Homeowners are well-versed with the maintenance needed for furnaces and air conditioners. However, only some people are aware that their water heaters also need professional maintenance. Water heaters are generally taken for granted. Many homeowners, whether they are first-time or long-term, generally leave their water heaters untouched until the water heaters break down or refuse to function at all.
Since the average lifespan of an excellent tank water heater is about a decade, even people who know they should provide water heater services for their water heaters rarely do so. The idea is to let the water heater run its course, and it dies when it dies. Some things can go wrong with a water heater when the homeowner does not maintain it.
PLUMBERS ADVISE HOMEOWNERS ABOUT HARD WATER
When a water heater is well-maintained, the plumber will let the homeowners know they have hard water, and just how “hard” the water is. The plumber can pick up on the fact that there are unexpectedly high levels of lime and calcium in the water, which tends to clog pipes and ports and wreak havoc on a water heater.
Finding out sooner rather than later that there is hard water allows the homeowner to address this problem for the health and functionality of the water heater and for the rest of the appliances that rely on water to work. Maintaining a water heater alerts the residents that their other appliances are in equal danger of deterioration from the hard water.
With the new information, the homeowner may choose to install a whole-home water softening system, which will benefit the home’s plumbing and all water-using appliances.
SEDIMENT IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK
There is an anode rod inside the water heater tank. The anode rod collects and processes corrosive particles, which would otherwise destroy a water heater. When the water heater is maintained, the plumber can advise if the anode rod is rusting through or breaking down faster than expected.
The plumber can tell by the sediment collecting in the bottom of the tank, which is expressed when the plumber opens the bottom valve for annual draining. If so, the water heater must be replaced sooner since neither the rod nor the sediment can be entirely removed from the tank.
GAS LEAKS
If the water heater is gas-fueled, it could develop a gas leak, a severe problem. The technician would have caught the problem during routine maintenance and repaired it then, and most water heaters are in places where air circulation does not exist.
The gas can flood the home, and one spark can cause an explosion.
PILOT LIGHT PROBLEMS
Some water heaters have pilot lights. The problem with pilot lights is that the slightest draft can blow them out. If the homeowner does not know how to relight it, they won’t have hot water and may have a gas or propane leak.
When a pilot light does not stay lit, something may be internally wrong, such as a problem with the ignition switch. Homeowners can avoid such problems with routine maintenance. A technician can spot potential problems so they can repair them before they cause the appliance to fail.
SAVE MONEY
When repairs are made in conjunction with routine maintenance, the homeowner typically doesn’t pay for a separate service call since the technician is already on-site, and a separate call is unnecessary.
Contact a local water heater service company for more information about water heater services.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.