Running Pipes, and More!

Your water heater should be a major focus of your home's plumbing maintenance routine. A failing water heater will have a widespread impact on your hot water throughout your home. This guide will explain three reasons water heater maintenance is so important.

1. Reduce Your Water Bill

Many people don't realize that their home's water usage is tied directly to the efficiency of their water heater. The connection is simple: The longer it takes your water heater to heat up, the more water you'll use while you're waiting for it to get warm. Resolving water heater efficiency issues makes using your hot water more convenient and can save you money.

Often, a slow water heater is suffering from sediment buildup on the heating element. Minerals in your water supply that collect in the bottom of the tank can block heat transfer from your water heater. Flushing the hot water tank is a routine part of water heater maintenance that ensures your heater is operating at maximum efficiency.

2. Enjoy Better Water Quality

In addition to helping you save water, keeping your water heater in good shape enhances the quality of the water you use. A water heater that's poorly maintained and full of sediment may turn your hot water a rusty, reddish color. In extreme cases, your hot water may contain flakes of corrosion or emit a sulphuric odor. Water heater maintenance eliminates these impurities that harm your home's water quality levels.

3. Prevent Water Tank Corrosion

Hot water tanks are made of corrosion-resistant materials like carbon steel or stainless steel. Despite this, the constant heat and moisture inside the tank can cause it to corrode over years of use. Modern water heaters use a component called the anode rod to protect the tank from corrosion.

Water heater anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum alloys that corrode in place of the tank itself. As the anode rod breaks down, it releases electrons that help to slow corrosion further. When the anode rod reaches a point of failure, it must be replaced before the tank starts to rust. Regular water heater maintenance ensures that the anode rode is always in good shape to protect your hot water tank.

If you haven't had your water heater professionally inspected recently, you may be wasting water and damaging your hot water tank without realizing it. Talk to a local plumbing contractor to learn more about water heater maintenance.