In the quiet corners of our homes lies an often-overlooked hero: the water heater. This indispensable appliance works tirelessly, ensuring that hot water flows through our faucets, enriching our lives with comfort and convenience. Yet, the significance of its maintenance is a tale not often told.
So, what maintenance does a water heater need? Is annual maintenance necessary? In this blog, we’ll uncover the importance of regular water heater maintenance and how it can transform your daily life.
Understanding Your Water Heater
A water heater, whether it’s a tankless water heater or a traditional water heater tank, is a complex appliance designed to provide hot water efficiently and reliably. These systems provide hot water for showers, dishwashing, laundry, and more, making them an integral part of our daily routines. However, like any other household appliance, they demand regular maintenance to operate efficiently and safely.
What Maintenance Does a Water Heater Need?
As you can see, water heaters play a crucial role in our routines from morning to night. Unfortunately, they can be overlooked, and maintenance can be thrown to the wayside. So, what maintenance does a water heater need?
Regular water heater maintenance encompasses a variety of tasks designed to improve the efficiency and extend the lifespan of your water heater. These tasks include checking the anode rod, draining the tank to remove sediment build-up, inspecting the pressure relief valve, and ensuring the heating elements are functioning correctly. Ignoring these maintenance tasks can lead to higher energy bills, reduced water heater efficiency, and, in extreme cases, complete system failure.
Key Maintenance Considerations
It’s clear that numerous elements of your hot water heater demand meticulous care to ensure optimal operation. Now that you know the importance of regular water heater maintenance, let’s dive deep into the specifics to help you understand the full scope of maintaining these critical components.
Anode Rod
The anode rod is crucial in preventing corrosion inside your water heater tank. Over time, the anode rod corrodes, sacrificing itself to protect the tank. Checking and replacing the anode rod as needed is essential to prevent the tank from rusting and leaking.
Sediment Build-Up
Sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank can insulate the water from the heater’s burner or elements, requiring more energy to heat the water and leading to increased energy bills. Draining and flushing the tank annually is recommended to remove this sediment and maintain the heater’s efficiency.
Flushing your gas or electric water heater is an important procedure. Your plumber will begin by turning off the gas or electric supply to the water heater to ensure safety throughout the process. Next, they will locate and attach a garden hose to the drain valve found at the bottom of the tank, directing the other end to a drain or outside area where the discharged water will cause no harm. Before opening the drain valve, it’s important to ensure the cold water supply valve leading to the water heater is turned off to halt the inflow of water. After the water runs clear, indicating that the sediment has been removed, the water heater can be used again.
Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve prevents pressure from building up too much inside the tank, which could cause an explosion. Testing this valve on a yearly basis ensures it’s working correctly and safely, releasing pressure as needed.
Heating Elements and Temperature Settings
For electric hot water heaters, checking the heating elements is vital for efficient operation. Additionally, setting the water temperature to an optimal level (around 120 degrees Fahrenheit) balances comfort and energy efficiency, preventing scalding and reducing energy consumption.
The PGA Inc. Advantage
Although there are a few water heater maintenance tips homeowners can use, the necessity of professional maintenance cannot be stressed enough. At PGA Inc., our team of expert plumbers in Wausau, WI, understand the importance of professional water heater maintenance. That’s why we specialize in all aspects of water heater service. From routine check-ups to complex repairs, we understand the intricacies of both tank and tankless systems. Our commitment to quality service ensures your water heater runs efficiently, providing reliable hot water when you need it most.
Schedule Your Water Heater Services Today!
The importance of professional water heater maintenance cannot be overstated. It ensures the longevity of your appliance, conserves energy and saves money on utility bills. With the right care and attention, your water heater can continue to provide comfort and convenience for years to come.
Don’t wait for the cold shower to remind you of the importance of regular water heater maintenance. Whether you’re in need of a simple tune-up or a comprehensive inspection, PGA Inc. is here to help. Serving the Wausau area, our skilled technicians are just a call or click away. Schedule your electric or gas water heater service today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is in good hands!
For more information on water heater maintenance or to schedule a service, don’t hesitate to reach out to our water heater technicians near Wausau, WI. We look forward to assisting you!
