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The water heater in your Garland, TX home is an important part of daily life. We use hot water for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and much more. It’s not until our water heater fails that many of us realize how much we take this appliance for granted. Routine maintenance can help prolong the life of your heater as well as prevent breakdowns. Flushing your water heater is one of these maintenance tasks. Explore the risks of neglecting water heater flushing, as well as the importance of other routine maintenance.
Removal of Sediment
Sediment comprised of mineral deposits, rust, dirt, and other debris accumulates in the bottom of a hot water heater tank over time. It’s more common for this to occur in areas that have hard water or contaminated water. Flushing your water heater reduces the risk of this sediment creating an insulating barrier that can reduce heater efficiency. Excess sediment can result in your heater needing to run longer and more frequently to achieve your desired water temperature.
Decreased Efficiency
If you fail to have your water heater tank routinely flushed, this can decrease the efficiency of your equipment. Your unit will work harder to raise the temperature of the water inside of it. An increase in energy consumption will raise your utility bills. You may also see an increase in repair costs and overall wear and tear. Premature failure of specific internal components may force you to replace your water heater sooner than expected. Routine flushing and maintenance are a much more affordable option.
Water Contamination Risks
The sediment at the bottom of your water heater can also increase your risk of water contamination. Your tank is an area that is prone to the development of bacteria and other microorganisms. If this contamination mixes in with your water supply, you may notice the water doesn’t taste good, it doesn’t look right, and it may even smell odd. Sensitive individuals may even see skin issues when bathing in contaminated water. Flushing your tank will reduce the risk of tank contamination.
Water Heater Maintenance
It’s recommended that your water heater be completely flushed once per year. This helps clean the tank, gives our team an opportunity to inspect your tank and related components, gives room for minor repairs, and even can boost the efficiency of your water heater. We understand that this is a process that not every homeowner wants to take on themselves, which is why a professional can flush your water heater for you.
Checking for Leaks
Even a small leak can impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your water heater. We will inspect your tank to make sure it’s still completely sealed. If leaks are present, there may be repairs that we can perform to stop the leak. In some cases, if corrosion is extensive, we may recommend that you have your water heater replaced.
Checking the Anode Rod
The anode rod inside your water heater is designed to collect sediment and mineral deposits. It’s a sacrificial part that protects the rest of your tank. Some or all the water in your tank must be drained for our team to inspect the anode rod, so flushing your tank is a good time to do this.
Checking the Temperature and Pressure Valve
The temperature and pressure valve in your water heater opens when the pressure inside the tank becomes too high. Relieving the pressure will prevent your tank from exploding. It’s imperative that this valve is checked regularly to ensure it’s working. We recommend checking your T&P valve once every few months though we can check it as part of routine maintenance as well.
Checking the Thermostat Settings
The thermostat on your water heater should be set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are going to be traveling for an extended period, you may want to set your tank to a lower temperature. However, don’t drop it too much. You don’t want to experience pipes bursting in the winter months. Some heaters actually have a vacation mode that will automatically change the temperature setting for you.
Considering Insulation
Upon inspecting your water heater, we may recommend that you have insulation installed around your tank. This process can boost the efficiency of your tank, protect it from wear and tear, and save you money on your energy bills. You can also enjoy warmer water for things like a relaxing bath or shower. There are often incentives or rebates associated with increasing insulation around your water heater.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater
Most water heaters are designed to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. The time frame is longer when you have kept up with routine maintenance and tank flushes. However, there will come a time when replacing your heater is necessary. Here are some signs to watch out for.
Rust and Corrosion
An older water heater will start to show extensive rust and corrosion on its exterior. A little bit isn’t a huge deal, but it’s important that you pay attention to the extent of the damage. It may be time to budget for a new tank soon.
Leaks
Water pooling around the base of your water heater indicates that there is damage that is allowing a leak to occur. There may be a repair that can be made, but extensive leaks often require tank replacement.
Discolored Water
Despite routine tank flushes, you may notice that the water coming from your hot water heater is discolored or contaminated in some way. The interior of the tank may be starting to rust or corrode. It’s time to replace your tank.
Lack of Hot Water
If none of your faucets are producing hot water, there’s something wrong with your tank. There may be repairs that can correct the issue. Your tank may simply be past its useful life. Multiple components may be damaged beyond repair. Our team can determine what’s going on and provide you with options for repair or replacement.
You may also experience water that is too hot coming from your faucets. This can indicate an issue with your heating elements. This can be a very dangerous problem to have. We recommended shutting down your water heater until we can arrive.
Foul-Smelling Water
A broken or contaminated hot water tank can produce water that smells bad. You may notice a fishy or musty smell to the water. If flushing your tank doesn’t fix the problem, it might be time for a replacement.
If you would like assistance with flushing your water heater or performing other tank maintenance, reach out to our team here at On Time Experts. In addition to water heater service, we also install, repair, and maintain different types of heating and cooling equipment. Other plumbing services we offer include sump pump maintenance, sewer pipe repair, tankless water heater installation, and much more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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