Few things are as frustrating as running out of hot water while taking a shower. In fact, running out of hot water is always a pain, whether you’re washing your hands, doing the dishes, or running the laundry machine. So, how can you minimize the risk of these annoyances in your household? The simplest answer is water heater maintenance. By regularly having an experienced plumber work on the appliance, you can extend its lifespan, improve its performance, and avoid needing water heater repairs. You’re probably wondering what exactly water heater maintenance entails. Below, we’ll cover what you can expect when you schedule this important service.
Flushing Out the Water Heater
If your household uses a storage water heater, then that means a significant amount of the liquid is consistently occupying the tank. That way, you have quick access to hot water whenever you need it. However, an unfortunate by-product of that water storage is the inevitable buildup of sediment. Beyond that, if you’re in a hard water area, deposits of the minerals calcium and magnesium will also accumulate in the tank.
If that layer of sediment and scale goes unchecked for too long, it can cause real problems for the water heater. When you bring in our professionals for water heater maintenance, one of the things they’ll do is flush out the tank. Once the water’s gone, they can easily clear away all of the gunk that has accumulated at the bottom.
Checking the Anode Rod
Your water heater’s anode rod has the crucial task of protecting the appliance from corrosion and excessive sediment buildup. When the anode rod is intact, it works by attracting sediment, minerals, and other corrosive elements. That way, they corrode the rod instead of the tank itself. Having a working anode rod is crucial when it comes to keeping the water heater healthy and avoiding expensive repairs. It also helps minimize the sediment and mineral buildup at the bottom of the tank.
Due to the way the anode rod works, it can only function for so long before deteriorating. Eventually, all of that corrosion will get the better of it. During a maintenance visit, your hired plumber will check the status of the anode rod. If it does need to be replaced, you’ll be better off finding out sooner rather than later.
Inspecting for Any Other Problems
The other main aspect of water heater maintenance will be verifying the overall health of the appliance. If you work with our plumbing experts at A-1 Plumbing, they’ll be checking for any leaks, rust, or corrosion. If they find anything ominous, they can work with you to get it fixed promptly and affordably. That way, when the Macon, GA weather gets chilly again, you won’t need to worry about an unexpected rush of cold water ruining your hot shower.
Plumbing Experts You Can Count On
Many homeowners neglect to include their water heaters when scheduling annual maintenance appointments. However, just like your furnace, air conditioner, or roofing, your water heater needs regular attention to remain healthy and reliable. To ensure that you always have plenty of hot water when you need it, schedule an appointment today with one of our expert plumbers at A-1 Plumbing.