Schrader Plumbing Blog

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

We all take Hot water for granted – until that unexpected morning that we step into the shower, eyes still half-closed, to awaken instantly with a scream as a blast of cold water hits us and we hurl ourselves back out. Talk about a wake-up call!

In order for your water heater to flow as it should, and at the temperature it should-water heaters need to be properly maintained. Not only will this help minimize the chances of a cold water surprise – or worse, flooding everywhere – but it will help ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of the water heater, all the while saving you money and conserving North Texan’s water supply.

Water Heater Maintenance in North Richland Hills

According to the North Texas Municipal Water District, Hard water build-up comes from naturally occurring minerals — such as calcium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, iron, lime, and others — that are present in lakes and other water sources across North Texas. The treated water supplied by NTMWD is considered “moderately hard” primarily due to the minerals found in Lavon Lake.

While these minerals pose no harm to human health or safety, they can cause spots on clean dishes and “lime scale” in your water heater from the leftover mineral deposits once hard water has evaporated. You may want to seek guidance from a licensed plumber about maintaining plumbing fixtures and water heaters which can build up with hard water mineral deposits over time.

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

1. Save Money: Flushing your water heater helps ensure it is functioning properly, improving efficiency which reduces your home’s energy use (clean water heaters use less energy). As a result, and the fact that you’ll get hot water without having to run the tap forever, your utility bills may be lowered.
2. Decreased Likelihood of an Early Replacement: When you schedule maintenance for your water heater, it helps the system run better overall. This means fewer unaddressed repairs that could add up to a replacement too early in the lifespan of your system. Early replacements are expensive ordeals that you want to avoid.
3. Monitor Water Temperature: Regular maintenance helps to ensure that your water heater is continuing to function as intended. Monitoring the temperature of the water is an important part of its maintenance. When there is an issue with the water temperature, it is an indication that there is an issue with the water heater. Restoring the water temperature will go a long way toward ensuring that the water heater is in great condition and capable of meeting your regular demands.
4. Stay Within Your Warranty: Manufacturers of water heaters issue a standard warranty policy that’s only valid if the repairs are done by a licensed professional. When you use a licensed expert like our Schrader Plumbing technicians, your warranty will stay intact and you will be able to utilize it when a system replacement is necessary. Our water heater experts at Schrader Plumbing handle your warranty properly and get your water heater in tip-top shape again.
5. Avoid a Flood: All water heaters have a temperature-pressure relief valve. It is the fail-safe to ensure that the thermostat does not malfunction, causing the water to exceed the holding tank’s pressure rating. When the pressure goes beyond the pressure relief valve’s preset level, it begins to vent water to drop the internal pressure. To ensure that the valve is functioning correctly, lift the lever on the valve to allow a small amount of water to escape. As soon as you release the lever, the valve should reseat. If the valve does not open or will not reseat, call a plumber to have this safety feature repaired or replaced. Discovering a malfunction with this test is the best way to avoid a costly flood or damaged water heater.
6. Peace of Mind & Convenience: Last but not least, timely maintenance of the water heating system provides much-needed peace of mind because you know it won’t break down, causing inconvenience during the winter. Hiring a professional for any repair or maintenance work means your product is in safe hands and will be repaired efficiently.

The Flushing Process

Flushing your water heater is a simple task that you can take care of in about an hour. Turn off the water supply to the water heater and the power as well. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the tank’s base and run the hose to a drain or the street. Open a few hot water faucets in your home to help the tank drain more rapidly. Next, open the valve on the drain to let the hot water and sediment flow out of the tank. Gently turn the water supply to the tank back on to rinse any remaining sediment from the tank. When the water coming from the hose is clear, you will know that the tank is clean. Close the drain valve on the tank and turn the power back on. Close the hot water faucets in the house when the water is flowing evenly.

With a bit of care and maintenance, your water heater will provide reliable service for about up to a decade in most cases. This ensures that you are getting the most from the money you invested in this essential appliance.  You need to be able to rely on your water heater and regular maintenance gives you the peace of mind to do that. Because let’s be honest, most of us don’t enjoy cold showers if we can avoid them.

Don’t be a victim of a poorly maintained system! If you do not have the time or desire to complete your own annual servicing, call and schedule a water heater maintenance check from the team at Schrader Plumbing to keep your water heater in great shape and to ward off unnecessary repairs or replacements. 817-262-0989.