Reliable Water Heater Service
Homeowners should schedule preventative service for their water heater at least once a year. The best time to schedule depends on the home and household, but it’s usually either the fall or the spring. Flushing the tank will remove all the sediment that can build up over time. Left alone, that sediment will undermine the tank and other water heater components. Routine service is also an opportunity to check the anode rod and replace it if needed. Water heaters will generally need anode rod replacement every three to five years.
Even with regular maintenance, we recommend monitoring for performance issues. Modern water heaters are very efficient, but can lose that efficiency due to malfunctions. That’s the reason heightened energy consumption is often an early sign of a problem. Track your electricity or fuel usage month to month and year to year. If your usage is suddenly a lot higher, you know to call us to perform diagnostics.
Modern water heaters are also virtually silent, and noises may indicate a problem. One of the most common is tea kettling. This is where a water heater sounds like a tea kettle heating water. It suggests that pressure in the tank is too high, either due to limescale or another reason. Sediment in the tank can also cause noises like popping, rumbling, and screeching.
Low hot water pressure is a sign of a problem as well. A pressure relief valve is a part that can wear out and cause water pressure fluctuations. If you consistently experience low hot water pressure, it generally indicates a clog. There may be scale buildup in the tubes. This buildup can eventually get bad enough that it affects your cold water, too.
Watch for these other signs you need water heater service.
- No or low hot water volume
- Discolored or smelly hot water
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- Any leaking or excess condensation