Avoid Hot Water Emergencies with Water Heater Maintenance
Summer is quickly winding down, which means that the cooler fall and winter temperatures are fast approaching. As such, having hot water in the home is going to be more important than ever. This means that homeowners must ready their water heaters to ensure they function in tip-top shape before the fall. The best way to do this is by scheduling water heater maintenance.
Sure, this might not seem important right now. But scheduling a maintenance check and handling and touch-ups or repairs before the cooler temperatures will ensure that homeowners and their families do not have painful hot water emergencies in the future. Read on to learn more about the basics of water heater maintenance.
Water Heater Maintenance Is Extremely Important
Let's start off by answering most people’s burning question: why is water heater maintenance even important in the first place? There are a number of benefits that homeowners can enjoy if they invest in regular maintenance checks, including:
- Efficiency and lifespan improvements - periodic small fixes and checkups can greatly improve efficiency, which can also increase the water heater’s lifespan
- On-site repairs - assuming there are no major issues, professionals should be able to conduct on-site repairs for homeowners’ water heaters
- Warranty coverage - if necessary, homeowners may be able to take advantage of warranty coverage
Periodic annual maintenance can allow homeowners to enjoy many of the benefits listed above, and homeowners can even get checks more often than yearly if they feel so particularly inclined. In most cases, however, annual checks should suffice.
Ins and Outs of Water Heater Maintenance
Now, what actually happens at a water heater maintenance check? While the details can vary, plumbing professionals will generally do a handful of things during a typical check. For one, they will do a visual inspection for any leaks, broken pieces, or rusting. They will also inspect the pressure relief valve, which prevents overheating and, in extreme cases, potential explosions.
In addition, they will “flush” the water heater in order to prevent large buildups of debris and sediment. Lastly, they will check the anode rod, which prevents corrosion of the water heater. This rod usually needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. Clearly, these are pretty specialized tasks, so homeowners should most certainly seek the help of certified professionals to get the job done.
Signs of Water Heater Issues
Finally, even if homeowners get regular maintenance checks, they still may experience issues, so they should know what signs to look out for if so. Some common signs of water heater issues include:
- Corrosion on or near the tank
- Large fluctuations in water temperatures
- Leaks
- Strange noises
- Unusually fast loss of hot water
- Water discoloration
If homeowners notice any of these signs or even suspect they may have an issue with their water heater, they should seek professional help immediately from a reputable service provider.
About JD Precision Plumbing Services
JD Precision Plumbing Services of Conroe, TX is a family-owned and operated company that believes in providing each and every customer with the attention they deserve. Their team of experts provides upfront pricing and hassle-free service using the latest technologies. Call them today for plumbing help!
