Should I Have My Water Heater Inspected?

Many homeowners view their water heater as a set-it-and-forget-it appliance. However, like any other machine, the water heater needs routine inspection and maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently and safely and doesn’t suddenly break down on you. Let’s look at why regular water heater maintenance isn’t something you should ignore.

Prolong Your Water Heater’s Lifespan

Water heaters aren’t cheap, and regular inspections can extend their lifespan significantly. Most water heaters fail prematurely because of minor undiagnosed or ignored issues, leading the homeowner to scramble to find a fast replacement.

Over time, sediment buildup, corrosion, and other issues develop within the tank, causing it to work harder to heat water efficiently, thus reducing its lifespan. Scheduling routine inspections, a professional can identify and fix these minor issues before they escalate and bring the whole system down.

Lower Utility Bills

The typical water heater works on either gas or electricity and neglecting it can significantly impact your fuel expenses. As a water heater ages and accumulates sediment and mineral deposits, it becomes less energy efficient. Inefficient water heaters use more energy to heat the same amount of water, leading to higher gas or electric bills.

Moreover, some water heaters may develop faulty thermostats or heating elements, causing them to overheat the water, wasting energy, and driving up energy costs.

According to Energy.gov, the water heater is your home’s second-largest utility expense, so it’s essential to save every penny where you can.

Prevent Dangerous Leaks or Explosions

Another reason to schedule regular water heater maintenance is to protect you and your family by preventing leaks or potential explosions. As water heaters age, the pressure in the tank can increase because of sediment buildup, causing the tank to weaken and leading to leaks. And while explosions are rare, there’s no reason to take the chance.

During routine maintenance, the professional inspector will check the tank’s structural integrity, the pressure relief valve, and other safety features. They will also identify potential weaknesses or signs of corrosion that could cause the tank to fail and let you know so you can have it repaired or replaced before disaster strikes.

Maintain Quality

Neglecting your water heater can negatively impact your water quality. Sediment and mineral buildup in the tank can lead to discolored or foul-smelling water. Additionally, bacteria thrive in warm environments, which could contaminate your water supply.

Regular inspections and maintenance include flushing the tank to remove buildups to ensure the water is clear and odor-free.

Call Atlantic Coast Water Clinic

Atlantic Coast Water Clinic is the premier water quality specialist in Martin, St. Lucine, and Indian River, Florida. We install and service water softeners, drinking water filters, specialty systems, odor and color removal systems, and reverse osmosis filters to give you the cleanest, healthiest water for your family.

Get in touch with us today for a free water test at 772-283-4767.