Your home’s water heater is one of its most essential appliances. Unfortunately, water heaters are an oft-neglected part of the average home’s plumbing. Many homeowners ignore theirs until a problem becomes obvious. By that point, however, it’s too late to avoid costly repairs or a replacement. To avert that, turn to AP Plumbing for regular water heater maintenance in Rochester, NY. An annual water heater tune-up can help keep yours running well year after year. If you’ve neglected those, it may shock you to see how much buildup that water heater flushing removes.
Contact the experts at AP Plumbing for your water heater maintenance needs in Rochester today.
Importance of Water Heater Maintenance
The average storage tank water heater can last 12 to 15 years with adequate maintenance. If you weren’t aware that your water heater needs maintenance, however, you’re not alone. A water heater needs an annual maintenance visit to remain reliable and operate safely. The main reason for that is your home’s water. Even safe, potable water contains some dissolved solids. It may have sand, dirt, or minerals. Those things build up at the bottom of your water heater tank. When that happens, your water heater will lose efficiency and capacity. Eventually, the buildup can damage your water heater’s heating element and may even lead to tank degradation.
Water heater flushing is an essential part of annual maintenance. The process begins with turning off your water heater and cutting its water supply. Then, our technician attaches a hose to your water heater’s lower outlet and runs it to a nearby drain. Next, we’ll turn the water supply back on. The flow of water pushes sediment and buildup out of the bottom of the tank and through the drain hose. The flushing continues until the water leaving the hose runs clear. Afterward, our plumber will close the lower outlet, remove the hose, and restart your water heater.
- Extended appliance lifespan
- Better efficiency
- Maintained flow capacity
- Reduced wear and tear
Signs Maintenance Is Needed
If you don’t typically schedule an annual water heater tune-up, your heater may start showing signs it needs one. For example, you may start hearing strange noises from your water heater. Sometimes, hard water can leave thick, hardened mineral deposits inside a water heater. As the heater cycles on and off, those deposits may crack, causing odd noises. Another sign that you need water heater flushing is running out of hot water sooner than you once did. If you notice either symptom, your best option is to call us for a water heater service visit.
- Unexplained energy bill spikes
- Fluctuating hot water temperature
- Discolored hot water
- Unusual smells from hot water
Professional Water Heater Tune-Up
Investing in a tune-up for your water heater is a wise choice. It helps keep your heater’s energy use low and keeps it running reliably. A tune-up can also forestall component failures, saving you money and time on repairs.
Preventative Water Heater Flushing
Periodic flushing keeps your water heater clean and working well. Buildup in your water heater’s tank can cause the heating element to fail prematurely. It may also interfere with your heater’s ability to measure the temperature of stored water. A yearly flushing is a simple and effective way to prevent those outcomes.
Keep Hot Water Reliable
A failed water heater is an inconvenience at best, and a disaster at worst. AP Plumbing can help you prevent one with expert maintenance. We’ve served local homeowners for over 30 years. Our team of plumbers is highly trained and has decades of combined experience. We also offer upfront pricing and friendly service. One look at our customer reviews should demonstrate why we’re the go-to local water heater service.
For professional water heater maintenance in Rochester, contact AP Plumbing now!
Frequently Asked Questions
With our decades of experience, we’ve gained plenty of knowledge about water heaters. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
How Often Should Water Heater Maintenance Be Done?
Most manufacturers call for an annual maintenance visit for the best results. However, if your home has hard water, you may need more frequent water heater flushes. Our plumbers can give you a more accurate idea of your water heater’s needs after inspecting it.
What Does Water Heater Flushing Remove?
Flushing your water heater removes any foreign matter accumulating at the bottom of your storage tank. The most common things flushing removes are dirt and sand, which are in your water in tiny quantities. Flushing also helps prevent mineral buildup, a major threat in homes with hard water.
