Houston AC Repair & Service Company
Water Heater Maintenance in Houston, TX
Houston’s Leading Water Heater Maintenance Professionals
You use your water heater every day without realizing it. This appliance requires a lot of energy to provide hot water for cleaning dishes, cooking, bathing, and other activities. A water heater is a complex system that requires a professional plumber to maintain (and who can do so safely). Neglecting water heater maintenance can have consequences like reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and safety hazards especially with operating a faulty unit or drinking contaminated water.
Fortunately, our Houston plumbers can maintain your water heater so it’s safe, efficient, and reliable.
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Maintaining your Water Heater
Water heaters can last 10 years or longer when properly maintained. Below are 3 simple things you can do to keep your system running smoothly.
Signs of Water Heater Problems
If your water heater isn’t working right, we recommend calling to schedule water heater maintenance no matter when the unit was last serviced. Common signs it should be looked at include:
- Strange Noises: Banging, popping, or rumbling sounds can mean sediment is building up in the tank or the unit is overheating.
- Leaks: A leak can come from a loose connection, a faulty valve, or a cracked tank.
- Discolored Water: If the water looks rusty, yellow, or otherwise discolored, the anode rod is likely failing, or the tank has started to rust.
- Strange-Smelling Water: A strange odor can mean bacteria are growing inside the tank, which can be a sign of rust and corrosion.
- Insufficient Hot Water Supply: Schedule maintenance if it takes longer to get hot water, the water temperature isn’t hot enough, fluctuates, or there’s no hot water at all
- Reduced Water Pressure: A decrease in water pressure from only hot water faucets can mean your water heater is clogged with sediment.
Experienced plumbers have the skills, training, and equipment to diagnose these issues quickly. A technician can determine how to fix the unit. Or, if it’s old and/or has extensive damage, they may suggest replacing it.
Regular Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
Water heater maintenance has many benefits even when the unit is working normally. It can reduce the risk of costly repairs and breakdowns. With routine maintenance, it’s also possible to improve performance, energy efficiency, and the lifespan of your water heater. When servicing your appliance for maintenance, a technician will:
- Flush the Tank
- Inspect the Anode Rod
- Clean Burners/Heating Elements
- Check the Pressure Relief Valve
- Insulate the Tank
- Check for Leaks
- Ensure the Water Heater Is Ventilated
Water Heater Safety Tips
Performing water heater maintenance requires following safety precautions that not everyone knows about. That’s one reason to hire a professional. Before starting, they will turn off the power or gas supply and then drain the tank. While working on your water heater, the technician will wear safety gloves, goggles, and other protective equipment.
In addition, they can help educate you on the importance of safely using and maintaining the system. For example, they may explain and demonstrate the following:
- Setting the Temperature: Knowing how to set the temperature is important. The unit should be set to around 120℉. Lower temperatures can allow bacteria can grow; much higher temperatures can cause scalding and burns.
- Check for Gas Leaks: Signs of a gas leak include hissing sounds, a rotten egg smell, pipe damage, dead house plants, and physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, difficulty breathing, and flu-like symptoms.
Attempting DIY repairs can be dangerous and risks damaging the unit (resulting in costly repairs and possibly voiding the warranty).
Common Questions
How Often Should I Schedule Water Heater Maintenance?
We recommend scheduling professional water heater maintenance once a year. Otherwise, sediment can build up in the tank and the unit can become unsafe to use.
How Long Can a Water Heater Last?
A well-maintained tank-style water heater can last 10 to 15 years. If you have a tankless water heater and maintain it as recommended, it can last 20 years.
Can I Do a Water Heater Tank Flush Myself?
Only if you’re familiar with how your water heater works. A plumber can quickly flush a water heater while following the manufacturer’s recommendations and safety precautions.
Contact Your Local Plumber for Water Heater Maintenance
Regular water heater maintenance can save you money and reduces the risk of a water heater breaking down. It also makes a plumber’s job easier as they can make minor adjustments and fixes instead of major repairs. If you haven’t yet done so, schedule your annual water heater maintenance visit with Village Plumbing. Members of our Village Partner Plan receive a discount on their annual water heater flush. Request service online or call 713-526-1491 to get started.