Yes, it’s true. All water heaters need regular maintenance, and it will actually save you money in the end to get professional maintenance from the pros.
Do you know water heaters need regular service and maintenance? You enjoy a warm shower when you first wake up, and you probably don’t think twice about how the hot water made it to the faucet. But, if your water heater stopped working one morning, it would put you in a foul mood for the rest of the day. If you want to avoid cold showers, you need to service the system. Here’s why:
The Tank Fills up with Sediment
While the water coming out of the tap is clean and clear, you can’t always say the same about the water inside the water heater tank. Over time, different types of debris make their way into the tank and settle at the bottom. This buildup can form a thick sludge. If you don’t remove the sediment, it can erode the lining, and you’ll find yourself writing a check for a new water heater.
However, a plumber can clean out your tank in no time at all. They will drain your water heater and flush out any debris. Most experts agree you should do this at least once a year, which will increase the lifespan of your water heater.
The Anode Rod Corrodes
Inside every water heater is a nifty device called the anode rod. While it seems like nothing more than a metal stick, this rod serves a fundamental purpose. The anode rod degrades inside the tank and attracts any corrosive elements to its surface. In other words, the rod protects the tank from rust.
Anode rods don’t last forever—most continue to work for about two to three years. Once the rod fully degrades, it can no longer do its job. During a routine inspection, a plumber will make sure the anode rod is still in good condition. If it’s past its prime, the plumber will simply replace it with a brand new one. If you want your water heater to last, you need a functional anode rod.
Most Leaks Start Small
The average water heater tank holds about 40-50 gallons of water. That’s a lot! Imagine filing up your refrigerator with 50 gallons of milk, for reference. If a leak forms, you risk having that much water flooding into your home. And trust us, you don’t want to have to clean up a mess of that magnitude. To avoid a burst water heater, you should have a trusted professional inspect it once a year.
The majority of water heater leaks actually start small—some are only the size of a pinhead. Plumbers can often repair these tiny leaks. Sometimes they only need to tighten a connection to fix things. In other cases, a new valve may resolve the problem. Either way, it’s much easier—and cheaper—to bandage a leak while it’s still in the early stages.
The Right Plumber for Your Water Heater Needs
If you take care of your water heater, it will take care of you. Having a dependable plumber look over the system once or twice a year will ensure you get to enjoy a hot shower every morning without issue.
At Sav-On Plumbing, servicing and fixing water heaters is just another day at the office. With more than four decades of pipe-fixing experience, you can count on us to solve any plumbing problem you may encounter. Now that you know why water heaters need regular maintenance, schedule an appointment with Sav-On Plumbing to get started.