When Is Water Heater Maintenance Necessary?
The average water heater can last anywhere from 8 to twelve years. When properly serviced regularly, water heaters last longer and provide maximum hot water. If kitchen faucets and bathroom showers can only reach a lukewarm temperature, there is likely a problem inside the tank or drain valve.
Does Water Heater Maintenance Require a Professional?
There are DIY videos available online that can be used by homeowners, but these only provide some of the information needed to maintain a heater fully. Flushing the tank is one of the most common practices.
Before flushing a water heater tank, the TPR valve must be tested first. This means the power and cold-water supply valve needs to be turned off before attempting to remove sediment. Once the proper valves are shut off, homeowners must lift the TPR open and shut it to release a small amount of water. If the water continues to flow, the old valve should be able to loosen with a pipe wrench. Draining and washing out sediment can take a couple of hours, depending on experience.
In addition to flushing the water heater tank, water heater maintenance includes checking the burner and heating elements. Electric water heaters have multiple heating elements that must be expected annually to provide consistent temperature.
Tankless water heaters will need air filter replacement and inlet filter cleanings. Ideally, inlet filters should be cleaned every few months. Descaling the heater gets rid of mineral buildup that can reduce heating performance.
A licensed plumber can complete all these tasks during annual maintenance checkups. They know how to check the anode rod and adjust the temperature while draining the tank. Because of their training and specialized tools, plumbers can do this job safely, quickly, and more efficiently.
The Benefits of Regular Water Heater Maintenance
If sediment and limescale accumulate inside the unit, the efficiency and longevity of the heater will be affected. This typically happens when corrosion causes leaks that may permanently damage the tank. An annual inspection can extend the lifespan of a water heater by several years.
Many modern water heaters come with warranties. Although this does cover certain malfunctions, it does not cover damage caused by neglect. If a heater is broken due to scale buildup, homeowners will have difficulty replacing their unit.
A water heater is similar to a regular heater. If the unit needs to work harder to provide more heat, the lack of energy efficiency will cost homeowners more monthly. Water heater services are much less expensive in the long run than waiting for the unit to break.
Hot water is necessary to keep a clean household. With a functional heater, sanitary conditions are maintained when cleaning and bathing. If the faucet handle has to be pushed to the side to receive warm water, water heater repair services are necessary.
When to Schedule Water Heating Maintenance
Water heater maintenance needs to be scheduled on an annual basis. This should be done one or two months before winter. This way, if a part needs to be ordered, it can be fixed before the year's coldest months.
Water heaters with tanks may need more care. Homeowners are advised to have their tanks flushed once every six months to remove mineral buildup. Professional water heater maintenance takes only one to two hours and does not require household members to leave the premises.
Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating
Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating provides water heater replacement services and maintenance in Malverne, NY. They offer flat-rate pricing and expert workmanship and communicate well with the homeowners to ensure satisfaction. Got problems with your water heater? Schedule for a water heater maintenance today in Malverne, NY!
