Top 4 Reasons to Get Your Water Heater Inspected
Most people never think about their water heater until there’s a problem. However, regular maintenance and inspections are essential to keep minor problems from escalating and ensure your water system is healthy and runs efficiently. If you’ve never thought about calling a professional for routine water heater inspections, here are 4 reasons you should.
It Maintains Safety
You’ve probably heard a story about someone’s water heater exploding and shooting through the roof of their house. Fortunately, that’s an urban legend. But that’s not to say that water heaters can’t be dangerous if you don’t keep them well-maintained and perform regular inspections. Here are the most common dangers associated with water heaters.
Leaks
One of the worst things that can happen when a water heater is neglected is the tank corrodes and fails, dumping water all over the floor. Depending on where the system is, you could end up with soaked carpets and damaged personal items, some of which can never be replaced. Moreover, once the room has flooded, there’s a risk of mold if you don’t get rid of the water quickly.
Carbon Monoxide
If you have a gas water heater that’s failing, it could release carbon monoxide into the house. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and has been called a silent killer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 420 people die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 100,000 people visit the emergency room from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
It Maintains Efficiency
Most water heater problems result from mineral deposits and sediment that build up in the tank over time. Sediment buildup lowers the system’s efficiency and can cause it to fail prematurely. Routine maintenance and inspection include flushing the tank to remove these deposits and keep your system healthy.
Another benefit of an efficient water heater is lower utility bills. See, when sediment builds up in the tank, the heating elements work harder to heat the water to the preferred temperature, translating to higher utility bills.
It Prolongs the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
Installing a new water heater isn’t cheap, so it’s wise to get the longest useful life out of your system as possible. The best way to keep your system running for as long as possible is with routine inspections to identify problems so you can fix them before they cause water heater failure.
It Keeps You In Compliance
Depending on where you live and whether you’re in a residential or commercial setting, regulations, and codes may govern water heater installations and inspections. For example, there might be a requirement about where you can install a water heater, how it must be vented, and what type of insulation is required. Failing to comply with regulations and codes could result in fines and create a safety hazard. Professional water heater inspectors know the regulations and codes in your area and can ensure you’re always in compliance.
How Often Do I Need an Inspection?
Most experts agree that annual inspections and maintenance are sufficient for maintaining a healthy, efficient water heater. Also, it’s recommended that you call a trained professional for this because they know what to look for and can detect issues a layperson may not be aware of. A typical inspection includes:
- Flushing the tank
- Inspecting the components
- Check for corrosion
- Testing the pressure relief valve
- Checking the anode rod
- Checking the connections
- Testing the thermostat
Our Water Filtration Systems Can Help
As mentioned, hard water will wreak havoc on water heaters. But, installing a water softener or filtration system can prevent many hard water-related problems and sediment buildup.
Tri-Florida Water Treatment is the company residents in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, and throughout Polk County trust when they want better quality water at home. Call us today for more information or to book a consultation at
863-965-1439.