3 Tips For Proper Care And Maintenance Of Water Heaters
by Nicholas Chambers
Homeowners count on water heater systems to get them through a sink full of dirty utensils and a lovely morning shower. Whenever you need a reliable and cost-effective hot water supply in your home, a water heater is your go-to system. However, water heaters cannot last forever and will give in after about 10 years. With years of use, cracks begin to emerge due to wear and tear. Corrosion starts to develop at frequent intervals. Therefore, proactive maintenance can increase the lifespan of your water heater system. Read on to find out more about when to replace your water heater as well as how to expand its lifespan.
Age of the Water Heater
If you want to be proactive in maintaining and replacing a water heater, then you should know its age. If you have recently purchased a home, the chances are high that you don't know the age of the water heater. The serial number of most units bears the month and year that a heater was manufactured. If a unit is older than eight years, you should start thinking about replacing it before it fails. The design of a unit, quality of installation, water quality, and geographic location can also affect a water heater's lifespan. Speak with a professional for help with hot water replacement.
Malfunctioning Water Heater System
Several things can cause a hot water system to breakdown. Failing heating elements can lead to cold water coming out of the system. Also, loud, banging noise from a hot water tank could be a tell-tale sign of heavy sedimentation. Similarly, leaks at the base of a tank can indicate a problem with a hot water system. A certified plumber should inspect the system as soon as possible to diagnose the issues. Some faults can be rectified through simple repairs, but others require the replacement of a hot water system.
Don't Skimp on Maintenance
Just like a car, which requires regular servicing, a water heater often needs some TLC. For a water heater to last longer, regular maintenance is critical. Maintenance includes cleaning a hot water tank to remove sediments, which accumulate at the bottom. In an area with high mineral deposits, such minerals find their way in the water and build up in a water heater tank. The sediments reduce the capacity of a tank, limiting the efficiency of the system. Manufacturers often recommend regular flushing of hot water to remove residue. Some modern water heaters come equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism that aids in maintenance. The self-cleaning feature creates turbulence at the bottom of a tank, which stirs up particulates and forces them to mix with water and flow through pipes. Apart from cleaning and flushing, a heater should be serviced by a qualified technician at least once annually. Servicing entails the replacement of worn-out components, such as anode rods and sealing of leaks.
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About Me
If I didn't know better, I'd think my toddler started each day with a challenge to throw something new and different down the toilet. He has managed to put nearly anything can imagine down the toilet. I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what has gone missing down the loo and whether it's something I can fix or something that I need to call the plumber to help me fix it. This blog is for other mums of toddlers who need to get toys out of the toilet and get the toilet back to working condition as soon as possible!