Does your water heater need maintenance?

Water heaters don’t last forever, but with proper care, their useful life can be extended. Know what signs to look for, and have potential major problems corrected so that a full replacement won’t be necessary.

Water heaters, like most appliances and devices, will indicate some warning signs if they are starting to malfunction. Most of the time, these warnings can be addressed and easily corrected to extend the life of the water heater.

One common problem is the deterioration of your faucet tap water. If the water starts to look less than clear, or worse, rusty colored, the water heater most likely has a build-up of sediment in the bottom of the tank. This is actually normal after some years of use, but it isn’t a major problem; the sediment in the tank simply needs to be cleaned out. Once that is done, the tap water will be clear again. Of course, in the case of rusty colored water, it’s wise to make sure municipal water lines aren’t undergoing a routine flush—this process will turn the water brown for a short period of time.

Sometimes, homeowners become aware that the water is taking longer and longer to get hot or that the water doesn’t stay hot. Again, this is usually not a major concern, and can often be corrected by the replacement of one or more elements. A qualified plumber can easily detect what the problem is. Replacing the top or bottom element, or both elements, is far cheaper than purchasing a new water heater.

Conduct periodic inspections of your water heater. Look for condensation on the outside of the tank, and look for signs of leaking underneath the tank. Most leaks are small, and they are slow; checking underneath the tank at least once a month will reveal if there is a leakage problem, which most often can be repaired and extend the life of the heater.

Watching for warning signs, in addition to purchasing a warranty or service agreement, are the best ways to make sure your water heater performs properly and that it lasts as long as it is supposed to. Is your water heater in need of maintenance in the Naperville area? Contact Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. today at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859!