January 08, 2023 / in plumbing tips, seasonal, and water heaters / by Clayton Plumbers
Yikes! Imagine you are mid-shower when *BAM* your water turns ice cold. You rush to your nearest faucet and test the hot side.... nothing but a solid stream of cold water that might as well melted straight from a glacier itself. Your water heater may be struggling with the job it is meant to do but there is a way to avoid or prolong this situation: maintenance!
Major Benefits of Annual Water Heater Maintenance:
Regular upkeep is crucial for your water heater to operate efficiently, provide hot water, and prevent it from damaging your home. Most manufacturers require flushing and inspection at least once a year. Here are four major benefits of performing regular water heater maintenance:
1. Increase Efficiency
Water heater maintenance maximizes the efficiency of your tank water heater. Without proper maintenance, over time, loose minerals accumulate in your water heater, settling at the bottom and putting a strain on its ability to produce hot water. This inefficiency can lead to wastage of water, as you may have experienced when running the shower or sink for extended periods waiting for the water to warm up. To prevent this, regular flushing of your tank during maintenance inspections will help remove these minerals, and can improve or maintain the efficiency of your water heater.
2. Extend Longevity
Typically, a water heater has a lifespan of around 8-12 years. However, regular maintenance can help you identify minor and fixable issues before they turn into major problems that may require you to replace the entire unit. By performing annual maintenance, you can extend the life of your water heater by several years, thus providing you with a much better return on your investment.
3. Eliminate Surprises
Cold water showers may be the least of your worries if you neglect your water heater maintenance. A broken and leaking water heater can cause major damage to your house, ruining carpet and flooring, or possibly more if your unit is located in the attic. If this is your case, you may want to consider relocating your tank water heater or switching to a tankless water heater. Call your local plumbing professional to provide you with a quote.
4. Save Money
Routine water heater maintenance will increase the efficiency of your unit, extending the life of the heater, and in turn, saving you money in the long run. In addition, flushing your water heater can help reduce your home’s energy use, resulting in lower utility bills.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Traditional storage tank water heaters continuously heat and store water, while tankless models only heat water when you need it, saving on energy bills.
Just because there’s no tank does not mean no maintenance is required! Tankless water heaters should also be serviced once a year by flushing the unit to remove any sediment that has built up in the system and cleaning the air and water filter. This will help to ensure that all the components in the heater are working properly.
Hire a Professional
Regular maintenance of your water heater is crucial for improving its efficiency and preventing expensive repairs. If you are unsure about how to service your tank or tankless water heater, it is recommended that you hire a professional to do it for you. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and that your warranty remains valid. If you notice any signs of rust or leaks, it is important to contact your plumbing contractor immediately. Remember, the sooner you address a problem with your water heater, the easier and less expensive it will be to fix it.
Reach out to JoCo Plumbing NC at 984-220-5296 for service today. Offering quality plumbing down to the tee.
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