Understanding Contributing Factors To Water Heater Repairs And Replacements
If you are like most homeowners, the thought of needing to get appliances repaired or replaced might make your cringe. This is because this part of homeownership can be expensive, which is why many homeowners try to get services performed as recommended. Preventative maintenance services can extend the life of appliances.
Water heaters are an example of a type of appliance that might not receive the same attention as other appliances. Ignoring the proper maintenance of your water heater can lead to it needing repairs. When water heaters are not properly maintained, they may also break down to the point being deemed irreparable before the end of their life cycle. The following points will help you to identify things that you can do to reduce the chances of needing water heater repairs.
Temperature Settings
It is understandable to want to have your water as hot as possible. However, there are a few reasons why you should be mindful of your water heater temperature settings. If the water is too hot, a member of your family could get burned by scalding water. Excessively hot water can also cause premature damage to your water heater over time. A good rule of thumb is to set it to a hot temperature that is your ideal temperature for hot water. You do not have to set it to the highest temperature, and doing so can help protect you against repairs and higher than necessary energy costs.
Know Your Water Source
Many homes have hard water that flows into them. Hard water can wreak havoc on appliances that utilize water. Limescale deposits can build up over time and negatively impact performance. In the case of hot water heaters, it can deteriorate parts and impact how hard the appliance has to work to produce hot water. Installing a water softener is an effective way to solve hard water issues. If you ignore the issue you can expect to need a new water heater installation.
Keep it Clean
Limescale is only one example of what might be going on in the inside of your hot water tank. You may have other types of sediment that are building up inside the tank. The accumulation of sediment can create the perfect opportunity for corrosion to occur. If your water heater leaks, it may have hidden corrosion in the tank. A water heater repair can remedy some leak issues, but advanced issues may require a water heater replacement.
Include a Plumber
It is normal to want to cut costs by doing some handiwork yourself or enlisting a trusted family member or friend. However, a plumber is the best resource to use to address water heater issues. They can inspect and flush water heaters to extend their life cycles. Inspections may yield signs that important components such as anode rods need replacing.