up in the tank, it can cause the burner to work less efficiently, leading to longer heating times and poorer performance. Flushing the tank regularly will help to keep the burner clean and operating at peak efficiency.
Safer Operation
Another benefit of regular water heater maintenance is safer operation. Over time, sediment buildup can cause corrosion in the tank, which can lead to leaks. Additionally, if the anode rod wears out, it can leave the tank vulnerable to corrosion from the inside out. Regular maintenance will help to prevent these problems and keep your water heater operating safely.
Fewer Breakdowns
Because regular water heater maintenance can help prevent expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your appliance, it can also lead to fewer breakdowns overall. If you perform regular maintenance on your water heater and catch problems early on, you’ll be less likely to experience a complete breakdown that would require replacement.
Cleaner Water
In addition to the other benefits of regular water heater maintenance, it also leads to cleaner water overall. When sediment builds up in the tank, it can mix in with your hot water supply and come out of your taps. This sediment can contain harmful bacteria that could make you sick if ingested. Flushing your tank regularly will help to remove this sediment and keep your water clean and safe to drink.
Hot Showers
Perhaps the most important benefit of regular water heater maintenance is keeping hot showers! If your water heater isn’t properly maintained, you run a higher risk of water heater failure. Chances are you will find out in quite an unpleasant way. Your water will not get hot or remain hot for significantly less time than average. This will be frustrating if you are like most people and want an immediate solution. Regular water heater maintenance can avoid this situation by detecting and fixing issues before they become a bigger problem.
Contact the Pros for Water Heater Maintenance
In short, there are many benefits to keeping up with regular water heater maintenance, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, improved safety measures, and extended life expectancy of the appliance itself. By scheduling annual inspections with qualified professionals such as Workhouse Plumbing, you can rest assured knowing that all potential issues are being addressed promptly and accurately, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns or other costly repairs down the line! Contact us today for more information about how we can help keep your water heater running smoothly year-round!
