If you live in an area with hard water, consider having your water heater serviced every six months. Tankless water heaters require less maintenance than ones with a tank. Still, the hot water system should be flushed each year to prevent sediment buildup caused by lime and mineral deposits.
Hot Water Tanks
Once every 6 months, it's recommended to flush, clean, and inspect your hot water tank for any possible damages. If you are starting to notice strange tastes or odours coming from the tank, stop using it and check it immediately.
Water heater maintenance consists of flushing the unit, checking and changing the anode rod if needed, inspecting for rust or leaks, and testing the thermostat and valves. The flush is the most important step of water heater maintenance, and something you do not want to skip.
Without regular maintenance, the water heater will become less and less efficient, costing homeowners more and more money — far more than the cost of yearly maintenance. But it's not always easy to know when to schedule maintenance or what signs to look out for that the water heater needs some care.
You can flush your water heater yourself if it's done on a regular basis. This guide will take you through the steps to drain and flush a gas or electric water heater. Learning how to clean a water heater is an essential part of maintaining your plumbing system.
Flushing and cleaning the tank is a common service that can cost $75 to $250, while flushing/descaling a tankless water heater can run up to $300. But a tune-up, which can also prevent major repairs, goes from $100 to $500.
Never perform do-it-yourself water heater repair! However, there are one or two smaller preventative maintenance tasks that you could do. These tasks keep your system in good condition and minimize repairs: Flush your water tank at least once every six months and test the pressure relief valve.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it's probably reaching the end of its lifespan. Most conventional electric hot water tanks will last 10-15 years maximum. Gas-powered hot water tanks usually breakdown after 8-10 years, while tankless water heaters can last over 15 years with regular maintenance.
Keep an eye out for debris suddenly showing up in your water. If you notice sediment or any brown sludge coming out of your faucet, that's probably an indication that it's time for a water heater flush. If you see any of these signs, it's a good indication that your water heater needs maintenance.
Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.
But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems.
Proper water tank maintenance is crucial to ensure that the water you consume and use is clean and safe. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a range of problems, including water contamination and tank damage.
It's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both Bob Vila and Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water (that has high mineral content), Angi recommends you may want to drain it every six months, or so.
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
The Lifestory Research 2024 America's Most Trusted® Water Heater ranking is based on 6,547 opinions of people surveyed in the United States over the last 12 months. The most trusted water heater brands in order were Bosch, Whirlpool, Rheem, GE, Kenmore, AO Smith, Ruud, Bradford White, and Rinnai.
Accordingly, when the water heater is not flushed, the built-up sediment hampers the functioning and performance of the heater and also damages the heater and your plumbing system.
The Home Depot uses plumbers that are local, licensed and background-checked, and who are able to repair all makes and models of water heaters. They can also offer same-day repairs if you need immediate help. For immediate assistance, call 855-400-2552, or visit our water heater repair services online.
If your water heater unexpectedly bursts or leaks, the water damage caused by the leak will usually be covered by homeowners insurance. However, repairs or replacement of the water heater itself will not be covered.
If you notice anything that seems off about your water heater, it's best to contact a reliable plumber to take a look. Postponing potential issues will only allow them to worsen.
It is certainly possible for a water heater to increase your utility bill. Several factors can reduce the efficiency, including a unit that is too small, too old, bad water, or an incorrectly set thermostat can increase the energy bill. Leaks and long pipes can increase your water usage.
If so, you're probably wondering how much a maintenance visit will cost you. The cost of water heater maintenance ranges from $75 to $300+, depending on the following factors: What the plumber checks during a maintenance visit. Whether you choose a single visit or an annual maintenance plan.