Tag: cleaning

Remember Water Heater Maintenance During Spring Cleaning This Year

Person using an adjustable wrench on a water heater with copper pipes, part of The Meridian Company plumbing services.

The Importance of Water Heater Maintenance 

Spring cleaning is a big job that requires lots of time and effort. The home can suffer from general clutter and disrepair when spring cleaning is neglected. To prevent the house from becoming neglected, homeowners should have an airtight spring cleaning plan that includes water heater maintenance. 

The water heater is responsible for a considerable portion of monthly energy bills, providing the family with hot water. When water heater maintenance is neglected, water heating costs rise, and the family may get stuck without hot water from a surprise malfunction. Here is a quick guide to water heater maintenance to help homeowners understand its importance and benefits. 

Flush the Water Heater to Remove Sediment 

flushDraining and flushing a water heater regularly is essential to maintain its optimal performance. Over time, sediment and mineral can accumulate inside the tank of the water heater, which can cause damage to the system itself. This buildup can also significantly reduce efficiency, leading to higher energy costs and more frequent repairs. 

Furthermore, if the sediment and minerals are allowed to build up, it can lead to corrosion of the tank's inner walls over time, which may result in leaks or additional damage to other components. It’s recommended that water heaters be drained and flushed out regularly, at least once a year, as part of routine maintenance to prevent this.

Other Steps for Reliable Water Heaters 

maintenanceDraining and flushing the water heater is one essential practice carried out during water heater maintenance, but that isn’t all. Water heater maintenance is a comprehensive service that makes water heaters last longer and perform better. To reach these goals, plumbers will also perform tasks like:

  • Checking the anode rod for corrosion and replacing it when needed
  • Inspecting the hot water tank for leaks and corrosion
  • Testing safety devices, especially the valves
  • Inspecting and cleaning the burner or heating elements
  • Checking electrical connections 

Benefits of Annual Maintenance 

When all these maintenance tasks are completed by a professional, homeowners gain numerous benefits that make the cost of annual water heater maintenance worth it. The first way homeowners save money with routine water heater maintenance is with lower utility bills. When water heaters are well maintained, they have better energy efficiency, reducing energy usage and saving homeowners money every month. 

Regular maintenance can also help identify potential problems before they become bigger issues, saving homeowners time and money. Additionally, professional water heater maintenance helps preserve the longevity of the equipment and can help avoid costly repairs or early replacements. Maintaining a water heater is critical to ensuring a water heating system runs at its best and that homeowners get the most out of it, so add it to the spring cleaning checklist!

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned local business serving Lansing and the surrounding areas. They provide fast response, full-service solutions, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water heater services in Lansing, MI. 

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Start Spring Cleaning With The Water Heater

Technician inspecting electrical panel with tools, emphasizing safety for home service maintenance by The Meridian Company.

Why Maintaining Your Water Heater Is So Important

When most people put together a list of spring cleaning tasks, they probably don’t put water heater maintenance anywhere near the top, if it even makes the list at all. But there are several reasons why homeowners may want to make this the first item on the list.

A lack of proper maintenance is the number one reason for water heater breakdowns and performance issues. In many cases, the unit may need to be replaced years before it is expected to, simply because it wasn’t adequately maintained. Yearly maintenance also has various other benefits and can usually be tackled in one afternoon. Homeowners should keep reading to learn why water heater maintenance might be their favorite part of spring cleaning!

Water heater draining water through a brass valve during maintenance, emphasizing the importance of flushing to prevent sediment buildup and ensure optimal performance.

Why Is Flushing a Water Heater Important?

Regularly flushing a water heater is important because it removes sediment buildup from inside the unit. Sediment buildup is caused by minerals in the water and is usually more common in areas with hard water. This buildup of sediment can cause problems for the homeowner.

Firstly, it forms a barrier between the heat exchanger and the water itself. The barrier causes the burners and heating elements to work harder and longer to heat the water to the correct temperature. This can lead to inconsistent temperatures, a lack of hot water, and increased utility costs. Sediment can also deteriorate the tank's inner lining, which can lead to corrosion and leaks, likely requiring a replacement of the water heater.

Even tankless water heaters must be flushed periodically, as mineral deposits can similarly interfere with heating performance and clog up the internal pipes. A yearly or twice-yearly water heater flush can save homeowners money and headaches in the long run.

What Else Is Involved In Water Heater Maintenance?

Brass water heater valves and fittings, including temperature and pressure relief valve, essential for water heater maintenance and safety.

The temperature & pressure relief valve needs to be tested to ensure it can properly vent the tank in case of overheating or overpressurization. The anode rod is a device that helps prevent tank corrosion by attracting corrosive elements to it instead. It should be inspected annually and replaced around every 3-5 years. 

Gas burners and exhaust vents should be cleaned, the pilot light and thermocouple should be checked for proper function, electrical components should be tested for correct wattage, and the whole unit should be inspected for evidence of leaks. Some of these tasks should only be performed by a professional to ensure safety and avoid damaging the unit.

What Are the Benefits of Regular Water Heater Maintenance?

Some key benefits of annual water heater maintenance include preventing the need for costly repairs, extending the unit’s life expectancy, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing overall performance. These benefits can result in significant savings on utilities, avoidable repairs, and premature water heater replacement.

An apt comparison to make is that of car maintenance. Things will start to break down and perform poorly without regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine service tasks. The same goes for water heaters. 

To take this analogy a step further, most folks can handle the basics of vehicle maintenance on their own, but when it comes to the more intensive jobs, it’s best to leave it to a mechanic - or in this case, a plumber. Fortunately, this only adds to the benefits as professionals can identify and resolve safety risks, address potential issues early, and optimize efficiency in ways that the untrained cannot. But whether taking the professional or DIY approach, water heater maintenance deserves the top spot on this year’s spring cleaning list.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned, local business that has served its neighbors in Lansing, East Lansing, and the surrounding areas for over 35 years. They provide full-service solutions, fast response, and superior customer service. Their highly trained technicians are available to help day or night, so call them today for water heater services in East Lansing, MI.

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