Begin Spring Cleaning With the Water Heater!

Don’t Forget the Importance of Maintaining the Water Heater!

Spring cleaning is all about getting the home ready for the rest of the year, but this doesn’t just mean vacuuming the carpets, mopping the floors, and pulling the fridge out to clean behind it. While these things are important, one appliance gets used every day but is often neglected when spring cleaning comes around: the water heater. Luckily, this appliance doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, but it does need a little care at least once a year to ensure it continues supplying the home with hot water!

Flushing the Tank is Essential

The biggest thing homeowners can do to ensure the long life of their water heater is to make sure it gets flushed. Flushing the tank is essential because of the buildup of sediment that comes into the tank from the water. All water has minerals in it, and the heating process causes these minerals to coalesce and gather in the tank as sediment. If it isn’t flushed, it can cause some serious problems. 

Sediment buildup reduces tank capacity over time and makes the heating element work harder to heat the water. And since water heaters are always cycling on and off to maintain the temperature, it’s no surprise that the utility bill starts to reflect the longer heating times. Sediment can also promote corrosion, which can cause leaks and require a water heater replacement. So a simple flush once a year can work wonders! 

 

Other Simple Water Heater Maintenance Tips

A couple of other simple but important things should be done to care for a water heater properly. The first is checking the temperature and pressure relief valve also called the TPR valve. Simply opening the valve for about five seconds can show whether it’s working. Make sure to place a bucket under the pipe, as hot water should come out if it’s functioning correctly. If water doesn’t come out, it’s time to call a plumber because a faulty valve can cause the water heater to explode if the pressure becomes too great. 

The other important water heater maintenance task is checking the anode rod. This rod is designed to attract corrosive minerals to keep them from wearing down the inside of the tank. The anode rod sacrifices itself to save the tank, so it’s important to replace the rod once it degrades. This way, the tank stays protected, and the water heater lasts as long as possible. 

Why Regular Maintenance is Important

Although a fairly simple appliance, the water heater does need yearly maintenance to make sure it operates effectively and efficiently for a long time. This maintenance is an investment in the long-term health of the appliance. Proper care also means that homeowners save money on their utility bills by ensuring that the temperature is optimal and that sediment isn’t prolonging the heating cycle. 

By having a professional check the water heater once a year, homeowners can save time and prevent unwanted headaches. This service is affordable and allows the plumber to do an overall health check of the water heater, including the water pressure and temperature. There’s no better time to get this done than when the focus is already on a home during spring cleaning.

About Guardian Plumbing and Drain

Guardian Plumbing and Drain provide their community with free estimates, upfront pricing, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They also have financing options available. Call them today for water heater services in Cobourg, ON.

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