How To Keep The Hot Water Running
Few things are more annoying than dealing with a lack of hot water for a shower or a bath, especially now that the air is beginning to get cold and temperatures are trending downward. This is why experts can’t stress the importance of scheduling regular water heater maintenance, especially if homeowners want to keep the hot water from running out in the middle of winter.Advantages of Regular Hot Water Heater Maintenance
It’s not difficult to see why maintenance is an important component of water heater care, whether it’s the traditional storage tank type or the newer tankless water heater kind. For starters, regular maintenance prolongs a water heater’s lifespan, helping it last as long as intended or even longer, allowing homeowners to save on replacement costs. A water heater that is regularly maintained also performs better in terms of safety and efficiency, consumes less energy, and is less prone to problems and breakdowns. All these mean more savings for homeowners, who don’t have to contend with high energy bills or constant water heater repair costs, making traditional or tankless water heater maintenance a smart investment.Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
Professional plumbers usually do water heater maintenance at least twice a year. This is necessary in most places with hard water since hard water tends to corrode water heaters more easily and leaves a lot of sediment in water tanks. Flushing a water heater has become part of any licensed plumber’s maintenance checklist to eliminate sediment and corrosion. They also inspect the anode rod for signs of wear since it is responsible for countering corrosion in the tank. If it has significantly worn down, it is time for a replacement. Apart from this, homeowners can also expect plumbers to test the tank’s pressure release valve, check the water temperature, and, if needed, adjust it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns related to water that is too hot. They also check the tank for leaks, which can lead to many safety issues that any stakeholder would want to prevent.Is There Trouble Brewing In Your Hot Water Tank?
While it’s ideal to have a licensed plumber check the home’s water tank before any signs of trouble surface, it’s possible that in between maintenance checks, homeowners sense that there could already be problems with the water- heater. Here are some signs that may indicate that there might be trouble brewing in the water heater:
- Leaks – any signs of water dripping, water stains, or actual puddles around the water heater may indicate the presence of a leak
- Corrosion – visible signs of rusting and corrosion are another indicator that the water tank may need to be checked
- Discolored or cloudy water – if the water coming out of faucets and showerheads appears cloudy or is any other color apart from clear, it is an indication of a problem that needs to be checked