Whether it is washing dishes in hot water, taking a warm shower in the cold winter, or even washing clothing – everyone uses their water heater every single day. Most of us take our water heaters for granted and do not even think about how much we use them.
However, water heaters deserve attention.
In today’s blog post, we will dive into detail on exactly why an efficient water heater is so important for homeowners, tips on water heater maintenance, as well as information on the signs that indicate your water heater needs attention.
Do not hesitate to contact us for any of your HVAC or basic plumbing needs, including water heater maintenance and repairs. Our experienced team of HVAC technicians is one phone call or email away, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Hot water is a vital component of life – which means that every household can greatly benefit from having a working water heater. Of course, an efficient water heater is even more important. Here are some of the most common reasons that answer the question of precisely why an efficient water heater is so important:
Different tasks that require the use of water may not always need it at the same temperature. For instance, while you may need cold water for washing certain clothing items, you need hot water to effectively clean dishes. This helps demonstrate one of the important benefits of an efficient water heater: quick temperature regulation. Switching from cool water to warm or hot in only a few seconds is key to accomplishing many tasks around the home.
An inefficient water heater can take longer to get your water to the temperature it needs to be at. Unfortunately, when this happens, it requires more energy. Increased energy use can significantly drive up the cost of utility bills. As such, ensuring you have an efficient water heater in your home can help promote both energy and cost savings over time.
An efficient water heater means the water will reach the required temperature faster. Some of the other benefits of this have already been discussed, but here is another one: reduced water waste. Yes, water is still used. However, when water reaches the necessary temperature faster, it can be turned off sooner, which ultimately means less water is being wasted.
For instance, imagine waiting only a few seconds for the water in your shower to reach a comfortable warm-to-hot temperature rather than a few minutes. This means you can hop in the shower faster, ultimately get out sooner, and turn the water off.
An efficient water heater can provide reliable access to water. This means several things, including not worrying about:
Although water heaters can work fairly well for a decade or so without much attention at all, engaging in water heater maintenance on a regular basis can help extend the tank’s lifespan significantly. Here are some key tips for water heater maintenance every homeowner should consider:
Water heaters and the connecting pipes can perform significantly better if they have adequate insulation. Thankfully, insulating the pipes and water heater tank is fairly simple to do – even a water heater blanket can help. The insulation makes it easier for the water heater to heat up the water, which can help save money and energy over time. This benefit is especially magnified, and this aspect of maintenance is especially important, if the water heater is in a cool or drafty location in the home. Insulation helps prevent heat loss from the tank.
One of the most important tasks to include in water heater maintenance is to check for leaks regularly. It is important to check for leaks in several areas, including:
Checking for leaks regularly can help detect potential leaks early, which means fixing leaks can be easier and less expensive.
It is important to test the pressure release valve regularly. Issues with the valve can cause pressure to build up to excessive levels in the tank, which may result in performance problems and in the most extreme cases, can cause the tank to explode. The pressure release valve should be on the top or side of the water heater – it will open automatically if the pressure is a bit too high. In order to test the valve, put a bucket just below the water heater’s discharge pipe. After this, gently lift the lever on the valve. It should release some water. If not, the valve should be replaced.
Flushing the water tank and draining it of sediments is a vital water heater maintenance task—one that should be done once or twice a year. Allowing sediment to build up in the tank can reduce the water heater's efficiency and thus cause higher energy bills, as well as put additional strain on the system itself.
To drain sediments from the tank, simply open the drain valve slowly with a bucket underneath. Draining two to three gallons of water should be enough to get rid of the sediments but continue draining until the water runs without any particles in it.
General inspections are a great first step when it comes to water heater maintenance. Some of the tasks to perform as part of the general inspection include checking:
Part of every water heater maintenance routine should include lowering the temperature when you are going to be away for any extended length of time, as it can help save on energy and reduce stress on the water heater system. Many water heaters have a vacation function for this very reason – though you can always do it manually. In both cases, be sure to turn it back up when you return.
Although regular water heater maintenance can help avoid many potential issues, there will still be cases in which your water heater will need attention. With this in mind, here are some of the major signs to look out for:
If you notice any water spots on the floor or other signs of a leak in your home, including under the sinks, it may be a sign that there is a leak related to your water heater. You can conduct a visual inspection to see if you are able to find the source of the leak. Of course, whether you find the leak or not, a call to a licensed plumber for repair services is typically necessary.
There are several reasons you may be dealing with foul smelling or tasting water. One of these reasons is, of course, an issue with your water heater. Thus, if you are smelling rotten eggs when you run the tap or if the water tastes a bit metallic, be sure to check your water heater. Both can be signs of bacteria in the water. Another potential reason is that it is time for you to have the anode rod replaced.
Water discolouration, particularly when it is discoloured hot water, is an obvious sign that your water heater needs attention. In most cases, it is an indicator that you need to drain the water tank of sediments that have built up at the bottom of the tank. If doing so does not solve the issue, or if you are uncomfortable with performing this task, calling a licensed plumber is a great option.
If your water heater is producing an inconsistent water temperature, such as if the temperature suddenly spikes during a shower or if hot water runs out quickly with no clear explanation, your water heater needs some attention. This symptom is most notable during a shower or bath, but the same result can be seen from any tap in your home – be sure to check them all and then call a plumber with thorough information on the issue.
Any kind of unusual noise, such as hissing, banging, clanking, and rumbling, coming from your water heater tank is a clear indicator that something is wrong. This particular sign that your water heater needs attention is one that often requires a licensed plumber to accurately diagnose and fix the issue.
If the tank is hot to the touch, it can indicate several potential issues with your water heater system, including:
While you may be able to drain sediment yourself if you are comfortable, calling a plumber for assistance is often recommended for a water heater tank that is too hot to comfortably touch.
Do not hesitate to contact us for any of your HVAC or basic plumbing needs, including water heater maintenance and repairs. Our experienced team of HVAC technicians is one phone call or email away, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
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