Did you know that your water heater might be the most critical part of your plumbing system? It’s true; things like your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower would be virtually useless without it. Read on for water heater maintenance tips to make sure you have hot water when you need it.
Signs It’s Time For Water Hear Maintenance
Water heaters tend to function in silence. They ensure that we have hot water whenever we require it. Unfortunately, even the trustiest hot water tank won’t last forever. Unlike other appliances, a failing water heater can become a crisis. Imagine having to survive without hot water in your home suddenly. Even worse, a malfunctioning hot water tank can burst and cause a flood.
Most water heaters give signs of a problem before a total failure. Symptoms of a malfunctioning water heater include:
- Rust in the water
- Bath and shower water that is too hot or cold
- A yellow colored gas flame
- Leaks, drips, or water accumulation under your water heater
- The appearance of cracks and bends on the water heater tank.
Along with the above signs that your water heater needs help, how old is it? In general, water heaters last around a decade. If you’re unsure about the age, check the serial number located underneath the manufacturer’s sticker.
Experienced plumbers also recommend that you listen to your water heater. Banging and clanging sounds coming from the water heater are never a good sign. Don’t delay in calling your plumber if you experience a noisy, water heater.
Maintain or Replace?
Let’s face it; water heaters break down when you need hot water the most. Who wants to step into a shower and experience a shot of cold water? The surest way to prevent an unexpected plumbing disaster is to invest in water heater maintenance.
Fortunately, maintaining your water heater is a DIY job. This Old House ranks caring for a water heater an easy task. Read here for an excellent step-by-step water heater maintenance description.
Of course, you can also trust your Raleigh area plumber to handle the job. Our plumbers at Golden Rule Plumbing Services know how to perform the service with expertise. An advantage of using a professional is that we can troubleshoot problems to extend the heater’s life.
Even the most well-maintained water heater won’t last indefinitely. Fortunately, although replacing a water heater isn’t inexpensive, you’ll save money over time.
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act now mandates that all new water heaters meet their energy efficiency requirements. The result is that modern water heaters use less energy and protect the environment. You’ll likely experience lower utility bills due to the more moderate energy use.
If you haven’t purchased a water heater in a while, you’re in for a treat. There are multiple options available for residences and commercial facilities. Here’s helpful advice on shopping for a new water heater.
Contact Us
Regular water heater maintenance is essential for the overall functioning of your home. Take the time to safeguard your hot water system by tuning up or replacing the water tank. Contact us at Golden Rule Plumbing Services for water-related assistance in Raleigh, NC.
