Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. Without it, you can’t take hot showers, warm up cold water at the tap, or do anything else that needs a large amount of hot water.
Of course, your water heater is also one of the most expensive appliances in your home, both to replace and to run.
Here are 10 of the most common water heater repair mistakes that cost money – especially if you don’t fix them immediately.
You Don’t Get Regular Maintenance
All water heaters need regular maintenance from a trained technician. This maintenance can address a wide range of issues and is critical for spotting water heater failures as early as possible.
At the bare minimum, you should plan an annual maintenance and inspection appointment for your water heater. Some water heaters recommend getting an inspection as often as every six months.
You Notice A Weird Smell Around Your Water Heater And Don’t Do Anything
Water heaters are essentially large reservoirs of water inside your home. Like any pool of water, they can get contaminated with bacteria and algae, which create an odd smell. You might notice it around your water heater first, but eventually, hot water out of the tap will also smell off.
If you notice a strange smell near your water heater, temporarily increasing the temperature for a few hours is the easiest solution. Then, bring the temp back down to normal. The smell should dissipate in a day or two. If it doesn’t go away after heating the water, you may need to heat it again or it might be time to call in the professionals.
You Ignore Weird Noises In Your Water Heater
Weird noises can be a common sign of sediment buildup in the bottom of your water tank. Sediment can impede heat transfer, burn out the heating element, along with causing other problems. If you start hearing weird noises, it’s time to call for a professional to inspect your water heater.
You Don’t Pay Attention To Small Leaks
Some condensation on the sides and bottom of your water heater can be normal and cause what looks like a small leak. However, ignoring the signs of a leak in your water heater can cost you hundreds of dollars in additional utility costs. Not to mention the increased risk of water damage from such leaks.
Your Water Heater Is In A Crowded Area
Putting your water heater in a crowded area can cause many problems. For one thing, the heat from water heaters with tanks can damage the things around it. It’s also a maintenance concern since you might not have full access to the parts of the heater that need to be assessed.
You Hired An Amateur Water Heater Repair Person
Hiring an amateur repair person can sometimes seem like a good idea, especially if they give you a good deal on the cost of the appointment. However, small mistakes can become big expenses if your repair goes wrong.
It’s always best to stick with the professionals for any big home repair & maintenance jobs you need done.
You’ve Never Flushed Your Water Heater
Draining water heaters is important in maintaining them. The main benefit of flushing them is that the water carries most of the sediment and buildup on the inside of the water heater, restoring normal function and helping prevent mineral buildup that can cause problems later.
Not Performing Warranty-Required Maintenance
Did you know that your home’s water heater’s warranty likely includes maintenance provisions? If you don’t do regular maintenance on your water heater you can void the warranty – not to mention that failure to maintain your water heater makes it more likely to fail during the warranty period!
Skipping Anode Rod Repair
The anode rod in your water heater is there to help prevent sediment buildup and mineral deposits by attracting them to a specific place. It’s also called a sacrificial rod because it is quickly eroded in your water heater and needs regular replacement to keep working.
You Haven’t Considered Getting A Newer Water Heater
Water heaters can last a long time, but if you have an older model in your home, it might be time for an upgrade, even if it’s still working well. That’s because newer models of water heaters are more efficient, saving you money in the long term.
Also, switching to a tankless water heater can lower your utility bills giving you a water heater likely to last twice as long as tank versions.
Need Water Heater Maintenance, Replacement, Or Repair?
Stephens is here to help. Contact us or schedule an appointment today to begin the process and receive a free estimate.