Should Routine Maintenance Be Performed After Water Heater Installation is Complete?
With a new water heater installation, you’ve made a smart investment that will provide you with a steady hot water supply for years to come. But did you know that regular maintenance is just as important as the installation itself? Let’s learn why you should take good care of your water heater after installation. Let’s also talk about the benefits of a well-maintained water heater.
Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters are household appliances that provide hot water for various tasks, such as laundry, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. There are three main types of water heaters: electric, gas, and tankless. Each type has its unique features and benefits. Let’s talk more about the types of water heaters and learn what kind of lifestyle and needs they address.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters are popular for many households because they heat water quickly. They use propane or natural gas to generate the heat needed to warm the water in the tank. A gas-powered burner heats the water and stores it in a tank, assuring a constant hot water supply to your home or commercial building.
A gas water heater is generally a bit more expensive to install than electric water heaters but is typically more cost-effective in the long run. If there are many people in your home or office, gas water heaters will suit you best.
Electric Water Heaters
The second type of water heater is the electric one, and it uses electricity as the energy source to heat water. They are known for their ease of installation and simplicity. An electric water heater works by heating the water in the tank using an “electric heating element” and is a popular choice for households with low hot water demands, as it can take longer to heat water and may not be as cost-effective as gas water heaters for larger families.
Tankless water heaters
The third type of water heater that is used in commercial and residential buildings is the Tankless water heater. These heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank. They are energy-efficient and most suitable for households with varying hot water needs.
Tankless water heaters units use either electricity or gas to heat the water as it flows through a heat exchanger. They are more expensive to install than traditional water heaters but offer significant cost savings in the long run, as they use less energy and have a longer life.
Tankless water heaters are the best choice for those setups with limited space, as they are compact and can be easily installed in tight spaces. Which water heater to install depends on your lifestyle, the number of users, and also your budget. Discuss these concerns with professional water heater installers, and they will tell you which one will be best for you.
Components of a Water Heater
Now that we have understood the types of water heaters let’s also learn about the components of a water heater. The one important component is the “Water Heater Tank,” which is the container that holds and heats the water. It comes in various sizes to accommodate different household demands.
The “Anode Rod” is another component of water heaters. It is an element that protects the water heater tank from corrosion. Over time, it deteriorates and needs replacement.
The “Drain Valve ”, is also an important component of water heaters, which is generally located near the bottom of the tank. The drain valve allows you to flush out sediments that accumulate at the bottom, improving the water heater’s overall efficiency.
The “Cold Water Supply,” another component, brings water into the tank, where it is heated before being distributed throughout your home. Learning about the components is a wise thing to do as it will help you identify if there is any problem with your water heater.
Having knowledge of the components of a water heater also helps you sometimes to fix them on your own and save money. However, it is best to hire a professional water heater installation service provider if you need repairs, replacements, or maintenance of your water heater.
What is the Importance of Water Heater Routine Maintenance?
Routine maintenance is mandatory to ensure that your water heater continues to function efficiently. Neglecting to perform routine and regular maintenance leads to sediment buildup at the bottom of the water tank, which reduces efficiency and damages the heating elements. Let’s discuss the importance of routine maintenance of water heaters in more detail.
It Prolongs the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
To prevent sediment buildup, it’s recommended to flush your water heater through the drain valve every 5 to 6 months. This process involves draining the tank of water and allowing it to refill, flushing out accumulated sediment in the process. By performing this simple but essential maintenance task, you can prolong the life of the water heater unit and prevent expensive repairs down the line.
It Helps Maximizing Energy Efficiency
In addition to extending the life of your water heater, routine maintenance can also maximize energy efficiency. Let’s learn how. When sediment accumulates in the tank, it forces the heating elements to work harder, using more energy to heat the same amount of water. When you flush the tank regularly, you keep your water heater running smoothly, saving you money on your bills in the long run.
