How Often Do I Need Water Heater Service?
Hot water is a staple of our daily lives, and going without it for any length of time can be very uncomfortable. One way you can ensure endless hot water is to take good care of your water heater. You should have regular maintenance performed and call for service the moment you notice any issues. Neglecting to maintain your water heater or letting problems worsen can cause breakdowns that disrupt your hot water supply and end up costing you significant money. Read below for tips to keep your water heater happy:
Water Heater Maintenance
You should have your water heater serviced at least once per year. The most important part of water heater maintenance is flushing the tank. If you don’t flush it, sediment will build up inside your water heater’s tank. At first this will cause your water heater to work harder and run less efficiently, meaning you will pay more in utility bills. Eventually, sediment buildup can cause loss of water pressure or corrosion that leads to holes in your tank. Once your tank is leaking from holes caused by corrosion, you will have no choice but to replace your water heater.
Flushing Your Water Heater’s Tank
You can flush your water heater yourself, but having it maintained by a reliable plumbing company will ensure that a knowledgeable professional is checking all the components. A plumber will know what to look for and will be able to recognize any signs that your water heater may have problems in the near future. If you want to flush the tank yourself, hook a hose up to the boiler drain on the bottom and then flush it out into the nearest floor drain. Do this for about five to seven minutes, then disconnect the hose and close the drain.
How Can You Tell If You Need Water Heater Service?
Your water heater will let you know when it needs service. The signs that you need maintenance vary based on the type of water heater you have:
- Electric water heaters – When your electric water heater needs service, you’ll often notice that you don’t have enough hot water for a full-length shower. Your shower may start off hot, but will very quickly turn cold.
- Gas water heaters – In general, gas water heaters either work or they don’t. When your gas water heater needs service, you most likely won’t have any hot water.
- Tankless water heaters – Like gas water heaters, a tankless water heater will typically stop working when it needs service. You may also notice strange noises or heavy vibration coming from the motor, which also indicates that you need to call for service.
Don’t Ignore Your Water Heater Concerns
If you notice anything that seems off about your water heater, it’s best to contact a reliable plumber to take a look. Postponing potential issues will only allow them to worsen. If you notice unusual noises, insufficient hot water, leaks, rust, discolored water, or white powder on your water heater, go ahead and call for service.
Water Heater Repair & Maintenance in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
At Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air, we work hard to be the best HVAC and plumbing company in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. If you need water heater maintenance, water heater repair, or simply have questions about your water heater, give us a call. We’ll get your water heater back to top shape so you can get back to your lengthy showers!
Contact Schneller Knochelmann at (859) 757-1877 in Kentucky or (513) 407-4424 in Ohio for water heater services in Cincinnati, Covington, and the surrounding areas.