Water Heater Maintenance

Water Heater Maintenance: Ensuring Efficiency and Longevity

Maintaining your water heater is crucial for ensuring it operates safely, efficiently, and is long-lasting. The professional plumbers at Smoak’s Comfort Control specialize in comprehensive water heater services, including water heater maintenance for electric and gas water heaters, hybrid water heaters, traditional tank water heaters, and the increasingly popular tankless water heaters. Our team of professional and highly skilled plumbers can help you keep your hot water flowing smoothly.

Traditional Tank Water Heaters: Essential Maintenance Tips

Traditional tank water heaters are a staple in many Lowcountry homes, providing a reliable source of hot water. However, to ensure their longevity and efficiency, regular water heater maintenance is critical.

1. Regular Inspections and Cleaning
A thorough inspection of your water heater by a professional plumber can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Our plumbing services include:

• Check the tank for signs of corrosion or leaks.
• Inspecting the gas valve and pressure relief valves to ensure they function correctly.
• Cleaning sediment from the tank to improve efficiency.

This routine care helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and maintains the water heater’s efficiency.

2. Anode Rod Replacement
The anode rod is crucial for preventing corrosion inside the tank. Our plumbers can check and replace this rod to extend the life of your water heater. This rod attracts corrosive elements in the water, protecting the tank walls from corrosion. Regular checks can identify when it’s time for a replacement, usually every few years, depending on water quality.

3. Temperature and Pressure Checks
Ensuring the temperature and pressure settings are optimal can not only save energy but also prevent damage. Adjustments made by our experts can help you save money on electricity bills. Incorrect pressure can lead to tank damage or even explosions, while the right temperature setting prevents scalding and minimizes energy waste.

4. Drain and Flush the System
Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank, affecting the water heater’s performance. Regular draining and flushing by a skilled plumber can solve this issue, maintaining the unit’s efficiency. This process involves draining the tank thoroughly to remove any sediment or buildup, improving heating efficiency and extending the unit’s lifespan.

5. Thermostat Calibration
Proper calibration of the water heater’s thermostat ensures that the water temperature is optimal, providing comfort while maximizing energy efficiency. Incorrect temperature settings can lead to unnecessarily high energy bills or insufficient hot water. Our plumbers are adept at accurately calibrating thermostats, ensuring your water heater delivers hot water at the desired temperature efficiently. Not only does this help to save energy, but it also prevents the risk of scalding, making it a critical aspect of water heater maintenance.

6. Leak Detection and Repair
Water leaks from a tank water heater can lead to significant water damage and loss of efficiency. Early detection and repair of leaks are crucial in preventing water damage to your home and ensuring the efficient operation of your water heater. Our plumbing experts are skilled in identifying and repairing leaks, whether they originate from the tank itself, the plumbing connections, or the pressure relief valve. Regular maintenance checks include a thorough inspection for any signs of moisture or leaks, ensuring that your water heater remains in optimal condition and your home stays dry and damage-free.

Tankless Water Heaters: Essential Maintenance Tips

Tankless water heaters, including electric and gas tankless water heaters, offer a more energy-efficient solution for providing hot water. Their maintenance, however, requires a different business approach.

1. Annual Servicing

We recommend maintaining your tankless water heater once a year to remove mineral buildup that can affect performance. We specialize in keeping traditional and tankless units operating at peak efficiency. This service includes checking all connections, cleaning the filters, and ensuring the unit is calibrated correctly for optimal performance.

2. Heat Exchanger Maintenance

The heat exchanger is a vital component of tankless water heaters. Our service includes checking and cleaning the heat exchanger to prevent issues and extend the unit’s lifespan. Lime and scale buildup can significantly reduce efficiency and lead to overheating; thus, regular maintenance is essential for the health of your tankless water heater.

3. Inspecting and Cleaning the Air and Water Filters

Regular inspections and cleaning of your tankless water heater’s air and water filters are essential for preventing blockages that can reduce efficiency. These filters protect the unit from debris and ensure that the water and air flow freely, which is crucial for the operation of tankless water heaters.

4. Gas Valve and Burner Check

Ensuring the gas valve and burner function correctly for gas tankless water heaters is essential. Our technicians can perform these checks, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Proper maintenance ensures the gas burns cleanly and efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide issues and improving the unit’s overall efficiency.

5. Checking for Error Codes

Modern tankless water heaters often display error codes that can indicate various issues. Our professional plumbers are skilled in diagnosing and fixing these problems, ensuring your unit runs smoothly. Understanding these codes allows quick troubleshooting and repair, minimizing downtime and ensuring a consistent hot water supply.

6. Flushing to Remove Scale and Sediment Buildup

Especially in areas with hard water, scale buildup can be a significant issue for tankless water heaters. Our plumbing services include flushing the system to remove this buildup, protecting the heat exchanger, and ensuring efficient operation. This process involves circulating a descaling solution through the unit to dissolve mineral deposits, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.