Water heaters are considered essential to any home. When it comes to maintenance, they’re often one of the most overlooked. This device is useful when we need to take hot showers, wash dishes, and other uses.
So it makes sense to understand how important these are. When trouble arises, it may be time to consider a water heater service specialist. If you live in Montgomery County, PA and the surrounding area, you can find a service that can help check to see if it’s good to go or in need of a replacement.
Let’s begin now with some in-depth information on what you need to know about water heaters and the need for service and replacement.
What are the benefits of regular water heater maintenance?
Regular water heater maintenance is essential for homes in Delaware County, PA and nearby areas. It can help avoid inconvenient breakdowns and even extend the life of your unit.
Over time, you will save money. Not to mention, it will also save you a ton of headaches. For regular water heater service and maintenance, the frequency is once a year. On top of that, they are expected to last anywhere from 8 to 12 years (if you follow a regular maintenance schedule).
If it’s not serviced properly, you can expect to replace it sooner rather than later. Having regular inspections done will give you peace of mind. You’ll know that your hot water supply will remain reliable and safe.
Think about it – you don’t want to spend money too early on a water heater replacement. The sooner you schedule a maintenance visit with a plumber near you, the better. Even though it will eventually need to be replaced, you’ll want to make the most of it.
With regular service and maintenance, prolonging its lifespan can be welcoming. Especially if you are doing your part to save money that would otherwise go towards a replacement. Once you notice enough wear and tear or ‘slowing down’, it might be enough to replace it outright.
Tips for extending the life of a water heater
A water heater can have its lifespan extended with proper maintenance. While people may know the importance of it, the frequency may be something not a lot of people know about. Homeowners in Chester County, PA and the surrounding communities know every year will be the best amount of time.
Don’t skip a year and assume that everything will be fine. You’ll never know what will happen between your previous water heater maintenance and the next. Besides, you don’t want to miss out on problems that may be forming early on.
Because by the time you notice it, it may be time to replace the water heater itself. That’s when you need to enlist a water heater service provider in your area. Premature failure should be the last thing that you ever have to deal with.
You should also be on the lookout for any signs of wear, tear, or any corrosion. This includes the parts that help operate the water heater. If you notice any, this may be a good time to get the affected parts replaced.
Another tip to abide by is keeping any flammable objects away from the water heating unit. It should also be a good idea to check to see if it’s overheating or dealing with excessive pressure. The last thing you want to see is your hot water heater becoming a fire hazard.
Your hot water system should also be properly insulated. This will help protect it from extreme temperatures that can damage it. Be sure to flush the tank periodically in order to drain out any sediment that accumulates.
The sediment can be responsible for reducing your hot water system’s overall efficiency. It can also lead to an increase in energy costs. The little issues can add up over time and it can be costly.
Just because maintenance for your water heater can be done annually, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t skip out on any small tasks that you can do. Especially when you need to extend its lifespan over the course of a few years. Doing the little things to help keep a water heating system running smoothly can be a huge plus.
Don’t put off the little tasks. Otherwise, you might be risking failure for your water heater. Check once a month for any sediment buildup.
Check regularly for any overheating or overpressure. And once more, make sure there is nothing sitting close to it – especially flammable materials.
When should you hire a professional for water heater service and replacement?
There may come a time when you need to enlist the help of a professional plumber. They have the skill, know-how, and understanding of how water heaters work. The real question is when should it happen?
This will depend on several different factors. It will include the type of water heater you have, the frequency of service, and if there are any replacement options. Electric heaters will need more maintenance and attention compared to those that are gas-powered.
Either way, it would be a good idea to still follow a routine maintenance schedule (along with inspections). Electric heaters can be checked on once a year while gas-powered models can be inspected biannually. Either model will need to be looked over by someone who is a qualified professional.
Final Thoughts
Regular maintenance and service of your water heater should not be overlooked. It’s essential for every homeowner to get this done. It takes the right kind of water heater service provider to help you check to see if everything is in good shape.
Go with one that will have the experience and knowledge. Even better – if you intend on replacing your water heater, you can choose a service provider that may offer more modern models (either gas or electric). If you don’t need it replaced, be sure to keep up on it on a regular timely basis.