The only thing more shocking than an unexpected blast of cold water in the shower is a spike in your utility bill because you didn’t properly maintain your water heater. Water heater maintenance helps avoid unexpected expenses and inconvenience, and Monarch Home Services can help.
The plumbing experts at Monarch have 45 years of experience providing professional water heater services to Central California residents. Our local plumbers have the expertise and tools to address any hot water tank issues you may have. The expert team at Monarch suggests that local homeowners practice regular water heater maintenance to save money and prevent future headaches.
Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating water is your second largest utility expense, accounting for about 18% of your utility bill. Additionally, a leak of one drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons over a year. Water heater maintenance matters because it can save you money over time.
A poorly maintained water heater may have less hot water capacity, make loud noises, or leak water. In a worst-case scenario, a water heater pipe may burst, causing extensive water damage and releasing smelly, potentially dangerous gases into your home. That’s when you feel the true cost of not maintaining your heater.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
The most obvious sign your water heater needs maintenance is a lack of or no hot water, but several other signs include:
- Strange noises coming from the tank: Your water heater should run quietly. If you hear banging, pops, gurgling, or any other sounds, your water heater needs attention.
- Water leaks around the heater: Some water may condense on and around your water heater, which is normal, particularly in colder climates. Condensation usually appears as small droplets of water spread evenly over the heater’s surface or as small pools beneath. However, constant drips or larger standing pools of water are signs of a problem.
- Rust-colored or cloudy water: Discolored or cloudy water could indicate sediment buildup or corroded pipes. You can flush your water heater, but if the problem persists, call Monarch for an inspection.
- Failure of the anode rod: The anode rod is suspended in your tank. A process called galvanic corrosion attracts corrosive elements to the node and away from the water. If the rod fails, you may get discolored, foul-tasting water. Have a professional address this issue right away.
- Unusual smells in your hot water: Water should be odorless. Strange smells may indicate potentially dangerous particulates in the water. Again, you can flush the tank, but if the smell persists, call Monarch.
- Pilot light or burner issues: The pilot light and burner are located under the tank and work together to heat the water. The pilot light should burn almost entirely blue without flickering. If the flame is discolored and/or flickering, check the burner for damage or corrosion.
What Steps Can I Take to Prepare My Water Heater for the New Year?
By following our water heater inspection checklist, you can learn how to maintain a water heater to avoid many problems before they become costly repairs. You can implement the following steps to prepare your water heater for winter:
- Drain the tank: It’s recommended to drain your tank annually to remove sediment deposits that build up over the year. If your community has hard water, you may need to flush your tank more often. It’s a good idea to call a Monarch professional to help you with this process.
- Check for leaks: Check the pipes for moisture, particularly around connections and joints. If you see any drips or pooling, address it immediately.
- Insulate pipes: Insulate pipes near your water heater to help prevent them from freezing. You can also build an insulation box around your entire water heater.
- Check the pressure relief valve: The value is usually located on top of or on the side of the tank. Open the valve for a few seconds to see if water flows freely. If water doesn’t run, or if the valve leaks when in the closed position, call Monarch immediately.
- Check the thermostat: Adjust the water temperature on the thermostat, give it some time, then check if the temperature has changed. Generally, your water heater thermostat should be set to 120°F, but consider adjusting the temperature a few degrees lower for energy savings.
The Role of Professional Water Heater Maintenance
You may be tempted to try to maintain your water heater yourself, but there’s more to it than you may realize. The thermostat, pressure release and drain valves, anode rod, and other parts require a professional to check and maintain.
If not maintained properly, your water heater may cost you more money and become a safety concern. Your water tank is filled with hot, pressurized water that could rupture. Additionally, when maintaining a water heater without the benefit of a professional, there’s potential for costly mistakes such as improper connections, water damage, electric shock, and gas leaks.
Consider signing up for Monarch’s Home Protection Society, which includes an annual water heater inspection. As part of the inspection, our local Monarch experts will provide you with water heater efficiency tips that can extend its service life and ensure your heater will operate safely without interruption.
When to Consider Replacing Your Water Heater
Several problems could necessitate a water heater replacement, but the biggest factor when considering replacement is the system’s age. If your water heater is 10 years or older and you’re constantly spending time and money on maintenance and repairs, it’s time for a new unit. A general rule when replacing major pieces of home equipment is that if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost of a new unit, you probably want to upgrade to a new unit.
However, even if your water heater isn’t over 10 years old, you may still want to consider replacing it with a newer unit. New water heaters can be more efficient, economical, and environmentally sound.
Benefits of a Well-Maintained Water Heater
The expected service life of a water heater can range significantly from five to 20 years. One of the biggest factors impacting your water heater’s lifespan is its type, which includes gas, electric, storage, condensing, heat pump, or tankless systems. Additional factors are usage, local water quality, and climate.
A well-maintained water heater is more efficient, economical, and safe. Regular maintenance will maximize those benefits by maximizing your water heater’s service life.
Contact Monarch Home Services Today
When you’re searching for “water heater services near me,” look no further than Monarch Home Services, your Central California plumbing experts. Contact us today to schedule your water heater maintenance appointment.