Hot Water Heater Maintenance
Signs Your Water Heater Requires Maintenance
There are some symptoms you can look for to know when your water heater requires maintenance. At Red Rooter Plumbing, our plumbers can diagnose the warning signs and perform maintenance or water heater repairs.
The following symptoms are signs that you need water heater maintenance:
- Low Water Pressure. If your hot water pressure is low, it could indicate that sediment has built up in the water heater. A kink in the pipe or improper installation may also cause low pressure.
- Leaks. Diagnosing a leak can be difficult. Slow leaks may only result in a moldy smell, a dripping sound, or slight dampness around the water heater. Substantial leaking would result in a puddle. You may also notice signs of rust or physical damage to the water heater.
- Discoloration or Unusual Taste. Rust in the water usually results in red or brown colored water and a metallic taste. A water heater inspection will reveal if the pipes or water heater are rusty.
- Excess Noise. Clunking or knocking sounds from a typically quiet water heater can indicate an overheating and obstructed water heater. It may also run extremely hot and inefficiently.
Even if your water heater is running well, an annual maintenance check will ensure your water heater will perform efficiently for years to come. Between maintenance services, you can help your water heater run at peak performance with some attention.
When It’s Too Late for Hot Water Heater Repairs
Tips for Maintaining Your Water Heater
Home and business owners can take steps to help their water heater run efficiently. What are some simple ways you can maintain a water heater?
The following tips will help you maintain your water heater:
- Locate the water heater. While many water heaters are accessible, less accessible locations like crawl spaces can make maintenance difficult. Always keep items at a 2-foot distance from the water heater, as it can reach high temperatures.
- Learn about your water heater. The capacity, fuel type, age, and warranty coverage are necessary when determining maintenance for the system. A sticker attached to the water heater tank often contains this information.
- Lower the temperature. Maintaining the lowest possible temperature will help you save on energy, extend the life of the water heater, and reduce scalding risk. 122 °F is the minimum to prevent bacterial growth in the tank.
- Inspect the pressure relief valve. A faulty valve can cause your water heater to burst. Switch off the water heater and place a bucket under the valve. The water should drain and quickly stop when you lift the tab. If it doesn’t stop draining, the valve may be faulty.
Routine maintenance service from Red Rooter Plumbing will make sure the water heater is safe and efficient.
Hot Water Heater Upkeep
Upkeep is essential to the lifespan and performance of your water heater. Clogs, leaks, and corrosion can be detrimental to your water heater’s longevity and energy-efficiency. Hot water heater upkeep includes replacing worn parts. The sacrificial anode rod is a water heater component that attracts oxidation over time to prevent corrosion within the water tank. It is made of magnesium or zinc and should be replaced every three to five years.
A professional plumber can replace the anode rod with the correct replacement part. Inspecting the anode rod can help diagnose if there is too much oxygen inside your tank, a sign of cracks in the tank.
Water heater upkeep also requires routine flushing of the water heater. What can happen if you don’t flush your water heater? Calcium, magnesium, and sediment can build up in the water tank, especially in homes with hard water. The heat present in the tank will cause scaling in the tank and pipes of the water heater and eventually result in obstruction.
A plumber can drain and flush the water heater to reduce or eliminate scaling. Two flushes per year will be sufficient for most homes and businesses, but hard water may require more frequent flushing. A water heater maintenance program is an excellent way to make sure your water heater is maintained.
Why Have a Water Heater Maintenance Program?
A hot water heater maintenance program is the professional approach to water heater upkeep and will help you avoid premature water heater replacement. Many home and business owners do not realize that maintenance and many replacement parts are not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. At Red Rooter Plumbing, our water heater maintenance program provides comprehensive water heater maintenance. Our maintenance program covers all standard sizes, tankless, and lowboy water heaters. The goal of our maintenance program is to deliver seamless hot water heater upkeep.
At Red Rooter Plumbing, we serve West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Boca Raton, Port Saint Lucie, and surrounding areas. Customers have relied on our hot water heater maintenance in Palm Beach County to improve the lifespan and efficiency of their hot water heaters. Contact us to schedule service and learn about our water heater maintenance programs today.
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