In your day-to-day life, there are some things you just do not think about. Possibly even take for granted. The coil in your car, the single species of banana that could go extinct, and your water heater. We do not need to worry about the first two today, let’s focus on your water heater for your home and why you may need maintenance on it. Hiring a plumber for water heater maintenance can help to extend it’s life and prevent water damage in your home. Here are some tips on water heater repair in Downriver Michigan along with maintenance requirements.
Why You May Need a Plumber in Downriver Michigan for Water Heater Maintenance
Your water heater sits in a corner of some room in your house and is constantly putting in hard hours for you. It may be located in the garage or even in some cases in the attic of your home which means that a small leak can week havoc on your home in terms of water damage. The great news about water heaters is that they are loyal servants who can work without management for around a decade with little to no attention. However, if they go down, you feel it first thing in the morning when you’re getting your wake up shower.
Your water heater does require some maintenance occasionally, and will eventually need to be replaced. The great news is that water heater installations only cost on average a $1000.00 or less. In the grand scheme of home repair that is only a slight inconvenience. Most water heaters will last about 8 years and after that replacement is usually needed.
Maintaining Your Water Heater
Pressure Relief Valve
- It is very (very) rare but water heaters can explode and cause catastrophic damage to your home, if not death or injury. It needs to be reiterated that this is rare, however you should check up on your pressure relief valve occasionally.
- Pressure relief valves can malfunction. Think of these as the seat belt of your water heater incase of a malfunction. Wouldn’t want your seat belt to somehow hit the accelerator if you were trying to brake, would you? It is a simple process that takes no time or training.
Sediment Build Up/Flushing
- It is unanimous that you should drain your hot water heater annually. This is due to sediment build up. Though water is filtered several times over before it gets to your tank the filters do not catch it all. This sediment will corrode and clog your system, leading to less hot water and shortening the lifespan of your water heater.
Temperature
- The reason most manufacturers set the thermostat on your water heater to 140 degrees is it is the temperature that kills most dangerous bacteria. However most people are perfectly fine if your thermostat is at 120, which is also the recommended level. This not only saves you drastically on energy, but it also slows mineral and sediment build up.
When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
Rust
- If your water is rusty, along with the inlet valve, surrounding pipes and valves it is a sign that your water heater is on its last stretch. These signs of rust indicate that the interior of the water heater is badly corroded.
Loud Noises
- If your water heater is cracking and popping it is a sign that your tank is currently overwhelmed with sediment and minerals that are coming in contact with your heating elements.
8 Years of Service
- Water heaters are designed to last roughly 8 years. If it has been this long and one or more of the above-mentioned signs are cropping up it might be time to break open the old wallet. Most water heater warranties will be between 5 and 8 years with higher quality heaters having a warranty of 10 or more years.
Not A Biggie
The great thing about water heaters, on the whole, is that they are low maintenance and fairly inexpensive to buy, install and maintain. The likely worst thing that could possibly happen is water leaking and causing flood damage to your home. Minor vigilance will keep this from happening. If you have any questions about water heaters or would like a maintenance check up, please call Downriver Plumbers at 734-548-9925