Learn About Water Heater Maintenance and the Benefits

Start Spring Cleaning With the Water Heater

Spring cleaning isn’t just for cleaning out closets and unused furniture and equipment. While most people are busy putting out unwanted items on the curb and purging their homes of dust, dirt, or clutter, there is another thing in the house that would benefit from a thorough cleaning: the water heater. The last thing anyone needs is for the water heater to create problems and get stuck taking cold showers, so homeowners need to schedule preventive maintenance work to keep their water heaters in tip-top shape.

Drain and Flush the Hot Water Tank 

One thing that inevitably happens to water heaters over time is that they collect sediment and minerals in the tank. Sediment buildup in water heaters and their tanks can cause significant problems. It will absorb heat from the tank, decreasing the water heater’s energy efficiency and driving up energy costs. The sediment can also cause damage to the tank through corrosion, which weakens the metal, making water heaters more susceptible to leaks.  Corrosion or leaks from the sediment buildup can require an early replacement of the water heater, so it’s vital to take care of them and prevent these issues.

Draining and flushing a water heater is essential to keep the tank running efficiently and safely. Flushing the tank helps to remove these sediment deposits, helping prevent tank corrosion and leaks and keeping the water heater running smoothly. Flustering the water heater annually or as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions is recommended. Doing so will help extend the water heater's lifespan and maximize energy efficiency, lowering water heating costs.

Other Water Heater Maintenance Tasks

While it is essential to flush water heaters to keep them clean of residue and sediment build-up, other maintenance tasks shouldn’t be overlooked. One thing plumbers will do during maintenance visits is to inspect the water heating system and check for any signs of corrosion, leaks, or other issues. Inspection is vital because professionals may be able to fix minor issues before they become worse and more expensive problems. 

Another essential maintenance task is to check the water heater’s anode rod. The anode rod should be replaced every few years once it wears out to prevent corrosion. The anode rod attracts, and traps corrosive elements before they can damage the tank, so replacing the anode rod when needed will help extend the water heater's life. The valves of the water heater, including the temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR), should also be checked regularly to ensure that no issues are preventing them from working correctly. 

Benefits of Regular Maintenance 

Routine maintenance for water heaters provides many benefits for homeowners. Professional maintenance can help extend the water heater's lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements by preventing unnecessary breakdowns at the most inconvenient times. Proper maintenance by a professional may also help ensure that the water heater is still under warranty in case it needs further work down the line.

Maintaining the water heater can also lead to improved energy efficiency, reflected in lower energy bills. All these benefits make regular water heater maintenance a worthwhile investment that can save homeowners time, money, and hassle in the future, allowing them to enjoy hot showers for many years to come.

About S and J Plumbing

S and J Plumbing are reliable plumbing contractors serving Arlington Heights, IL, and the surrounding areas. They provide 24-hour emergency services, upfront pricing, and personalized solutions. Call them today for water heater services in Arlington Heights, IL.

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