Importance of Water Heater Service
The water heater in a home is an essential part of keeping a consistent flow in daily processes. It heats not only the shower but also the dishwasher and washing machine. This is a lot of work for one appliance, so staying ahead of water heater maintenance is recommended and necessary.
In this article, plumbing professionals share what to expect in water heater maintenance, why it’s important, and how frequent visits are required.
Water Heater Maintenance Itinerary
A plumbing professional will check all features of the water heater on the inside and outside of the unit. The visit will start by assessing the thermostat to ensure it is properly reading the temperature of the water. Any discrepancies could lead to an overheating issue, making this a small but vital part of the inspection. Next, the unit is inspected for any signs of corrosion or leaks occurring outside the unit. If any are spotted, the professional will discuss the options for a potential water heater replacement.
The most important part of the visit is flushing the water heater tank. Sediment and minerals will build at the bottom of the tank over time, decreasing water capacity and the availability of hot water. Showering and running out of hot water is everyone’s worst nightmare. Flushing the tank to remove the buildup will restore capacity and help avoid the annoyance of taking a cold shower.
The last step in the visit is assessing the health of the anode rod. The anode rod absorbs minerals from the water but will eventually erode as time passes. If this happens due to the anode rod effectively doing its job, the plumbing professional will replace it during the visit.
Benefits of Water Heater Service
The longer the water heater is left uncared for, the greater the opportunity to decrease energy efficiency overall. A mismanaged unit will gradually lose its water heating capabilities and ability to hold water, meaning it will work harder to achieve healthy efficiency levels. Scheduling regular water heater service will prevent a decline in energy efficiency and avoid costly energy bills. Regular maintenance will also increase the unit’s lifespan by keeping any resistance issues at bay.
Frequency of Maintenance Visits
Water heater service should be scheduled at least twice yearly for hard water quality areas. Hard water holds greater amounts of sediment and minerals, so buildup occurs much faster. A proper water heater flush and anode rod replacement will help the unit maintain proper water heating abilities. Scheduling water heating maintenance now is the best way to avoid the headache and inconvenience of having to go through with a full water heater replacement.
About Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is committed to providing the best customer service to every Salisbury, MD, area customer. Their technicians are highly skilled and passionate about their chosen career paths, and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you. Call Hancock & Son Plumbing today for an upfront pricing professional water heater inspection in Salisbury, MD!