Water Heater Maintenance Services

Like any plumbing device or fixture, your water heater can break down over time.

Preventing this is much easier if you understand the basics of proper maintenance.

Our team at Perfect Home Services will gladly answer any questions you may have about this topic. 

The Essentials of Hot Water Heater Upkeep

It’s important to understand that the proper upkeep methods for a water heater will vary depending on what kind you have. For example, a tankless model will have different specific maintenance needs than a standard tank-based unit, also known as a conventional storage unit.

That’s why it helps to coordinate with professionals. Our technicians understand how to maintain each unit based on its individual needs.

In the meantime, the following are key tips worth keeping in mind:

Drain the Tank

A few times a year, you should drain about a quarter of the water in your hot water heater’s tank, assuming you have a tank-based unit.

This serves to remove debris that can settle at the bottom, impacting the unit’s overall performance. To do so, turn off the water supply and connect a hose from the drain valve to a bucket, draining the water until you see that it’s fairly clear.

Be careful during this process, as the water will be very hot, and you could hurt yourself if you’re exposed to it.

Turn the Temperature Down

Do you have any plans to be away from home for three days or longer?

If so, turn the temperature down to its lowest setting. This reduces the amount of energy the unit uses, extending its lifespan and saving you a lot of money on energy bills.

Listen to the Tank

When sediment and debris settle to the bottom of your tank, they can harm the overall unit.

You may notice some banging sounds coming from your water heater when sediment begins to accumulate.

If you notice any of these sounds, contact a repair professional sooner rather than later.

What Happens During a Water Heater Tune-Up?

To ensure your water heater stays in good condition, you should have annual water heater inspections and tune-ups. Regular maintenance helps you stay on top of potential issues and repairs. Have a professional plumber perform the examination. Plumbers know what to look for to confirm your water heater's quality and condition.

During a water heater tune-up, the professional visiting your home will:

• Check your home's water pressure.
• Drain and flush the tank to get rid of sediment.
• Test the pressure relief, gas and water valves.
• Inspect the tank and faucets in your home for leaks.
• Check the temperature thermostat.
• Examine water heater parts.

The exact components that get checked during your water heater maintenance service depend on the type of water heater you have at home.

Importance of Water Heater Inspections

Your water heater is your source of hot water. Staying updated with its maintenance allows you to enjoy its benefits for a long time before eventually replacing it. Every hot water heater tune-up you get over the years will help you extend the heater's longevity. While you could inspect your water heater, it's best to schedule annual inspections with a technician.

Unless you have a lot of experience working with hot water heaters, there’s a good chance you may not be entirely familiar with some of the problems that can develop when one starts to fail. Technicians have proper training, education and experience working with water heaters. When they complete inspections, they’ll confirm your unit is in good shape, and they’ll help fix the problem if they identify any issues.

Why Choose Us for Your Water Heater Maintenance Services?

Serving the Chicagoland region for more than 30 years, the technicians at Perfect Home Services will help you keep your water heater in the best possible shape, saving you a lot of money in the long run. If you need a new unit, we’ll install it.