Tank water heaters are the most common way to provide hot water for modern American homes. These systems store and heat water in a tank that’s around 40 gallons on average. A common mistake homeowners make is not thinking about their water heaters until there’s a problem. You can save yourself money and inconvenience with a more proactive approach.
1. Limescale and Sediment
A core maintenance concern with water heater tanks is that particulate matter builds up in them over time. That includes dirt, silt, and metals in the water supply. Water also has calcium and magnesium that can accumulate as limescale. Scale buildup can be particularly problematic in homes with hard water. Experts recommend having a plumber flush your tank at least once a year. Doing so will remove all of the sediment and limescale.
2. Sacrificial Anode Rod
Because limescale accumulation is so problematic for tank water heaters, most designs include a sacrificial anode rod. An anode rod is a long metal rod that inserts into the tank from the top. Through electrolysis, the rod attracts minerals and corrosion. This helps prevent the tank from rusting and slows the rate at which scale accumulates. The industry uses the term sacrificial because this is a part designed to fail. Three to five years is a typical anode rod lifespan. Your plumber will check the rod each year and replace it as needed.
3. Valves
Tank water heaters are pressurized systems, and it’s important to ensure that pressure stays in the optimal range. Most systems have three critical valves. The check valve ensures water doesn’t flow back into the plumbing system from the water heater. The drain valve allows for flushing the tank and can result in a leak if it goes bad. The temperature and pressure relief valve or T&P valve allows the system to alleviate pressure. When it does, a small amount of water will leave the tank and drain out through a drainage line.
4. Insulation
All tank water heaters lose heat via the plumbing connected to the system. It’s critical to insulate those pipes or tubes and replace that insulation at the first signs of wear. Fuel-burning water heaters generally don’t lose heat through the tank. Any other loss of heat will typically occur through the ventilation. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, do lose heat through the tank. In that case, you may have a water heater jacket and/or an insulated base. If you do, your plumber will need to check those items and replace them as needed.
5. Warranty Coverage
Most, if not all, water heater warranties require routine maintenance. Check your warranty fine print to determine what maintenance your system needs. After maintenance, your plumber will provide you with documentation of the service. Should you ever need to make a warranty claim, this is proof that the manufacturer may ask for. Without it, it may deny the claim on that cause alone.
6. Safety
The good news is that modern tank water heaters are very safe. Still, there are potential issues. Too much pressure can lead to tank explosions. There’s a risk of electrical fires. This is true of fuel-burning water heaters too, as many of them use some electricity. With fuel-burning systems, there’s also the risk of carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
7. Leak Avoidance
Unchecked sediment, limescale, and corrosion can undermine a tank over time. Eventually, that will lead to a leak. If you’re fortunate, the leak will be small. You’ll catch it and replace the water heater before any major damage occurs. That said, tank leaks can be substantial and sudden. You can have 40 or more gallons on the floor in a blink of an eye.
8. Faster Heating
Without regular maintenance, your water heater will heat its water supply more slowly. Recovery time is a very important consideration for tank water heaters because they have a limited hot water supply. Choosing the right tank size for your home comes down to the tank capacity but also the system’s recovery time. If recovery time gets worse, you may find yourself running out of hot water.
9. Accurate and Consistent Temperatures
It’s imperative to check a water heater’s thermostats each year and ensure they’re accurate. Inaccurate thermostats can cause you to run out of hot water or spend unnecessarily. They can also result in water that’s too hot and can potentially scald children.
10. System Lifespan
The average tank water heater lasts for about 10 years. That means that many water heaters fail after just five to six years. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater can last 15 years or even more. That means that annual maintenance can pay for itself.
11. Improved Energy Efficiency
The Department of Energy estimates that water heating accounts for nearly 20% of the average household’s energy consumption. Energy efficiency is therefore critical. The industry measures water heater efficiency using the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). The higher the UEF, the less electricity or fuel the system will use. Still, water heaters become less efficient as they age. Reasons include limescale, sediment, corrosion, worn wires, part calibration, and so forth.
Smaller Carbon Footprint
Hot water is a significant component of your household’s carbon footprint, and a smaller footprint is better for the environment. An inefficient water heater can use twice as much energy as it did when it was new.
Reduced Water Heating Costs
With greater energy usage, your month-to-month costs will rise as well. Consider the estimated annual operating costs of the average water heater, which is around $500. Over time, you could be paying as much as $1,000 a year instead.
12. Fewer Repairs
Most of the common water heater issues that occur are easily avoidable through maintenance. Maintenance will greatly extend the life of heating elements and combustion equipment. Your plumber can also replace thermostats, valves, and wires before there’s big trouble.
13. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Annual maintenance can significantly reduce the total costs associated with your water heater. The water heater will last longer. You’ll experience fewer, if any, repairs, and your operating costs will be lower too.
14. Hot Water Hardness
As limescale builds up in your water heater, it will make your hot water harder. This will make your shower experiences less enjoyable, as the minerals can clog the pores of your skin. It can also damage your hair and make it less vibrant. Hard hot water also affects your dishwasher and washing machine. If your water supply is moderately hard or harder, you may want to consider a more robust solution. Options include an anti-scale device or a whole-house water softener.
Tank Water Heater Maintenance in Hudson
Bernard Heating & Cooling provides tank and tankless water heater services in Hudson and Akron, OH and throughout the surrounding areas. That includes new installations, replacements, conversions, maintenance, and repairs. Our HVAC technicians install and service furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. We offer a maintenance plan that will keep your HVAC equipment serviced on schedule while saving you money. Our team also specializes in indoor air quality, including air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. Call today or contact us online with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
