Most homeowners forget about their water heater until they don’t have any hot water in their home. However, making sure that you pay attention to how well the unit is functioning is one of the best ways to guarantee that it lasts a long time.
If you are having issues with your water heater, or even if it needs some regular maintenance like a good flushing, you should contact Robinson Plumbing. Scheduling a checkup for your water heater now will ultimately save you time and money in the future.
Below are some helpful tips to get the most out of your investment and keep your water heater functioning appropriately for many years to come:
The Importance Of Preventative Water Heater Maintenance Allentown PA
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Preventative maintenance is arguably the most important task you can do when it concerns your water heater (and plumbing system in general).
Such maintenance involves an annual visit from a licensed plumber who can make an inspection and make sure there are no small problems that may become massive problems if they are not dealt with accordingly. These visits are simple, and the inspection is usually completed in a short length of time.
While the plumber is at your home, he or she can also double check the following:
- Repair any leaks that are discovered
- Check for signs of corrosion
- Evaluate the gas supply
- Check the temperature settings
Call A Plumber To Flush Your Water Heater
A hot water heater maintenance flush is another critical aspect of water heater maintenance.
As time goes on, sediment deposits build up in your tank from minerals and other substances. This buildup can make your water heater work less efficiently, resulting in higher water heating costs. Flushing it out eliminates this issue.
It is best to hire a professional to complete this task. Some who have attempted this task in the past have created more problems than they started with. For example, many homeowners who tried to make this a DIY task usually forget to turn off the electricity and water supply, which led to a complete water heater replacement and other costly issues.
When a plumber flushes a water heater, they will perform some of the following steps:
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve of your tank
- Position the end of the hose somewhere outdoors where the hot water will not harm it
- Open the valve and let all the water in the tank drain out
- Disconnect the garden hose
- Shut the drain valve
- Turn on the water and the electricity again
- Allow the water heater to refill itself
Contact a professional to do this once or twice a year. It is an inexpensive service that has a lot of return. After all, it is much cheaper to pay to flush your water heater than to replace your water heater entirely.
Add An Anode Rod And Inspect It Regularly
Metal that is exposed to water will eventually rust, but the addition of an anode rod can extend the life of your water heater. The latter attracts and binds to corrosive elements, which ultimately improves the longevity of your water heater’s lining.
Over the years, similar to most household items, the anode rod will require a replacement. Therefore, when your plumber is performing yearly maintenance, ask him or her to take a look at the rod and offer an opinion.
Invest In An Energy-Efficient Hot Water Heater For Your Home
If you are not happy with how high your water bills are, you may wish to consider replacing your old water heater unit with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Before you begin researching various models, however, you should see if there is any way to enhance the performance of your current water heater.
For instance, numerous homeowners set their water heaters’ temperatures too high and unknowingly waste energy. If you keep the water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, instead of 140 degrees, you can save a significant amount of money.
You can increase your water heater’s efficiency by adding insulation to the tank. You also might find that a tankless water heater meets your needs far better than a conventional one.
How To Tell When Your Water Heater Is Malfunctioning
There are plenty of signs to indicate that a little maintenance is in order for your water heater.
Of course, a lack of hot water is one of the most visible signs. However, other symptoms may initially appear as well. Below are some things to watch out for:
- A bad odor, such as that of rotten eggs, coming from the direction of the unit or from the water itself
- Weak Water pressure
- Running out of water at a rapid pace
- Rust around the pipes or the water heater
- A rusty colored film in your tub or sinks
- Water on the flooring or carpet around the unit
- Odd noises, such as banging, coming from the water heater
You should call a professional if you run out of hot water or you notice any of the signs mentioned above. These signs typically point to one or more of the following problems:
- A water heater that is not large enough for your home
- Incorrectly setting the temperature
- A leaking water heater
- The buildup of sediment
- Broken heating element
- Loose connections
If your water heater does not receive the appropriate maintenance and repairs, you may be facing problems that are more serious than running out of hot water. Some of these issues include the following:
- Damage to your property your home
- Higher than average electric or gas bills
- Burns from scalding water if a leak occurs
Your water heater must labor intensely to do its job and requires a water heater maintenance schedule. Therefore, preventative maintenance is essential to ensure it offers good longevity. Making sure you perform these simple maintenance tasks and getting in touch with a professional plumbing contractor for an annual inspection can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
If you are not sure whether your water heater needs maintenance or want to make sure it is working correctly, you should contact Robinson Plumbing. Will be pleased to complete a standard inspection of the unit and offer the best advice possible. Also, we offer the best water heater maintenance cost in the area.
Conclusion
Robinson Plumbing provides a vast array of plumbing services to customers in the Lehigh Valley.
Because we are a family owned and operated business, offering our clients outstanding service is our primary objective. Our team of friendly and professional plumbing contractors has the skills and experience to provide the most appropriate plumbing solutions for your home. Do not hesitate to call Robinson Plumbing now and schedule a free estimate. If you have any questions, we will gladly take the time to answer them.
Some of the areas we service include Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station, and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!