Did you know that there are common habits that can easily ruin your water heater? Unfortunately, most homeowners do not consider their water heater until there is a problem because of its relative obscurity. This problem usually manifests itself as a lack of hot water when you need it the most or weird noises coming from the tank. While wear and tear can be a factor, particularly if the tank is old, there are certain habits that a homeowner might engage in that can worsen these issues. The following are seven of the most common:
Trying to Diagnose Water Heater Problems On Your Own
We recognize that there are a lot of do-it-yourselfers out there. However, if you are unfamiliar with the intricacies of plumbing, the water heater can be complex to troubleshoot. For starters, older heaters are powered by pilot light. Attempting to extinguish or relight the pilot light is not only risky, but it can also cause damage to the unit, resulting in costly repairs. We recommend consulting with a licensed and experienced plumber such as Frog Air.
Operating an Old & Outdated Water Heater
Most water heaters have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. If you live in an older home or are moving into one, you should think about upgrading your old water heater. Failure to do so may result in the unit flooding or failing (at the worst possible time, such as while you are away). For water heater repairs and installation, contact Frog Air.
Ignoring Your Plumbing
The water heater operates in conjunction with the piping system within the home. Its effectiveness or efficiency is highly dependent on the plumbing system’s condition. If any or all of the adjoining pipes become rusty, clogged, or leak, this can eventually damage the water heater’s functionality.
Failure to Ensure Homeowners’ Insurance Covers Water Heater
When buying homeowners insurance, be sure to ask if your water heater is covered. It’s important to inquire because if your water heater was obsolete or in obvious need of repair when it was damaged or leaked, your claim could be denied. To avoid this, evaluate the age and condition of your water heater, as well as the state of the adjoining pipes. This also ties to the second point: it is critical to have a newer water heater rather than an old and obsolete model.
Neglecting Routine Maintenance
Most homeowners believe that their water heater will run indefinitely. This is a huge misconception. The average water heater has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, depending on how well it is maintained. We recommend that you sign up for routine maintenance with a reliable plumbing company to extend the life of your water heater. Our maintenance program ensures that possible leaks and problems with your water heater are identified before they become disastrous.
Ignoring Critical Signs
There are typically multiple warning signs before a water heater fails. These may include insufficient water heating, unusual noises emanating from the tank, the pilot light turning off for no apparent reason, corroded pipes, and so on. Because the unit is typically located in the garage or basement of most homes, residents rarely see these warning signs until it’s too late. To avoid this, schedule a routine maintenance appointment with a reputable plumbing service.
Failing to Undertake HVAC Duct Cleaning
Many people are unaware that the HVAC air ducts might impact their water heater. The air ducts are the airways that distribute heat and cold throughout the house. These ducts can become clogged with dirt and debris over time. As a result, HVAC equipment like the air conditioner and heater must work harder to accomplish the same outcomes. As a result, both may suffer from increased wear and tear. To avoid this, use a reputable and qualified air duct cleaning professional.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
Frog Air has an established track record of expertise and dependability when it comes to water heater servicing. We serve Nashville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. To make an appointment, please contact us right away.
