Water heaters are a central part of our homes, providing hot water on demand for cooking, cleaning and bathing. Tank water heaters are common sights throughout most homes in the Atlanta area, and they do their jobs quietly and without fuss most of the time. Since they’re usually place in seldom-used parts of the home like the basement, most of us don’t think too much about them until the signs of trouble arise.
That constitutes one of the biggest issues with water heaters: when their quiet reliability can become a problem. When issues arise, they can be very hard to spot, and can cause quite a bit of damage in the process. By the time you notice the issue, the damage may be extensive and in some cases you may need to replace the water heater instead of just repairing it: costing you untold amounts of money.
For example, water heaters contain an anode rod, which prevents the sides of the tank from rusting. It usually needs to be replaced every 2-3 years or so. If that doesn’t happen, rust can form of the inside of the tank. By the time you spot it, the tank might be almost rusted through, forcing you to replace it before there’s a breach. That adds a considerable amount of expense to a repair project that could be performed at a fraction of the price, or better yet: never take place at all.
What Maintenance Does
A maintenance session on your water heater once a year gives the technician a chance to look the system over and see if there are any signs of small problems that might turn into big ones. It also gives them a chance to perform little steps that can keep those problems from arising in the first place. Things link flushing the tank to removed built-up sediment, checking the gas lines for signs of clogs, and replacing the anode rod if it needs it, all can add up to countless problems that never have a chance to get started in the first place.
But It Goes Beyond That
In addition to strictly preventative measures, regular water heater maintenance provides other, more subtle benefits. The session helps cut down on wear and tear, which in turn helps the system work more efficiently. That can shave a surprising amount off of your monthly energy bill. Moreover, when applied regularly over time, it can extend the lifetime of your water heater well past the warranty date, ensuring that you get the most value for the cost of your system. That’s always a consideration for the budget-conscious family: reliable hot water is something you just can’t do without.
Your water heater is one of the most important parts of your home, and regular maintenance ensures that it continues to do so for some time to come. If you haven’t scheduled a maintenance session in a while, our team is standing by to help.
For quality water heater maintenance in Atlanta, GA, call Quick Action Plumbers today!