What you need to know about keeping your water heater in great shape

Most homeowners rely on their water heater for everyday life, from those hot morning showers to doing the dishes late into the night. However, most of those same homeowners don't give much thought to water heater maintenance. That's right: as with any home appliance you rely on, there are things you should be doing to keep your water heater in good working order. In this article, we're going to review the items on your maintenance checklist and when you need to call in the experts for further help.Here in Albuquerque, Wagner is proud to be your top provider of plumbing services from experienced, friendly plumbers. To schedule your water heater service, call us today!

Our top-3 tips for water heater maintenance

Follow these three tips for maximizing the lifespan of your appliance and avoiding common problems that can occur due to insufficient maintenance:

Have your water heater flushed regularly

If you have hard water, most experts recommend you flush your water heater at least once per year. Otherwise, the minerals in your water can accumulate in your water heater.If you are no longer able to get as much hot water from your appliance as it used to provide, sediment may have accumulated in the tank. Flushing the sediment out regularly can prevent hard water corrosion of your water heater’s components and ensure that it continues to perform efficiently.

Inspect anode rods frequently

Anode rods protect the metal inside and outside your tank by absorbing corrosion that would otherwise attack the inside of the tank wall. By their nature, anode rods are not designed to last forever—there's a point where they become "used up"—so it’s important to have them inspected every few years. When they deteriorate, it’s important to replace them with a new sacrificial anode rod. This can greatly extend the lifespan of your system.If you decide to inspect your own anode rods, take steps to prevent scalding (including wearing protective gloves and/or clothing). If you’re uncomfortable checking your own anode rods—which is perfectly normal!—please call us and have one of our plumbers check your anode rod. We can then advise you on whether or not the rod has been spent and needs to be replaced.

Check for drips

Most water heater leaks occur because of faulty or damaged water supply connections. Make it a habit to check around your water heater for leaks and water damage every few weeks. Even a minor leak should be quickly repaired. Just one drip per-minute can equate to a loss of 34 gallons each year!

Rely on the water heater experts at Wagner

The experts at Wagner are here to help you keep your water heater in good working order. Whether the tank is leaking or the system just isn’t working properly, we'll be able to address your water heater maintenance or repair needs. Call us for service here in Albuquerque.