How Often Should You Have Your Water Heater Serviced?

Author Alan Stokes

Posted Sep 21, 2022

Reads 62

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Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, providing hot water for showers, laundry and dishes. While a typical water heater will last around 10 years, regular maintenance is key to keeping it running efficiently and prolonging its life. Depending on the type of water heater you have, you will need to have it serviced every 6 to 12 months, or every 3 to 5 years.

If you have a gas water heater, you will need to have it serviced every 6 to 12 months. This is because the burner and vent need to be cleaned of any accumulated sediment to ensure they are operating efficiently. In addition, the pressure relief valve should be tested annually to ensure that it is working properly.

If you have an electric water heater, you will need to have it serviced every 3 to 5 years. This is because the elements need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years to ensure they are operating efficiently. In addition, the pressure relief valve should be tested annually to ensure that it is working properly.

If you have a tankless water heater, you will need to have it serviced every 3 to 5 years. This is because the heat exchanger needs to be cleaned of any accumulated sediment to ensure it is operating efficiently. In addition, the pressure relief valve should be tested annually to ensure that it is working properly.

A water heater service typically includes a visual inspection of the unit, as well as a flush of the tank to remove any sediment that has accumulated. The technician will also check the anode rod and replace it if necessary. Be sure to ask your technician to perform a pressure relief valve test to ensure your unit is operating safely.

What are the benefits of having your water heater serviced?

Having your water heater serviced has many benefits. For one, it can help prevent potential problems that could lead to a leak or another type of water damage in your home. A professional can check for signs of wear and tear and can perform any necessary repairs before problems arise. In addition, having your water heater serviced can help it run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill. Additionally, it can extend the lifespan of your water heater, saving you money in the long run.

What can happen if you don't have your water heater serviced?

As water heaters get older, they become less energy efficient and more prone to breaking down. If you don't have your water heater serviced, it could eventually break down and leave you without hot water. You could also end up with a leaky water heater, which could lead to water damage in your home.

If you have an older water heater, it's especially important to have it serviced regularly. An older water heater is more likely to develop problems, and it's also more likely to be dangerous. For example, an older water heater could develop a leak in the tank, and if that happens, there's a risk of the tank exploding.

Even if your water heater is fairly new, it's still a good idea to have it serviced every few years. This will help to keep it in good condition and ensure that it continues to work properly. A good service includes flushing the tank to remove any sediment that has built up, as well as checking the anode rod and making sure that it's in good condition.

If you don't have your water heater serviced, you could eventually end up with a broken down water heater or a leaky water heater. These problems could lead to water damage in your home, so it's important to be proactive and have your water heater serviced regularly.

How do you know when it's time to have your water heater serviced?

Your water heater is an important part of your home’s comfort and convenience, so it’s important to keep it in good working order. While most people know to have their heater serviced annually, there are other times when you should consider contacting a professional for service. Here are four signs that it might be time to have your water heater serviced:

1. You notice decreasing water pressure

If you turn on your faucet and the water pressure is lower than usual, it could be a sign that your water heater needs to be serviced. Decreasing water pressure could be caused by a build-up of sediment in the bottom of your tank. When sediment accumulates, it can act as an insulator, resulting in decreased water pressure.

2. Your water heater is making strange noises

If your water heater is making strange noises, such as banging, popping, or whistling, it’s definitely time to have it serviced. These noises are usually caused by a build-up of sediment in the bottom of the tank. When the sediment gets heated, it expands and can cause the tank to make these strange noises.

3. You see water around your water heater

If you see water around your water heater, it could be a sign of a leak. Leaks can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a faulty pressure relief valve or a crack in the tank. If you see water around your water heater, it’s important to contact a professional for service right away.

4. Your water heater is more than 10 years old

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to start thinking about replacing it. Water heaters have a lifespan of about 10-12 years, so if yours is getting up there in years, it’s a good idea to start thinking about replacing it.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to contact a professional for water heater service. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

What should you do to prepare for having your water heater serviced?

If you're like most people, you seldom think about your water heater until it breaks down. But, like any other appliance in your home, your water heater requires occasional maintenance to keep it running properly. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for having your water heater serviced:

1. Know where your water heater is located. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you're not familiar with the layout of your home's plumbing, it can be easy to forget where your water heater is located. When the time comes to service your water heater, you'll need to know where it is so the technician can easily access it.

2. Make sure there's adequate clearance around your water heater. Most water heaters need at least two feet of clearance on all sides to allow for proper ventilation. If your water heater is located in a cramped space, it may not be getting the ventilation it needs, which could shorten its lifespan.

3. Turn off the power to your water heater. Before any work can be done on your water heater, the power must be turned off. Locate the breaker box and switch off the breaker that controls your water heater. If you're not sure which breaker controls your water heater, it's best to switch off the main breaker to be safe.

