Did you know that your water heater is probably the most important appliance in your home? We know that the fridge has all your tasty meals, your dishwasher keeps your kitchen clean, and your washer and dryer keep you looking sharp. Your water heater uses the most energy in your home though—nearly 17%.
If you don’t take care of your water heater, you’re going to notice that it starts to wear down on your home’s efficiency. We’re a team who can find you the right plumber in Landsdale, PA, when you need professional service. Let’s figure out if you’re doing anything that actually hurts your water heater today.
You’re Hurting Your Water Heater If…
Here are a few signs that you might be hurting your water heater.
1. You’re Allowing Sediment To Build Up
If you have a traditional tank water heater, then you should be flushing your water heater annually. This is because there’s a natural amount of mineral content that’s in your municipal water supply. The two most common minerals are calcium and magnesium. Although these don’t adversely effect you as a person, they are going to negatively impact your water heater.
This is because the minerals eventually have to settle. When they do, they inevitably settle at the bottom of the tank. When the minerals heat up and cool off over time, they form a hard layer at the bottom of your tank that’s difficult for your water heater to power through.
2. There’s Excess Internal Pressure
Your water heater has a pressure relief valve put in place specifically to release pressure from building inside the water heater. If you take a look at your water heater and notice that the valve has worn down over time, then your water heater is at great risk of malfunctioning.
3. You’re Noticing Rust and Corrosion
Have you noticed that your water is discolored or tasting a little funky? You might notice the following when you’re dealing with rust or corrosion.
- Literal rust—small flecks in your home’s water
- Discolored water (the most common colors are yellow, red, or orange)
- Foul-smelling water
- Nasty tasting water
This happens because most water heater tanks are made of steel. Although manufacturers use this material because it’s long-lasting, it can corrode over time. If you’ve had your water heater for a significant amount of time, then corrosion might be a problem.
How To Help Your Water Heater
Okay, so now that you’ve read through everything above, you’re starting to realize that you might be hurting your water heater. This is bad news, but it doesn’t have to be a doomsday situation. Obviously, you can change your habits right after reading through this blog.
Beyond that though, you might be wondering how to avoid future water heater nightmares. The answer is always finding a professional for water heater service. There’s a lot of risk in going to anyone but a professional for your water heater care. We’re the professionals who get it right.
Contact Platinum Plumbing & Heating, Inc. when you need professional water heater care.