The importance of water heater maintenance

Water heaters have become an integral part of most homeowners’ lives. Having an efficient water heater lets you experience convenient showers, dish washing and laundry. Because water heaters are used so often, it’s common for homeowners to overlook regular water heater upkeep and maintenance. Some people don’t even realize that water heaters need proper maintenance, which results in these home appliances wearing out and breaking down at a much faster rate.

What is water heater maintenance?

Most plumbing companies have termed water heater maintenance as “drain and flush” service. Water heater maintenance pretty much involves draining the water heater’s tank and flushing out all of the dirt and debris that have accumulated inside the tank.

Why is water heater maintenance important?

Over time, your water heater will accumulate debris including pebbles, dirt, rust and sand inside of its tank. The debris buildup can affect the performance of your water heater, as well as the hot water quality that is distributed throughout your home.

What are the benefits of maintaining your water heater?

Giving your water heater the proper maintenance lets you enjoy several benefits including increased efficiency, money savings, longer water heater lifespan, and so much more.

Increases Efficiency

It is common for sediment to build up inside of water heaters, and this can pose as a major cause for your system to perform less efficiently. Whenever you hear your water heater making banging or knocking noises, it’s possible that you need to call a plumber as soon as possible to perform a water heater flush. Sediment builds up because of the loose minerals in water. The sediment then settles at the bottom, which makes it hard to heat the water. It is recommended to conduct a water heater flush every six months or at least once a year.

Saves You Money

An efficient water heater will produce hot water much faster. If you flush your water heater, you will be able to reduce the amount of energy necessary to heat the water. You’ll see how much you have saved with a well-maintained water heater when you see your electricity bill the next month.

No More Costly Breakdowns

A water heater that isn’t properly maintained will encounter several problems in its lifetime. It’s also possible to end up with a water heater that is beyond repair, forcing you to invest in another water heater, adding to your unexpected home expenses. If you call in a plumber to check your water heater at least once a year, or every six months if possible, the plumber will detect any water heater problems such as leaks and corrosion. He’ll fix the problem before it turns into a bigger one that will cost you a hefty sum of money.

Ease of Mind

Broken water heaters can surprise you by flooding your basement or giving you cold showers. To enjoy the best out of your investment, you should regularly maintain your water heater.

Full Water Volume

A water heater with sediment and mineral buildup will result in lesser volumes of water that your tank can hold. You’ll need to drain and flush your water heater to increase the hot water volume that it can carry.