Nobody wants to deal with an old, cranky water heater. But not dealing with it can cause bigger problems — like not having hot water when you really need it. It’s actually easier to take care of your home’s water heater than you probably realize. Here’s what we suggest in the way of water heater maintenance:

Flush Your Hot Water Tank Annually

Flush your hot water tank once or twice a year to remove sand and sediment that may be sitting in the bottom. This is especially important for homeowners who get their water from a well. Debris can easily get sucked into the water heater, and if you don’t flush it out regularly, it may travel further down your water lines, causing bigger problems. Besides, flushing it is easy:

• Turn off the gas or electricity to the water heater.
• Turn off the incoming, cold water supply.
• Attach a length of garden hose to the drain valve.
• Drain the water into a bucket until it runs clear.
• If you’re getting a lot of debris, run more water into the tank to flush it a second time.

Keep in mind that if your water heater hasn’t been flushed in a while, the process of flushing it may stir up the sand and debris that is settled at the bottom of your water heater somewhere else in the line. The reality is that if it’s been ignored for a long time, flushing it now may cause more harm than good. It would be worth speaking to a plumber if this is the situation you’re in. 

Have Your Water Heater Inspected

Consider having a professional check your water heater, as well as incoming and outgoing water lines. A professional can remove calcium deposits in on-demand water heaters. They can also test relief valves, examine rods, and adjust the temperature setting for you if needed. Regular flushing and maintenance checks will help your water heater reach its full life expectancy. A water heater that runs well also uses less energy, resulting in lower energy bills.

Replace Old, Cantankerous Water Heaters

Even if your water heater seems to be working fine, plan ahead. The life expectancy of tank-type heaters is roughly 8 to 12 years. If you have an on-demand system that’s not constantly running, you may get up to 20 years of worry-free service. 

After this point, however, things are likely to begin to deteriorate. Corrosion inside tank heaters will eventually destroy the lining, and there’s no good way of preventing this from happening. There are signs to look for when it comes time to replace your water heater:

• Odd noises — usually cracks or bangs
• Colored Hot Water — usually rusty red or yellow
• Declining hot water temperatures
• Leaking

Don’t put off the inevitable, or you’ll just cause yourself more heartache when it’s time for a relaxing hot bath and all you have available is cold, rusty water.

Call J.W. Freeman Plumbing in Gainesville

When it’s time to repair or replace your water heater in the Gainesville, Fl area, J.W. Freeman Plumbing can help. Call today for a no-risk, in-home consultation. Proudly serving Gainesville and the surrounding area since 2008, we’re your go-to source for excellence in plumbing.