Your water heater benefits from annual maintenance. Understanding the reasons behind necessary maintenance can help you take better care of your equipment and schedule timely service.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment accumulation is a major cause of your water heater needing maintenance. The water’s mineral content in Frederick, MD, often includes high levels of calcium and magnesium. Eventually, this will settle to the tank’s base. With these minerals in the way, the water can’t reach the heating element as efficiently, leading to increased energy use. Not to mention, you may not be able to achieve hot water coming from your faucets and fixtures. Sediment accumulation, if not addressed, can cause the tank to overheat and ultimately fail.
Inconsistent Water Temperature Frustrations
Thermostat malfunctions and silt accumulation are some of the factors that might cause temperature frustrations. Broken heating components, like a heating element or gas burner, can also lead to temperature problems. Routine maintenance can catch these issues before they become major concerns, ensuring you always have hot water when you need it.
Rust and Corrosion Threatening Longevity
Water heater tanks corrode from the inside out due to the combination of minerals in the supply and the high temperature of the water. As the heater’s protective coating wears away, rust starts to develop, weakening the tank’s structure. A professional plumber can inspect and clean the unit, which will reveal corrosion and rust before they become major problems. This is paramount to helping the unit last longer.
Leaky Tanks Spell Trouble
Corrosion and broken seals are just two of the many reasons a water heater will leak. Too much internal pressure can cause the relief valve to malfunction, leading to water seeping out. When water seeps into your home, it can cause structural damage and the formation of mold and mildew. Homes with mold and mildew have higher rates of respiratory issues, allergies, and health issues. An expert will use a pressure gauge to check for a leaky tank when doing maintenance.
Faulty Pressure Relief Valve Risks
A faulty pressure relief valve can cause several other problems besides a leaky tank. If the valve gets stuck in the closed position, it can lead to excessive pressure buildup within the tank. In a worst-case scenario, this can result in the tank rupturing or exploding. Another common problem with pressure relief valves is frequent cycling. This happens when the valve opens and closes repeatedly without any significant change in pressure. It causes the water heater to work harder and waste a lot of energy. This also translates into higher utility bills. An expert will know whether to replace the valve during maintenance to keep the heater safe.
Anode Rod Depletion Dilemma
If you’re using a water heater with a tank, it has an anode rod in it. The job of the rod is to attract corrosive substances in the water to prevent corrosion and rust inside the tank. However, anode rods deteriorate over time due to their sacrificial nature, reducing their protective properties. Most experts recommend replacing the anode rod once every three to five years. Skipping routine maintenance increases the chances of having an anode rod with a lot of degradation. This can result in expensive replacements and repairs over time.
Electrical Component Failures in Disguise
Electrical components are crucial to the efficient functioning of many contemporary water heaters. These parts wear out and eventually break down due to normal wear and tear. Problems with the electrical system might cause water to heat slowly or not at all. One of our experts will inspect all the electrical connections and parts during maintenance to ensure they have tight connections. It’s very common for electrical failures to disguise the symptoms of other issues, such as leaks or strange noises.
Clogged Burner Assembly Blockages
The burner assembly is susceptible to dust, debris, and soot buildup. This accumulation diminishes the water heater’s ignition capability and heat production efficiency, which may cause the heater to work less efficiently or even turn off entirely. Experts clean the burner assembly during maintenance to ensure it doesn’t clog.
Damaged Insulation Losing Heat
The effectiveness of your water heater relies heavily on its insulation. Damaged or deteriorated insulation will cause heat loss. The more heat it loses, the more energy it will use to maintain the desired water temperature. This will increase your water bills and wear out the heater’s parts faster than normal. Inspecting the insulation and fixing or replacing it as needed is an important part of routine maintenance.
Pilot Light Problems and Panic
If the heater’s pilot light is malfunctioning, a malfunctioning thermocouple or an issue with the gas supply might be to blame. If either of these issues occurs, you may find yourself without access to hot water. Pilot light problems can be incredibly dangerous, especially if there is a gas leak. If the gas ignites, it can cause an explosion. One of our experts will be able to inspect and repair the gas line or thermocouple during regular maintenance checks.
Improperly Adjusted Thermostat Disasters
The thermostat on your water heater plays a vital role in the comfort of your home. Setting the temperature too high can lead to scalding and increased energy consumption. Setting it too low can result in lukewarm water and bacterial growth. Regular maintenance entails inspecting and calibrating the thermostat using a thermometer. This helps the plumber ensure the water heater is operating efficiently and safely.
Strange Noises and Warning Signs
Regular water heater maintenance is crucial for addressing noise issues. If you hear a rattling sound, it could indicate a broken dip tube. A hissing noise is a red flag for a faulty pressure relief valve. This requires immediate attention since it could result in overheating or a potential rupture. A clicking noise usually means the heater is expanding and contracting because of temperature fluctuations. Fixing all of these noise issues during maintenance visits makes the home more peaceful and quieter.
Water Quality Issues Affecting Tank and Your Health
In terms of both efficiency and safety, your water heater is quite sensitive to your home’s water quality. Take hard water as an example. It can hasten the accumulation of silt and mineral deposits. Water with a lot of minerals in it can also affect your health by contributing to kidney stones. In addition to posing health risks, poor-quality water can alter the smell and taste of your water. During maintenance visits, our team members can test your water quality. They may make recommendations, such as installing a water softener, to reduce mineral buildup. Scale-reducing salt-based systems are useful because sodium dissolves hard minerals like magnesium and calcium. Softeners that don’t use salt crystalize these minerals. This makes them less sticky without eliminating them from the water.
Markool Heating & Cooling prioritizes our customers’ preferences and needs with each project we take on. We specialize in drain cleaning and sewer repair to keep your home’s plumbing in tip-top shape. We also offer full repiping services and HVAC maintenance. Call us now to schedule maintenance for the water heater in your Frederick home.
