The Importance of Water Heater Maintenance
Spring is a busy time of year. Winter is the season to hunker down and bear the bad weather, but with warmer temperatures coming, it's time to get back out and get with it! To make the transition, most people have spring cleaning to prepare their homes for the spring and summer. This means taking care of all of the little things that should be done annually but are often neglected.
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to pay attention to the water heater. Water tank manufacturers recommend annual maintenance to keep the water heater running. Here is a quick guide to spring water heater maintenance from local plumbers.
Why the Water Heater Needs to Be Flushed
The number one thing that needs to be accomplished in the spring for the water heater is to have it flushed. Flushing the water heater can be done by the homeowners, or it is a part of scheduled maintenance from a professional plumbing contractor. The power is turned off during a water heater flush, and the tank is drained and rinsed.
Over the year, the inside of a water heater tank can build up sediment. This sediment can be suspended gunk that is present in normal water supplies. It can also be rust and scale that builds up from minerals in the water. When debris collects at the bottom of the tank, it interferes with its efficiency. If left alone, it can drastically reduce the life of a water heater by causing leaks to form in the tank. Flushing the tank is a quick and easy process that can add years to the tank's life.
Water Heater Checklist
- Rotate valves to prevent seizing
- Check the anode rod
- Replace heating elements
- Clean the burner
- Check pilot light and glow coils
- Look for leaks
For many homeowners, this is more than they are comfortable with. If that is the case, then most plumbing contractors offer a service that will include comprehensive maintenance. Water heater maintenance is quick and easy for a professional and can be an easy thing to cross off the spring cleaning to-do list.
Benefits of Annual Water Heater Maintenance
All manufacturers recommend water heater maintenance, but it is not clear why. Professional maintenance keeps warranties on new tanks intact, but it also carries other benefits.
For most homeowners, longevity is the most important thing. Water heaters can be expensive to replace and inconvenient to go out, so it makes sense for them to want a water tank that will last a long time. Seasonal maintenance is the most important thing a homeowner can do to increase the water heater's longevity.
Along with longevity, water heater maintenance offers:
- Lower bills
- Better reliability
- Early identification of problems
About Anderson Heating & Cooling
Looking for someone to help with spring cleaning? Anderson Heating & Cooling can help. Their experienced staff handles all water heater services, including maintenance, repairs, and installation. Call today for dependable water heater service in Mentor, OH.
