Proper Water Heater Maintenance Tips For Charleston, SC Homeowners

Water heaters—regardless of the type of water heater you have—require routine and preventative maintenance to ensure they are in optimal performance year-round. Water heaters are essential appliances in any home, providing a consistent supply of hot water for showers, baths, cooking, and cleaning. However, over a period of time, without regular maintenance, your water heater can decrease in energy efficiency, resulting in an expensive increase in your energy bills. Every homeowner in Charleston, SC should be aware of essential water heater maintenance tips to ensure that their water heaters are in peak performance before the cold weather hits.

Who better to provide you with the proper water heater maintenance tips than our Charleston plumbers? Some of the most common issues our professional plumbers address during water heater repairs could be prevented by regular water heater maintenance. However, not every homeowner is equipped with the proper water heater maintenance tips to prevent the need for repairs. The experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston are here to equip homeowners with the best water heater maintenance tips that will prevent costly repairs, keeping your entire unit in peak efficiency year-round.

Different Types of Water Heaters That Require Water Heater Maintenance

Charleston, SC plumbers find many different types of water heaters in homes, including:

• Tank Water Heaters (Traditional Water Heaters): Water heater tanks are the most common types of water heaters and can store a large hot water supply.
• Tankless Water Heaters: These heat water on demand, not store water.
• Gas Water Heaters: Gas heaters use a natural gas supply to heat the water, making them an energy-efficient option for households.
• Electric Water Heaters: Electric heaters rely on electricity to warm water.
• Heat Pump Water Heaters: These heaters use electricity to move heat from the air and into the water.

The Essential Components Of Your Water Heater

If you have a conventional tank-style water heater, like most homeowners in Charleston, it will come equipped with these parts:

• Heating element
• Thermostat
• Anode rod
• Temperature and pressure relief valves
• Dip tube
• The tank

Now that you're aware of the components of your water heater, let's take a look at our essential water heater maintenance tips.

Flush Your Water Heater Once A Year

As the first step of our effective water heater maintenance tips, flush out your water heater. The regular flushing of your water heater will remove sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank. The accumulation of sediment can decrease the efficiency of your unit, causing an increase in your utility bills. Flushing your water heater will also prevent corrosion. However, if you do notice signs of corrosion, reach out to our Charleston plumbers for water heater repair services. To drain your water heater, shut off the power to the appliance and attach a hose to the drain valve. Open up the drain valve, and let the water out. Then, refill your water heater, and turn on the power supply.

Test The Pressure Relief Valve

This safety valve is designed to release pressure when the water in the tank gets too hot. This water heater maintenance tip should be practiced every month to make sure your safety feature is safe. To troubleshoot it, lift the lever to let some water out. If too little water comes out, or too much water comes out, it most likely needs to be replaced, which can be addressed with our professional assistance.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Just like you like a little extra warmth on a cold day, your water heater does too. Adding a little extra insulation to your water heater can ensure the water remains hot and can even reduce your energy costs since your hot water heater won't have to work in overdrive to keep the water warm. This is probably one of the most important water heater maintenance tips because not only will it make up for any energy loss, but extend its lifespan, saving you the money and the trouble of having to replace your water heater prematurely.

Replace Your Anode Rod

Next on our water heater maintenance tip list is to check out your anode rod. This metal rod is responsible for protecting your water heating unit against corrosion. The anode rod will attract corrosive elements in the water and absorb them. The sacrificial anode rod will require replacement because of this. Depending on the type of water you have in your home (hard or soft), this water heater component will require replacement about every five years. Check your anode rod by removing it from your unit and check for signs of corrosion. If the corrosion covers more than half of the rod, then it should be replaced.

Replace Your Air Intake Filter

This water heater maintenance tip is for property owners with a tankless water heater. It's important to regularly replace this air filter because it will trap dust and other contaminants that could damage your water heater. A dirty air filter can cause the unit to overheat or shut down during your luxurious, hot shower.

Schedule Professional Inspections For Your Water Heater

It's always encouraged to invest in regular inspections for your current water heater. Our plumbing service professionals will be able to identify plumbing issues with your water heater and provide suitable repairs if your unit is not operating as efficiently as possible. Act fast when you first encounter inconsistencies with your water heater, such as sulfur smells from the unit, leaks, or decreased water pressure. It can save you money on expensive repairs. Our professionals are aware of the best routine maintenance practices and have the trained eye to spot potential issues, ensuring that your water heater works efficiently for the years to come without unexpected breakdowns.

Your Trusted Partner For Water Heater Maintenance: Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston!

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston is your ultimate partner for keeping a well-maintained water heater. Now that we've provided you with the essential water heater maintenance, Charleston, SC homeowners are invited to contact our exceptional customer service team to learn more about how to protect the integrity of your water heater. If you require water heater repairs, or water heater installations, our plumbing company can assist with electric units, gas units, tankless units, and traditional tanks. Book an appointment for water heater services today! Whether you're located in North Charleston, Goose Creek, Mount Pleasant, or the surrounding areas, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston is at your service for water heater maintenance!