Albany Water Heater Maintenance Services
A common concern among homeowners is how often and when to schedule water heater maintenance. We recommend scheduling water heater maintenance at least once a year. In our region, the best time to schedule is generally early in the fall. That way, we’ll service your water heater before the demanding winter season arrives.
What maintenance entails depends on your make, model, and warranty. In general, it involves a multipoint inspection, thorough cleaning, and correction of any wear and tear. We can also recommend proactive replacements. It’s better to replace a worn valve now, for instance, than to wait for an outright failure.
A key consideration with a traditional tank water heater is the anode rod. The anode rod helps to prevent sediment buildup in the tank through the process of electrolysis. Over time, an anode rod will deteriorate and eventually corrode to the point of being ineffective. It’s important to check the anode rod each year to gauge its status. The typical replacement period is between three and five years. If yours needs replacement, our plumber can cut a new one to size and install it.
Even with a well-functioning anode rod, it’s important to flush the tank. Limescale and other sediment will build up in the tank over time. Left unattended, it will decrease efficiency and lower the hot water volume. It may eventually lead to corrosion of the inner tank walls. By flushing the tank, you remove all the potentially harmful contaminants from the water supply.
Tankless water heaters are different in that they don’t store water. Despite scale and other water impurities, problems can still occur. They can cause corrosion, clogged valves, and so forth. That’s why tankless water heaters need regular descaling. It involves using a pump to circulate a cleaning mixture through the system. It will remove the scale deposits and avoid long-term water heater problems.
Scale is a serious concern for both types of water heaters. If you find yourself having to flush or descale your system often, there are alternatives. An anti-scale device can provide local protection for both tank and tankless systems. The other option is to install a point-of-entry water softener that protects your entire home.
There are many potential benefits to regular water heater maintenance.
- Lower total costs
- Full warranty coverage
- Safer and quieter operation
- Longer water heater lifespan
- Smaller household carbon footprint
- Reduced month-to-month energy bills