March 25, 2014
Around the house: Hot Water Heater Check Ups
It plays a crucial part in your everyday living. Without it, showering, washing dishes and cleaning clothes becomes nearly impossible. We’re talking about a hot water heater, the simple appliance that adds comfort and reliability in your home.
Most people underestimate the need for routine water heater checkups because they assume their system is working fine. But, hot running water does not always indicate the hot water heater is being properly maintained. Systems that go more than a year without a checkup can be susceptible to water damage, scalding water, carbon monoxide contamination and electrical shock.
The most common cause of water heater damage results from sediment buildup in the tank. Sediment, known as scale, is caused from the heating of minerals in the water. If enough sediment accumulates, it will eventually clog the drain valve and can cause the water heater to overheat. Sediment also reduces the amount of hot water available and can cause discoloration. Applewood recommends a system flush to reduce the risk of permanent damage, ensure proper operation and to increase efficiency and safety.
Sediment buildup is more common in areas with hard water. Hardness of water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium concentrations in the water. Denver and its surrounding suburbs have hard water that tends to form scale. This is especially true for older neighborhoods. Denver’s water is also slightly harder in the winter, when many lakes and streams freeze.
Leaks caused from corroded water supply connections can corrode and destroy the outside of the heater while rust can build inside the heater if parts are not replaced regularly. High water pressure can damage the heater and cause the pressure valve to work incorrectly. System checks can alleviate some of these repairs and increase the longevity of your hot water heater. The key is having maintenance done before an issue arises.
Applewood offers a 14-point water heater check up that includes a sediment flush for tanks less than 10 years old, a burner cleaning and water heater thermostat and water pressure check. Applewood will also inspect all emergency shut-off valves, inlets and outlets of the water heater and all visible gas lines.
If you haven’t had your hot water heater checked within the past year, now is the time to call. Don’t wait until your hot water stops flowing or becomes discolored. Take care of your water heating system so you can keep your home clean and comfortable.