An annual water heater inspection is important because it can help identify potential problems with the water heater before they become bigger, more expensive problems. By identifying and repairing small issues early on, you can save yourself time and money in the long run. Additionally, annual water heater maintenance can ensure that your water heater is running safely and efficiently. This includes a water heater flush.
Here are the top 6 reasons to have your water heater inspected annually:
Reason 1: The Pressure Relief Valve May Be Faulty
A pressure relief valve on a water heater is a safety device that allows hot water to escape from the tank if the pressure becomes too high. This prevents the tank from exploding, which could cause serious injury or death. The valve is typically located at the top of the tank, and it should be regularly maintained to allow any built-up pressure to escape.
If the pressure relief valve on a water heater malfunctions, the excess pressure can cause the water heater to burst. The hot water and steam will escape from the water heater and could cause severe burns or scalding. It is important to keep the valve in good working order to prevent this from happening.
Reason 2: The Anode Rod Made Be Corroded
The anode rod on a water heater is a metal rod that is inserted into the tank of the water heater. The anode rod helps to protect the tank of the water heater from corrosion by attracting corrosive elements in the water to itself. The anode rod is usually made of magnesium or aluminum, and it can be replaced when it becomes corroded.
Most anode rods are sacrificial, meaning that they are specifically designed to corrode when in contact with water. The anode rod will corrode before the tank does, which helps to prevent damage to the tank. They are designed to be replaced.
Reason 3: Sediment May Have Built Up
It is important to drain or flush a water heater because sediment can build up over time and decrease the heater’s efficiency. Draining the heater flushes out the sediment and clears any obstructions that may be causing decreased performance.
Water heaters rely on a steady flow of water to function properly and can be adversely affected by sediment buildup. Sediment is a natural byproduct of water and over time will accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. This can lead to decreased efficiency, shorter lifespan, and even a dangerous situation in which the tank can burst.
Reason 4: The Temperature May Need To Be Adjusted
The temperature of the water heater is important because it affects the comfort of the occupants in the building. Water heaters should be set to a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to provide adequate warmth and prevent the growth of bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the water is too cold, people can contract hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too hot, people can suffer from scalding, which can cause skin damage, third-degree burns, and even death.
Reason 5: The Water Heater’s Heating Element May Be Faulty
A water heater heats the water by transferring thermal energy to it. The water is heated when it passes through a pipe that is surrounded by a metal coil. The metal coil is then heated by either electricity or gas.
When inspecting the heating element of a water heater, depending on their condition, they might be rusty, in which case they have to be repaired. They may wear out over time, in which case they must be replaced. If you find that your water heater can’t provide hot water, it means your heating element has probably gotten rusted.
Reason 6: The Drain Pan May Not Be Installed
A drain pan is important to have on a water heater because it catches any water that may leak from the tank. This helps to prevent damage to your floors or cabinets, and it also makes it easier to clean up any leaks that may occur.
Bonus: The Water Heater’s Age
There are multiple reasons why an old water heater is bad for a home. But the main reason is that an old water heater is not energy efficient, which could lead to increased energy bills.
Over time water heaters can get very old and rusty. This means that the water coming out of them might not be very clean, and it could also cause problems with your plumbing.
When an old water heater breaks, it has the potential to leak gas into your home. This gas can be very dangerous and can cause accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas could also build up and cause an explosion.
But What If I Have A Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a more energy-efficient way to heat your water as it does not require energy to keep water warm in a storage tank. However, it is just as important to inspect a tankless water heater regularly for proper performance and safety.
A complete inspection should check the fuel lines, igniter, and vents for blockages and corrosion, as well as, flush the lines to prevent buildup and keep proper water flow. Additionally, you should ensure that the exhaust is properly vented to the outside of your home.
Conclusion
The water heater in a home is an often overlooked component. However, it is important in our homes because it provides a constant flow of hot water. This is why it is important to get an annual inspection of your water heater to prevent problems with hot water or a breakdown in the system. Because there is nothing worse than not having hot water to bathe, do laundry, or clean the dishes.
Gardner Plumbing Co Is Your Professional Plumbing Specialist Company in Murrieta
Gardner Plumbing Co. is a specialized plumbing company in Murrieta that offers water heater inspections. This is part of our 65 Point inspection on your house or business. The best part about it is that it is FREE.
Why offer this FREE service? We do this to earn your trust. We are willing to put our money and time where our mouth is. We want to show our commitment to you as a customer and hopefully build a long-term relationship.
The plumbing system is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, features of your house or business. It’s important to have regular or annual inspections of your plumbing to check for any problems or hidden damage that could lead to safety hazards. By catching small problems before they turn into big ones, a plumbing inspection can help homeowners avoid costly repairs and keep their homes in good condition. Additionally, annual plumbing inspections can help lengthen the life of a plumbing system, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Call to find out more and schedule your FREE Plumbing Inspection today.