We lead busy lives, and for many working people (especially those with kids), a hot shower can be just about the only escape from daily mayhem. If your hot water suddenly goes out because of a struggling or failed water heater, that escape goes right out the window.
The average storage tank water heater can last between 10 and 15 years. The most common cause of failure for these units is corrosion. If your hot water system has been getting along in years, you might find that your hot water isn’t lasting as long as it used to — and your energy bills are going up.
The Tom Fricker appliance team has helped many households in Bristol, Worcester, Middlesex and Norfolk counties choose the most efficient water heater and keep it running for as long as possible. Here are three tips for ensuring your water heater does its job.
Corrosive particles in your water can damage the tank of a traditional water heater. Manufacturers put an anode rod in the tank to attract these particles away from the tank’s lining, but over time it erodes. You can slow the process by flushing your tank of sediment annually.
Flushing your water heater is a relatively simple process. Your owner’s manual will offer the step-by-step process for your unit. Generally speaking, you turn off the burner and run a hose from the drain valve to a utility sink, floor drain or outside. You drain the tank of water, then flush the tank with cold water until you’ve purged as much sediment as possible.
Like your home’s heating and cooling systems, your water heater can benefit from regular tune-ups. After all, the average American household expends about 20 percent of its energy on hot water generation.
If you aren’t comfortable flushing your tank, scheduling annual water heater maintenance is a good idea. Even if you’re flushing your tank each year, we should get in contact with us to see how often you should get water heater service to ensure it’s working at peak efficiency.
There are several tell-tale signs that your water heater is reaching the end of its service life. These include:
Don’t wait for your water heater to fail before contacting the pros at TF Complete Heating & Cooling. If you do, we’ll likely have to rush to secure your equipment and get your hot water back on.
If you allow more time to choose a water heater replacement, you’ll have more options, including upgrading to a high-efficiency indirect-fired or on-demand tankless water heater.
Our friendly, skilled technicians are available to inspect and service your water heater or discuss your options for a replacement. Contact us today to get started.
Contact us today to schedule a routine maintenance visit. If you need an emergency repair, please call our office right away at 508-507-6702, and we will get to your home as soon as we can.