It Prevents Costly Repairs
If you ignore routine water heater maintenance, you will eventually experience problems that require professional assistance. For example, a failing anode rod can cause leaks and corrosion, while sediment buildup can cause malfunctions that require costly repairs, which you obviously will never want to happen.
By performing regular maintenance, you can catch these issues early and prevent them from causing further damage to your water heater, saving you energy, time, money, and inconvenience. Therefore, always stay protective when it comes to regularly maintaining your water heater, whether it’s an electric, gas, or tankless water heater.
Steps for Routine Water Heater Maintenance
If you own a water heater, you should always maintain it properly to ensure it works safely and efficiently. Here are some straightforward steps to keep your water heater in good condition.
Clean the tank.
With the passage of time, sediment builds up inside the tank, which lowers the efficiency and lifespan of your water heater. To remove sediment, follow steps like turning off the water heater and cold water supply. After this, you should connect a hose to the drain valve and let the water flow until it runs clear. Then, you should close the drain valve and refill the water tank by turning on the cold water supply.
Inspect the anode rod.
After cleaning the tanks, the second step is to inspect the anode rod. The anode rod is a part of the water heater that prevents corrosion and should always be checked once a year to make sure it’s working correctly. To do this, you should turn off the water heater and cold water supply and locate the rod, which is generally attached to the top of the tank. If the anode rod is corroded or less than half an inch thick, replace it with a new one. It is advisable to get it replaced by a professional water heater installation technician.
Check for leaks.
The third step after inspecting the anode road is to check for leaks. It is recommended to regularly inspect your water heater for any signs of leaks and look around the base of the unit and connections to confirm there are no water puddles or damp areas.
Test the pressure relief valve.
Last but not least, you must always test the pressure or relief valve as it is essential for safety. It basically releases pressure from the tank and prevents it from exploding. To test it, turn off the water heater, place a bucket under the pipe connected to the valve, and lift the valve’s tab. If water flows freely, the valve is working perfectly.
Following these steps, you can confirm your water heater runs smoothly and safely. If you need more information about routine water heater maintenance steps, you can contact a professional water heater installation service provider.
Protect Your Water Heater by Investing in Regular Maintenance
Whether you have an electric, tankless, or gas water heater, performing maintenance tasks is essential for its functioning. By investing time, money, and effort in routine maintenance, you avoid the inconvenience of cold showers, high energy bills, and unexpected repairs.
Stay protective and make it a habit to perform recommended maintenance tasks, and your water heater will provide you with hot water when you need it the most.
Contact Tommie’s Plumbing today for any inquiries about water heater installation services. We can help you with questions such as the estimated lifespan of a water heater, common mistakes to avoid during installation, and how long the process typically takes. We’ll be more than happy to provide you with detailed answers.
Tommie's Plumbing: Your Local Plumbers in Tennessee!
Are you looking for reliable plumbing technicians in Greeneville, Jonesborough, or Morristown? Look no further than Tommie’s Plumbing. Our plumbing technicians team offers top-notch services that include everything from Sewer & Drain Cleaning, High Water Bill Reduction, Garbage Disposal Repair, Water Heater Installation, Sewer Line Replacement, High Water Pressure Solutions, Copper Line Repair, to Faucet Repair (including frost faucets).
We’ve got you covered whether you have a minor plumbing issue or a major emergency. Give us a call today at 423-638-3662 (Greeneville), 423-788-9343 (Jonesborough), or 423-638-3662 (Morristown), or simply drop us an email at tommiesplumbing@yahoo.com. We’re always here to help! Contact Tommie’s Plumbing now and experience the difference.
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Tommie’s Plumbing has been providing the residents of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Morristown, TN with fast, reliable, affordable plumbing services.
Tommie’s Plumbing has been providing the residents of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Morristown, TN with fast, reliable, affordable plumbing services.
Tommie’s Plumbing has been providing the residents of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Morristown, TN with fast, reliable, affordable plumbing services.
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