Tips To Prevent Unexpected Water Heater Repair And Prolong Your Heater’s Lifespan | Universal City, TX
The last thing you want in winter is unexpected water heater repair costs that eat into your winter budget. December is a time when you’re expected to be at home in Universal City, TX with your family, enjoying the festivities, not stressing about a lack of hot water! Here are several things you can do this season to help extend the lifespan of your water heater and prevent unexpected heating issues!
1. Clean the tank
Flushing and cleaning the tank every six months to 1 year is one of the best things you can do for your water heater. This includes removing any sediment that has built up in the tank. This will not only prolong the life of your heater but also increase its efficiency, meaning you can recoup some energy bill costs. Flushing the tank should be performed by a professional with water heater repair expertise.
2. Insulate your water heater
You can prolong the life of your water heater by properly insulating it. Insulating your water heater will keep heat in and reduce wear. Insulation will also increase efficiency and reduce energy costs. It is a difficult task and you should get a professional to insulate the water heater. Most HVAC professionals will recommend foam insulation around the heater and pipes leading to the heater, as this prevents components from freezing and causing untold damage.
3. Check the anode rod
A vital maintenance task is checking the anode rod of your water heater. Water heater repair services are often used to repair or replace worn-out rods. The anode rod is an important component that protects the tank from corrosion. It can become corroded and leak if it isn’t replaced as needed. Because of this, it is crucial to have an annual professional inspection of your heater’s anode rod in order to make sure it is still in good shape. Experts will take the anode rod off to inspect it for wear-and-tear, and then recommend the best course of action based on its condition.
4. Clear the area around your water heater
Keep the surrounding area clean to extend the life of your water heater. Clearing the area of debris and obstructions is a good way to prolong its life. Overheating can occur when there is too much clutter around the water heater, resulting in premature water heater repair costs. To ensure the best performance of your water heater, keep it clean and clear of any obstructions. It also helps professionals who come to inspect, maintain and repair your water heater, as they have an adequate workspace.
5. Repair water heaters immediately
You can also prolong the life of your water heater by getting your water heater fixed ASAP. This will prevent further costly issues that may develop as a result of negligence. Although the repair of water heaters in Universal City, TX can seem costly, it is much less expensive than replacing the whole appliance if it fails due to lack of maintenance. Don’t wait to find out if your water heater is having problems. Call a professional immediately.
6. Use only high-quality replacement parts
It is essential to use only high-quality accessories and parts in order to keep your water heater in peak condition. This will reduce wear on the heater and increase its life expectancy. Choose a plumbing company with a reliable supply of top-quality water heater parts or accessories.
7. Schedule regular inspections
Regular inspection by a professional is the best way to make sure your unit is in top condition year-round and doesn’t need a water heater repair service. With regular inspections from a trusted water heater technician, you can avoid costly repairs and catch small issues early.
Why do water heaters fail?
Water heaters are not meant to last forever. Components, such as the thermostat, gas control valve, temperature and pressure (T&P) valve, and heating coils, can fail. Luckily, many of these parts can be replaced without having to replace the whole water heater.
However, leakage from the water storage tank is the most common cause of heater failure that cannot be resolved by a simple water heater repair service. When the steel water storage tank corrodes and causes leakage, there’s no option but to replace the whole unit.
What causes the water storage tank to leak?
Water passing through the heater can have impurities or corrosive qualities. Hard water has a high mineral count. Hard water forms when water flows over limestone or chalk deposits, which are largely composed of calcium and magnesium carbonates.
Most water heater tanks have sediment, limescale buildup, or rust in varying amounts. Sedimentation can cause a heater to lose its ability to heat water, resulting in water heater repair, and also reduces its lifespan. The added pressure on the storage tank and the corrosive nature of certain minerals can cause leaks.
The corrosive nature of sediment can be worsened if the anode rods fail to function properly. Their purpose is to attract corrosive elements into the water and keep them away from the steel sides of water storage tanks.
What happens when sediment builds up in your water heater storage tank?
Electric Water Heater: Sediment can build up and reach the lower heating element. It will eventually cause the heater to fail, which can reduce its ability to heat water by half and double its recovery time.
Gas Water Heater: If the tank’s bottom is covered by sediment, this can cause heating issues as the burner is located under the tank. Now, the water heater must heat water through a layer sediment acting as an insulator. Successfully flushing the tank of this sediment build-up during a water heater repair service increases the water heater’s ability to heat incoming water quickly.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacements for all components of your home’s plumbing system. We’re experienced in every type of water heater repair, so call us immediately if you need assistance in Universal City, TX.
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