4. Drain your water heater. This step is not always necessary, but it's a good idea to do it if your water heater hasn't been serviced in a while. Draining your water heater will get rid of any sediment that has accumulated in the bottom of the tank. To drain your water heater, simply attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and open the valve. The water will flow out of the tank and into the hose. Once the water flow slows to a trickle, close the drain valve and remove the hose.

5. Flush your water heater. Flushing your water heater will help get rid of any sediment that was too large to be drained through the valve. To flush your water heater, simply open the cold water inlet valve at the top of the tank and let the water run for a few minutes. Then, open the hot water faucet in your home and let the water run until it's clear.

6. Refill your water heater. Once the tank is empty, close the cold water inlet valve and open the hot water f

What should you do if you have a problem with your water heater?

It is not unusual to have problems with your water heater, especially if it is not regularly serviced. If you have a problem with your water heater, the first thing you should do is check the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that is located near the gas control valve. It shut off the gas supply to the water heater if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is defective, it will need to be replaced.

If the pilot light is out, you will need to relight it. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting the pilot light. If the pilot light will not stay lit, there may be a problem with the gas supply to the water heater. Check to see if the gas supply valve is turned on. If it is, there may be a problem with the gas line. If you smell gas, you should evacuate the premises and call the gas company.

If the water heater is not generating enough hot water, the gas control valve may need to be adjusted. The water temperature is controlled by the gas control valve. It is usually located near the bottom of the water heater. The temperature can be adjusted by turning the knob on the gas control valve.

If the water heater is making strange noises, it could be due to sediment build-up. Over time, minerals in the water can accumulate in the bottom of the tank and cause the tank to overheat. This can cause the water to vaporize, which can make the water heater make strange noises. The sediment can also corrode the tank and shorten its lifespan. The best way to clean out sediment is to have the water heater drained by a professional.

If you have a problem with your water heater, the best thing to do is to call a professional. They will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

How can you extend the life of your water heater?

Water heaters are an appliance we often take for granted. It is only when we experience a cold shower that we realize how important they are! It is important to maintain your water heater in order to extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs. Here are a few tips on how to do so:

First, ensure that your water heater is the right size for your home. If it is too small, it will have to work harder to heat the water, which will shorten its lifespan. On the other hand, if it is too large, it will be less efficient and also cost more to operate.

Second, make sure the water heater is properly insulated. This will help keep the water hot for longer and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat it.

Third, avoid using hot water for tasks that don't require it. For example, when washing dishes by hand, use cold or lukewarm water instead of hot.

Fourth, have your water heater serviced regularly by a qualified technician. This will help identify any potential problems before they become serious.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your water heater and avoid the inconvenience and expense of a replacements or repairs.

What are the signs that your water heater needs to be replaced?

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How much does it cost to have a water heater serviced?

It costs between $75 and $200 to have a water heater serviced, depending on the type of service required. The most common type of service is a routine maintenance check, which typically costs between $75 and $100. This type of service typically includes checking the anode rod, draining the tank, and flushing the tank. If the water heater needs to be replaced, the cost will be significantly higher, typically between $1,000 and $2,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you flush out your water heater?

It is typically recommended that water heaters be flushed out every year.

How often should a water heater T&P valve be tested?

Manufacturers recommend testing the T&P valve once per year.

Is your water heater in need of maintenance?

If you notice that your water heater isn’t cooling or heating properly, it may be time for some maintenance. While there are a few different things that can go wrong with a water heater, the most common issue is a broken or damaged Thermostat (or Motor). A broken thermostat can cause the water heater to overheat, which can lead to dangerous conditions like burns. In order to determine if your water heater needs maintenance, we recommend checking the following: • Make sure the cover is correctly installed and secured – interference from weather or other factors can cause a cover to come loose. This can also result in increased energy costs due to wasted heat. • Check for leaks – pinpointing and fixing leaks will help keep your water heater running at its best. Water Heaters typically use around 25 gallons of water per day, so any leaks will quickly add up. • Check for hotspots – if your water doesn’t feel as hot

How long does a water heater last?

Oftentimes, the lifespan of a water heater will be based on a number of factors. These factors include the make and model of the water heater, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. On average, a water heater will last eight to twelve years.

When do I need to Flush my water heater?

It is recommended for most homeowners to flush their water heater every 6 months. However, if your water is especially hard, you may need to do it more often.

Alan Stokes

Alan Stokes

Writer at CGAA

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Alan Stokes is an experienced article author, with a variety of published works in both print and online media. He has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has gained numerous awards for his articles over the years. Alan started his writing career as a freelance writer before joining a larger publishing house.

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