Due to increased usage during the winter months, homeowners would be wise to schedule spring water heater maintenance with their plumbing contractors. While a water heater is one of the most reliable and hard-working appliances in your home, a neglected system can fail, leaving you without hot water and facing costly repairs or replacement. And since other appliances in your home, like the dishwasher and washing machine, depend on hot water to function properly, your daily life could face a serious interruption should the water heater fail.
Heavier Workload
Most of your home appliances work harder during the winter months. During the holidays, many folks entertain with large family gatherings or endure lengthy visits from family members, which leads to increased showers and more dishes, both of which require plenty of hot water. Neglected or older water heaters can succumb to the additional strain and lose efficiency or fail completely.
Avoid Water Damage
A harsh winter can inflict major damage on your home, especially when it comes to your plumbing. Moreover, since a water heater is an integral part of your home’s plumbing system, it is susceptible to damage during cold weather conditions as well. Often, a water heater resides in an area of your home — like a garage or basement — that is not heated. If the temperature drops below freezing, water can freeze and expand inside the supply lines feeding your water heater. While you may avoid the worst-case scenario of burst pipes, you could suffer a cracked or compromised pipe that develops a leak later. Even a small leak can cause severe water damage in your home should it go unnoticed.
What to Expect from your Plumber
When you schedule spring water heater maintenance, many plumbing contractors will perform the following:
- Drain and flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce energy efficiency and overall performance
- Inspect supply lines and check for leaks
- Inspect the anode rod, a device inside the appliance that reduces tank corrosion
- Inspect the overall condition of the water heater
- Refill the water heater
- Adjust and/or verify proper temperature
- Insulate the pipes “optional” to increase energy efficiency
- Insulate the heater “optional” for added energy efficiency
Spring water heater maintenance will prolong the life of your appliance and ensure that it operates at peak efficiency and performance.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
