Your home’s water heater should get an inspection from a professional plumber each year. There’s a lot that goes into an inspection, but it’s pretty easy to understand. The biggest advantage of scheduling a water heater inspection is that it will keep your water heater running well for a long time.
Identifying Leaks
Professional plumbers will check for any visible signs of leaks, pipe damage or corrosion. This includes the gas lines if you have a gas heater. If you have a tank, they will also check for telltale signs of leaks inside.
Giving the Water Heater a Good Flushing
Whether you have a tank or tankless heater, your inspection should include having the system flushed. Flushing tank heaters will remove sediment from the bottom, so your heater won’t slow down from mineral deposits. A thorough flush will also eliminate scale and mineral buildup from getting on the heat exchanger and heating elements.
Inspecting the Noble Anode Rod
This metal rod is intentionally sacrificed to a noble cause: keeping your water heater safe from corrosion. It is made of a metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, and it’s designed to keep your tank from rusting. During an inspection, professional plumbers will examine the rod to determine whether it’s time to replace it.
Making Sure the Temperature Is Just Right
An in-depth water heater inspection includes a look at the thermostat. After all, you don’t want your water heater heating things too much, especially if you had the thermostat set at an ideal temperature. Plumbers will also take a look at the temperature and pressure relief valve. Some people call it the TPR, while others call it the T&P, but if you have pressure buildup, your plumber will call it a problem.
What Else Will a Professional Company Look At?
Professional plumbers will inspect the pilot light and the burner assembly on gas heaters to make sure your water is heating as it should. For electric heaters, they’ll check the heating elements for the same reason. Tankless heaters usually have more specific requirements, and a good plumber will keep these heaters up to the manufacturer’s standards.
Checking for leaks, making sure your valves and anode rod are okay and flushing out your system will keep your water heater humming along for years to come. If a professional team detects a problem, they’ll let you know whether a repair or heater replacement service is in order. Thinking of scheduling a water heater inspection? It’s a good idea to plan one during the quiet summer months. When you need water heater services in Ventura, CA, contact Advanced Plumbing & Leak Detection.
