While most of us need a jolt to get going in the morning, such as a nice cup of joe, few want a freezing shower that will give them a nice dose of reality. Unfortunately, this is the moment many homeowners finally consider their water heaters. Since these appliances are tucked away in a utility closet, garage, or basement, they usually get ignored until something goes wrong. A little maintenance knowledge goes a long way in making sure you never have to shiver through a shampoo session.
Listening for the Clues of Trouble
Your water heater will try to talk to you if something is wrong, so you should definitely listen when it starts making noise. If you hear a popping or rumbling sound coming from the tank, it usually means that a layer of sediment has settled at the bottom. This gunk is made of minerals from your water that get baked onto the bottom of the tank. This creates tiny pockets of steam that pop like popcorn. This buildup acts like a thick blanket that makes the heater work much harder to warm the water. That extra heat can eventually cause the metal to crack. If you have “hard water,” you need to flush your tank once a year.
The Magic of the Anode Rod
Inside every traditional tank sits a secret weapon called an anode rod that is literally designed to get destroyed so that your tank stays whole. This long metal stick attracts the tiny electrical currents and minerals that would otherwise eat holes in the steel walls of your heater. Think of it like a lightning rod for rust. If you check this rod every few years and replace it when it looks like a chewed-up piece of corn on the cob, you can easily double the life of your heater. Most homeowners have no idea that this part even exists, but spending a few dollars on a new rod is much better than spending over a thousand dollars on a brand-new tank because the bottom rusted out.
Testing for Safety and Pressure
All tank models have a special valve called a temperature and pressure relief valve. This component makes sure your water heater does not double as a rocket. If the water gets too hot or the pressure builds up too much, this valve opens up to let some water out so that the tank stays safe. During a maintenance session, a plumber will test this valve to make sure it is not faulty. If the valve does not open easily or if water continues dripping after the test, it will need to be replaced. Having a broken valve is a serious safety hazard.
It is vital that you schedule regular maintenance. Experts recommend having your unit serviced once each year to catch any hidden issues. If it has been more than a year since you had a service call, call Jordan Air to schedule water heater repair and maintenance services in Athens, GA.
