Proper Water Heater Maintenance

You purchase and install a water heater, that’s usually the end of the story. You call for hot water, and it appears! Until there’s no hot water, or your tank is leaking, we often don’t give it a second thought. But, you should!

Just like you keep up the maintenance on your vehicle, and your HVAC system, your water heater needs regular love, too!

While most regular tank water heaters look alike on the outside, they vary greatly in materials, insulation, and corrosion-fighting anode rods the inside, and this is what gives you the most for your hard-earned dollar.

The first step to take is during the purchase process.  Do your research about the brand, warranty and insulation of your new heater. Bill Howe’s San Diego plumbers have been installing professional grade RUUD water heaters for over 30 years because of their lasting quality. And, because they are professional grade, they are built to last.

Most water heaters come standard with a 6 year warranty, but with proper care, and warranty extensions, you can extend that time by several years.

Because tank water heaters continually hold water, over time, natural minerals and sediment will build up in the heater. This is what attacks and eats away at the inside of your storage tank weakening it until it eventually corrodes, and leaks.

Once per year, it is recommended to empty the tank and flush out the sediment refilling with new water. This ensures that the damaging minerals don’t build up at the bottom of your tank year after year. It is also a fairly easy process if you’re handy, and something that most San Diego plumbers also offer at a reasonable rate, if you’re more comfortable having a professional take care of the maintenance.

It is also a good idea to purchase a water heater with an extended warranty, or additional anode rod. It is one of the most important aspects of your water heater and can determine the life you will get out of it.

The anode rod is made up of magnesium, zinc, and aluminum and is installed into the tank of the water heater. While there is a lot of science behind the function of the anode rod, the basic principle is that corrosion causing sediment is attracted to the anode rod before the steel inner tank. In a nutshell, the anode rod attracts the bad stuff keeping your tank intact. And, when that rod is corroded, there are times when you can replace it giving you a little more time before having to replace your whole water heater. You can also install multiple anode rods in most tank heaters, giving you extra years of life.

So when you find yourself in need of a new water heater, take the extra time to find the right one for you and the use you want out of it. And, if you don’t want to have to think about it, consult the San Diego plumbing company about preventative maintenance programs. At Bill Howe, we can set you up annually and will call you when it’s time taking out any guesswork!

Additionally, with the install, you can place a sticker on your heater that will list all the dates of your maintenance as an easy reminder.

You pay a lot of money to enjoy the comfort of hot water, and the last thing you want is a flood in the middle of the night. With a little care and regular maintenance, you can rest easy.

For a free estimate, or more information, call the San Diego plumbing experts at 1-800-Bill Howe (24-5469). You’ll be glad you did!