Having hot water available at the turn of the faucet is one of life's essential conveniences. But like any appliance, your water heater requires regular maintenance and care for optimal performance. Preventative maintenance from qualified water heater contractors can help maximize the lifespan of your unit, minimize repairs, and save you money in both the short and long run. Read on to learn how proper water heater servicing keeps more cash in your wallet.

Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

With routine TLC from water heater contractors, you can keep your unit in good working order for years. Preventative maintenance helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major ones. Something as simple as a yearly flush, cleaning, and inspection allows contractors to spot potential problems early. This helps you avoid catastrophic failures, extensive repairs, or premature replacement. According to Home Depot, the average cost for water heater installation is between $1,600 to $5,400. So you can see how extending the life just a few years through maintenance pays for itself quickly in replacement savings.

Improve Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills

When sediment and mineral buildup collect inside the tank, it causes your water heater to work harder and use more energy. Annual drains and flushes by water heater contractors keep the interior clear of these deposits. Your water heater doesn't have to work as hard, which translates into lowered monthly energy bills. In our experience, energy savings of anywhere from 5% to 15% are typical after a thorough maintenance cleaning.

Reduce the Risk of Leaks and Water Damage

One of the most severe water heater emergencies is a burst tank. Long before a catastrophic failure, minor leaks often appear at plumbing fittings and valves. During preventative servicing, water heater contractors inspect all connections for corrosion and wear. They can proactively repair any compromised fittings or pipe elbows. This eliminates leaks before they happen and avoids major water damage. From what we have seen, even a small leak can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your home over just a few days. The extensive flooding damage costs far exceed that of preventative servicing.

Diagnose Issues Early

Skilled water heater contractors don't just clean and flush your unit. They can also perform a comprehensive inspection of all components. They check that burner flames are the proper size and color, units aren't overheating or leaking exhaust, pressure relief valves aren't dripping, and thermostat and heating elements are functioning. Any potential problems get flagged early on before turning into breakdowns. Early diagnosis coupled with prompt repairs maximizes the chances of your water heater recovering versus requiring replacement.

Validate Your Warranty Coverage

In our experience, most residential water heaters come with manufacturer warranties of five to 12 years. However, a commonly overlooked clause is that annual maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid. If you ever need to file a claim down the road, a lack of servicing records can make your warranty null and void. Protect your investment and avoid any issues by having water heater contractors handle maintenance and provide detailed invoices and paperwork.

Lower the Risk of Hazardous Situations

Neglected water heaters create some dangerous scenarios. Sediment buildup forces the unit to overwork and potentially overheat. Important safety valves become clogged. Flue exhaust can leak into living spaces. Leaks can lead to mold, mildew, and even structural water damage. Thorough maintenance virtually eliminates these hazards by identifying and correcting any deficiencies. Your family stays protected and your home avoids detrimental issues.

Prevent Major Issues

As we've discussed, there are several issues that you can encounter with your water heater. Without regular maintenance from water heater contractors, there is always the potential to run into expensive repairs that can create expenses you didn't think of. From water damage along the walls to burst pipes, there's a lot to consider when you prevent major issues.

Regular preventative maintenance from skilled water heater contractors provides huge dividends for homeowners. Not only does it extend the lifespan of your appliance, but it saves money through improved efficiency, reduced repairs, and avoided replacement costs. Just as importantly, it enhances safety and gives you assurance that this home essential won't fail when you need it most. Don't wait until there's an issue. Be proactive with annual water heater servicing. The investment will pay for itself many times over. Call AM PM Plumbing if you're looking to have water heater maintenance, repairs, or installation completed.