Is Water Heater Maintenance Really Necessary?

Avoid Getting Caught Without Hot Water!

Hot water heater maintenance is one of those things that’s easy to leave off the to-do list. As long as there’s hot water coming out of the faucets, most homeowners don’t give it much of a thought. However, water heater maintenance is essential for maintaining a well-functioning and efficient hot water heater for as long as possible. 

Without regular maintenance, the water heater will become less and less efficient, costing homeowners more and more money — far more than the cost of yearly maintenance. But it’s not always easy to know when to schedule maintenance or what signs to look out for that the water heater needs some care. Read on to learn about water heater maintenance and signs of water heater troubles. 

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

There are many benefits to routine water heater maintenance, but the biggest and most obvious one is the continued use of the water heater with fewer issues. The more often homeowners skip yearly maintenance, the more likely the heater will fail. While this may not happen immediately (or even very quickly), the water heater will suffer if maintenance is skipped. Plus, some water heater warranties require proof of yearly maintenance. So, if something happens to the heater without proof of maintenance, it could void the warranty. 

Routine maintenance helps extend the life of the unit. Water heaters generally last anywhere from 10 to 15 years (around 20 years for tankless water heaters), and yearly maintenance is essential to getting the full life out of the water heater. Maintenance also helps the appliance operate more efficiently, helping homeowners spend less on energy bills. 

What Water Heater Maintenance Entails

It’s essential to know what happens during water heater maintenance to understand its importance. One thing that gets done during maintenance is the flushing of the tank. During the normal operation of a water heater, sediment and minerals build up inside the unit. This is true for both tankless water heaters and traditional storage water heaters. So, flushing a water heater removes that buildup, allowing for more efficient heating and helps prevent tank corrosion. 

An anode rod is also used in water heaters to help prevent the tank from corroding. However, it must be replaced occasionally to continue protecting the water heater, so a plumber will check it during a maintenance visit and replace it if necessary. They will also check the pressure, temperature, and all the valves and connections to ensure that the water heater continues to operate correctly and efficiently.  

Signs the Water Heater Is Failing

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important for homeowners to know the signs that a water heater is failing and needs service. One sign is strange noises coming from the water heater. It may just be a signal the tank should be flushed, but it could be due to a more significant problem.  

Discolored or bad-smelling hot water is also a sign of something wrong with the water heater. This may point to a corroded tank. Inconsistent temperatures or a lack of hot water is another sign of trouble. Finally, if the water heater is too old or needs frequent repairs, it’s likely time to replace it. 

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly 30 years of expertise serving West Salem and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, the latest technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water heater repair or maintenance in West Salem, WI. 

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