The Importance of Regular Water Heater Maintenance
Spring cleaning is different for every homeowner. For some, it’s about getting rid of the junk that hasn’t been used in years. For others, it’s tackling chores that tend to get put off or overlooked for the rest of the year. But one task that should be at the top of every homeowner’s spring cleaning list this year is water heater maintenance.
Many homeowners put off maintaining their water heaters year after year, only to find themselves with costly repairs or needing a whole new unit long before they should have to. Fortunately, water heater maintenance isn’t as complicated as many folks fear. Keep reading to discover the benefits of regular maintenance and why homeowners shouldn’t put it off any longer.
Why It’s Important To Flush a Water Heater Every Year
Flushing the tank is arguably the most important part of water heater maintenance. This should be done once or twice a year to remove any sediment that has collected inside the tank. The sediment is composed of minerals in the water that have solidified and sunk to the bottom of the tank. Sediment build-up is a particularly big problem in regions with hard water.
When sediment or mineral scale collects inside a water heater, it can interfere with the unit’s ability to heat water to the correct temperature, reduce the unit’s efficiency, and deteriorate the tank’s inner lining, leading to corrosion. Once the tank becomes corroded and its integrity is compromised, the only solution will be to replace the entire unit.
More Maintenance Tips for Water Heaters
Most manufacturers include instructions for flushing a water heater in the owner’s manual. The typical owner’s manual will also provide detailed instructions for other DIY maintenance tasks, such as replacing the anode rod. An anode rod is a metal rod inside the tank that attracts corrosive substances to protect the tank. It usually only needs replacing every 3 to 5 years, but it should be inspected as part of annual maintenance to make sure it’s still holding up.Homeowners should also test the temperature & pressure relief valve (often referred to as the T&P valve) every year to make sure it’s not stuck, as this can lead to dangerous overpressurization of the tank. If homeowners don’t feel comfortable performing these tasks themselves or are unsure of when the unit was last serviced, it’s a good idea to call in a professional plumber to inspect and service the unit more thoroughly.
Advantages of Routine Maintenance
Whether going the DIY or local plumber route, yearly water heater maintenance can help ensure the unit operates safely, improve efficiency and performance, save on energy consumption, prevent costly repairs, and extend the unit's lifespan. Keeping a clean water heater tank also reduces the likelihood of mineral scale buildup in the home’s pipes.
Keeping up with proper maintenance will save money in the long run by preventing having to repair or replace the water heater years ahead of schedule. All in all, homeowners have nothing to lose and everything to gain by tackling water heater maintenance this spring or hiring a pro to tackle it for them.
About Swick Home Services
Swick Home Services has served its neighbors in Marquette and the Upper Peninsula for over 40 years. They provide flat-rate pricing, 24/7 emergency service, a price-match guarantee, and a rewarding membership program. Call them today for water heater services in Marquette, MI.
