A water heater is one of the most important parts of a plumbing system but it’s often taken for granted. Water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water whenever you need it. However, when you don’t provide the appropriate maintenance for your water heater, various issues can arise. Fortunately, you can extend the life of your water heater by several years with annual maintenance from the experienced professionals at Flow-Rite Plumbing.
Read on to learn more about the importance of water heater maintenance for Milwaukee homeowners!
Caring for Your Hot Water Heater
Water heater maintenance is important because a modern home needs a ready supply of hot water. After all, you wouldn’t want to be without hot water during the cold winter season. Without it, you would be left taking cold showers every morning and having no hot water to wash your dishes or clothes. Water heater maintenance is also important for safety reasons. For instance, regular tests should be conducted to reduce your chances of being scalded or burned.
Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, here are a few signs that it might be time for water heater maintenance or replacement:
- A hot water shortage – If your water isn’t getting as warm as it should, this is a sign that the water heater will need to be looked at.
- A leaky tank – Leaks are a sign that your valves or supply pipes may need to be replaced.
- A noisy tank – If you hear any rattling or hissing noises, then you’re likely dealing with a loose component or pressure relief valve in need of replacement.
- Rusty water – Water should be clear. If it’s turning a brownish color, then you need to see an experienced professional regarding maintenance or replacement.
How Long is a Water Heater’s Lifespan?
Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a tank water heater is about 8 to 12 years. While 10 is the age at which heater replacement is generally recommended, the actual need to replace a heater could arise before or after this timeline. It will vary based on the location of the unit, quality of installation, and maintenance schedule.
Preventive maintenance is a good idea for any system in your home, but it’s especially vital for your water heater. Even a few minutes of maintenance once a year can increase your water heater’s safety and efficiency.
How Often Should You Have Your Water Heater Checked?
Water heaters are easy, relatively inexpensive, and feasible to maintain. But that doesn’t mean that yearly maintenance is always at the top of the homeowner’s to-do list. Since water heater problems don’t give off any sort of recognizable symptoms until they’re far along, you likely won’t notice any warning signs until your water heater is already damaged.
You should plan to check your water heater every two months to avoid serious issues such as leaks, pipe bursts, and other large plumbing problems. Furthermore, experts typically recommend that your water heater be drained and flushed at least once a year to remove any sediment buildup. This will help ensure that you’re receiving the greatest supply of hot water that your tank water heater can deliver throughout your home.
What Happens if You Don’t Service Your Water Heater?
There are a number of water heater maintenance procedures that need to be repeated on a regular basis to keep the system properly functioning. If you don’t take proper care of your water heater, then you may encounter surprises such as cold showers or flooding due to a broken water heater.
Additionally, the metal rod in your water tank may degrade over time. If this continues, it will degrade to the point where it can no longer protect the system from rusting. Another problem that plumbers often see is sediment buildup. Sediment needs to be flushed out so that the system can properly heat the water.
Proper Water Heater Maintenance from an Experienced Professional
Routine inspections will help you avoid the significant cost of a full water heater replacement. However, if it’s determined after an inspection that maintenance or replacement is needed, then the experienced team at Flow-Rite Plumbing can quickly set you up with a new, efficient water heater.
You can trust our qualified technicians with all your plumbing needs, including maintenance, replacement, installations, and inspections. Our team has extensive experience to keep you up and running, whether it’s a new home or a multi-use commercial property. We proudly serve the greater Milwaukee area!
