A common mistake homeowners make is not scheduling water heater service until there’s a problem. Even if you’ve just installed a water heater that’s brand-new, a proactive approach to your water heater is the better way to avoid issues before they start. It helps ensure you enjoy a consistent hot water supply and lower month-to-month water heating costs rather then being surprised by a sudden breakdown or unexpected cold shower.
Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters
The industry recommendation is to schedule water heater maintenance at least once a year. During that appointment, your plumber will inspect and clean your water heater. Your plumber will also correct normal wear and tear and may recommend preventative repairs. These steps will give you peace of mind, improve comfort and reduce household expenses.
Reduced Energy Bills
The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that a water heater accounts for 18% of the average household’s annual energy expenditure. That’s a lot more than many people realize. It also means that any decrease in energy efficiency can significantly impact your costs. On the other hand, maintenance can reduce your bill by 5%-10%.
Several factors can cause a water heater to use more energy and cost more to run. These include dirty, poorly calibrated and malfunctioning thermostats, heating elements and heat exchangers. Limescale acts like an insulator and makes heat exchange less efficient. Worn insulation can also let heat escape through pipe walls.
Longer Water Heater Lifespan
Routine water heater maintenance helps lower your total ownership cost. A lower monthly energy bill is one way it does that. Most water heater warranties require regular professional maintenance as a condition of coverage. These tune-ups protect you should you ever need to file a warranty claim. Maintenance extends a water heater’s lifespan. You can get 15 or more years from a tank system and 20 years from a tankless system. It also helps a water heater age more gracefully, which avoids premature replacement due to lost efficiency.
Consistent Temperature
Regular water heater upkeep helps ensure that you have an appropriate temperature setting and that the thermostat is accurate. Many water heaters ship with a setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too high for most households. The DOE advises 120 degrees, which ensures comfort while limiting costs and avoiding scalding. Routine maintenance also ensures that you don’t experience the temperature fluctuations that can otherwise occur.
Never Run Out of Hot Water
Conventional tank water heaters have a limited hot water supply. If you run out, you won’t have hot water until the water heater recovers, which can take 30 minutes even for the fastest systems. Accurate sizing is essential to having all the hot water you need. Maintenance plays a role, too. Limescale buildup and dip tube and thermostat problems can cause you to run out no matter how big your tank is.
Avoid Low Hot Water Pressure
Maintenance issues can cause low hot water pressure. Sediment can build up in the tank and limit the flow. A clogged, damaged, or incorrectly set shutoff valve can cause that problem. You may also have a kink or clog in the pipe from the water heater to the plumbing system. In the case of limescale, the accumulation can eventually encroach into the plumbing. That can cause low cold water pressure as well.
Prevent Long Hot Water Delays
Delay refers to how long it takes to get hot water after turning a faucet on. Long hot water delays are a prevalent problem with on-demand water heaters but can also occur with tank systems. A delay of up to 10 seconds is typical. Delays up to 30 seconds may be acceptable. Longer delays indicate a problem that requires professional attention.
Quieter and Safer Operation
Modern water heaters are practically silent. Well-maintained water heaters are less prone to kettling and other noises. They’re also safer. Their tanks are less likely to leak. With fuel-burning models, there’s far less risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Smaller Household Carbon Footprint
A water heater contributes significantly to the average household’s carbon footprint. Well-maintained water heaters use less electricity or fuel, lowering operating costs and the water heater’s environmental impact.
Essential Water Heater Maintenance
Homeowners should perform visual inspections of their water heaters at least once a month. Keep the area clean and look for any signs you need a plumber. At least once a year, schedule a plumber for comprehensive maintenance. Many water heater maintenance requirements are not do-it-yourself tasks for the average person.
Anode Rod Replacement
All storage water heaters have a part called the sacrificial anode rod. It’s a metal rod that attracts rust, scale and other sediment through electrolysis. Over time, the rod itself will rust and fail, which is why the term sacrificial comes in. It’s essential to check the rod yearly and replace it as needed. A typical replacement timeframe is three to five years. Failure to do so can cause your tank to fail within 10 years or less.
Flushing the Tank
Even with a well-functioning anode rod, matter will build up in the tank over time. That sediment will eventually compromise the tank, reduce efficiency and lead to leaks. That’s why it’s important to drain a tank water heater entirely once a year and fill it with clean water. Doing so will remove all rust, scale and other sediment. Sometimes, your plumber may sanitize the tank by flushing it with a cleaning agent.
Descaling On-Demand Systems
On-demand water heaters don’t have tanks or anode rods. That can make them even more susceptible to the adverse effects of limescale. This is why it’s essential to descale a tankless water heater regularly. That process involves using a recirculating pump to run a cleaning agent through the system. For regular maintenance, your plumber will likely use vinegar mixed with water. If there’s significant buildup, your plumber may use a chemical cleaning agent instead.
Insulation
All water heaters require insulation on the hot water line running from the water heater to the plumbing. This prevents heat from escaping through the pipe walls. Check the insulation regularly and replace it at the first signs of wear. Some water heaters may require additional insulation. This is most common with electric tank water heaters. They can often benefit from a water heater jacket and an insulated tank base.
Other Considerations
A well-functioning temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve is essential for optimal tank pressure. Replacing other valves as needed helps avoid leaks and inefficiencies. A plumber must also clean and calibrate heating elements and heat exchangers. These tasks are important for both energy efficiency and safe operation.
Reliable Water Heater Maintenance in Taylors
Viper Services has served Taylors, SC and the entire upstate region with top-notch plumbing services since 2016. Our team includes licensed plumbers, certified HVAC technicians and licensed electricians available 24/7 for emergencies. Our plumbers install, maintain and repair all water heater types and brands. Count on us for drain cleaning, leak detection, hydro jetting and sewer repair. Our electricians perform whole-house wiring and rewiring, including new construction. We install and service generators, EV charging stations, indoor and outdoor lighting and ceiling fans. Our technicians install and service all heating, cooling and ventilation technologies. Call today or contact us online with questions or to schedule a consultation or service appointment.
