heater Archives - Maxwell-White Plumbing

Is Water Heater Maintenance Really Necessary?

Avoid Getting Caught Without Hot Water!

Hot water heater maintenance is one of those things that’s easy to leave off the to-do list. As long as there’s hot water coming out of the faucets, most homeowners don’t give it much of a thought. However, water heater maintenance is essential for maintaining a well-functioning and efficient hot water heater for as long as possible.

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. Read on to learn about water heater maintenance and signs of water heater troubles.

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

There are many benefits to routine water heater maintenance, but the biggest and most obvious one is the continued use of the water heater with fewer issues. The more often homeowners skip yearly maintenance, the more likely the heater will fail. While this may not happen immediately (or even very quickly), the water heater will suffer if maintenance is skipped. Plus, some water heater warranties require proof of yearly maintenance. So, if something happens to the heater without proof of maintenance, it could void the warranty.

Routine maintenance helps extend the life of the unit. Water heaters generally last anywhere from 10 to 15 years (around 20 years for tankless water heaters), and yearly maintenance is essential to getting the full life out of the water heater. Maintenance also helps the appliance operate more efficiently, helping homeowners spend less on energy bills.

What Water Heater Maintenance Entails

It’s essential to know what happens during water heater maintenance to understand its importance. One thing that gets done during maintenance is the flushing of the tank. During the normal operation of a water heater, sediment and minerals build up inside the unit. This is true for both tankless water heaters and traditional storage water heaters. So, flushing a water heater removes that buildup, allowing for more efficient heating and helps prevent tank corrosion.

An anode rod is also used in water heaters to help prevent the tank from corroding. However, it must be replaced occasionally to continue protecting the water heater, so a plumber will check it during a maintenance visit and replace it if necessary. They will also check the pressure, temperature, and all the valves and connections to ensure that the water heater continues to operate correctly and efficiently.

Signs the Water Heater Is Failing

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important for homeowners to know the signs that a water heater is failing and needs service. One sign is strange noises coming from the water heater. It may just be a signal the tank should be flushed, but it could be due to a more significant problem.

Discolored or bad-smelling hot water is also a sign of something wrong with the water heater. This may point to a corroded tank. Inconsistent temperatures or a lack of hot water is another sign of trouble. Finally, if the water heater is too old or needs frequent repairs, it’s likely time to replace it.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly 30 years of expertise serving West Salem and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, the latest technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water heater repair or maintenance in West Salem, WI.

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Does the Hot Water Heater Need Repair or Replacement?

Three Signs of a Broken Water Heater

A failing water heater can mean more than just cold showers. It can cause stress and high utility bills. But homeowners don’t have to live in uncertainty any longer. One can breathe easier by knowing the signs that a water heater has issues and may need replacement or repair. Some signs that it’s time to have a professional inspect the system include the following:

Loud Noises Coming From the Appliance

Ideally, the home’s water heater shouldn’t make any loud noise. If someone hears any sounds like these from the water heater, they should consult a plumber:

Screeching: Pressure can build up inside a water heater, creating an unpleasant screeching or hissing sound. A professional can run a diagnostic test and get to the root of the problem.
Rumbling or popping: Sediment can build up inside a water heater over time. If too much sediment builds up inside a water heater tank without maintenance, it can make sounds like these. The system must be drained and flushed and may need a new anode rod. This component attracts sediment from the water heater tank to prevent corrosion.

Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water

There’s nothing worse than reddish, cloudy, or brown water that smells bad coming from the tap. Some reasons behind this can include:

A faulty anode rod: As noted, an anode rod attracts sediment from the water heater. This piece may need replacing, leading to foul-smelling (or looking) water.
Rust and corrosion: Many water heaters rely on storage tanks. If a tank begins to rust and corrode, it could affect the smell and look of the home’s hot water. The corrosion may also be in the pipes.
Leaks: When most people think of leaks, they imagine water escaping the plumbing system. However, leaks can also let contamination into the system, affecting the water.

If one notices foul-smelling or discolored water from their plumbing fixtures, they should call a plumber immediately. It’s likely an issue with the water heater if the foul smell and odd look of water occur with the hot water.

A Leaking Water Heater

Leaks around the home’s water heater are another apparent sign of a problem with it. In addition to wet spots around the appliance, one may also notice:

Mold and mildew growth
Soggy drywall
Higher-than-average water bills
Poor water pressure

Reasons for leaks in the water heater may include corrosion and rust, age, and wear and tear. Yet, whatever the reason for a water heater leak, one should consult a professional. Leaks do not get better with time. The longer these problems last, the worse the issue could become.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water heater repair or installations in West Salem, WI.

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Get a New Water Heater and Start the New Year Off Right

The Benefits of a New Water Heater Installation

Nothing beats a hot shower to drive away the cold of the winter, and despite the excitement of the new year, there is still plenty of winter left to make it through. Year after year, the water heater provides reliable and comfortable hot water but eventually, it will leave the family out in the cold. The winter time is not the season to take that risk, so homeowners should consider water heater replacements during the cold season.

Replacing the water heater is a decision that should be carefully considered to make sure it’s the right time. Here is some advice from local experts regarding water heater replacement that can ensure that homeowners make the right decision at the right time. Read on to learn the benefits of upgrading the water heater in the coming year.

Efficiency and Water Heating Cost

It’s no secret that energy bills are on the rise. Whether a water heater is powered by fossil fuels or electricity, chances are that it is costing more money than ever to heat water for the home. Another fact that is less well known is that water heaters lose efficiency every year they are in service. This means that over the course of five years, a water heater can cost more to heat the same amount of water.

A new water heater restores lost efficiency and thus lowers utility bills. Instead of struggling to keep up with bills, consider a water heater an investment. A new water heater will likely pay for itself during its lifetime in saved energy.

Get Hot Water Faster

Every water heater manufacturer is constantly striving to put new innovations out on the market. This results in better and better water heaters every time homeowners need to upgrade. Generally, homeowners will only need to install a new water heater around every 10 years, so each time this occurs, homeowners will have more options to choose from.

When shopping for a new water heater, homeowners may come across the term ‘hot water recovery rate.’ This refers to a water heater’s ability to replenish its supply of hot water after it has been depleted. A higher recovery rate indicates the appliance can produce more hot water in shorter periods and with fewer interruptions compared to a water heater with a lower rating.

Investing in a new water heater with a higher hot water recovery rate means a family can enjoy consistent access to hot showers or baths without worrying about running out of hot water. This benefit is especially important in households with multiple bathrooms since hot water usage is typically higher, and the recovery rate will be heavily relied upon.

Save Space With a Tankless Water Heater

In many homes, space is an issue. Today’s water heaters are more efficient than their predecessors and can save a great deal of space. This is especially true for tankless water heaters, which require far less real estate than traditional units. These highly compact units can be mounted to a wall, freeing up valuable storage space that would have otherwise been taken up by a bulky hot water tank. This makes them ideal for tight spaces such as garages, basements, and closets.

Additionally, since these units are only activated when hot water is required, they will not only save space but also help reduce energy bills. With all these advantages, it is no wonder why more and more people are turning to tankless water heaters as their go-to solution. For homeowners that need to save space and are conscious of their water heating bills, a tankless water heater is a great choice.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly three decades of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and the latest technology. Call them today for water heater and tankless water heater services in West Salem, WI.