But there’s another appliance that works hard all year long and often gets overlooked: your water heater.
Whether you have a traditional tank water heater or a tankless system, regular maintenance can help improve efficiency, extend equipment life, and reduce the chance of unexpected problems during the colder months.
At Omega Plumbing Heating and Cooling, we help homeowners throughout Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield, Naperville, and surrounding Will County communities keep their plumbing systems running smoothly all year long. When it’s time for a new water heater, Omega also offers a 10-year warranty on labor and materials, giving homeowners added peace of mind. Because discovering your water heater has retired is a lot less fun when it’s 20 degrees outside.
Why Water Heaters Need Flushing
Over time, minerals and sediment from your water supply can build up inside your water heater. It’s basically your water heater collecting souvenirs, except these souvenirs can cause problems.
For traditional tank water heaters, sediment settles at the bottom of the tank. This buildup can make the system work harder, reduce efficiency, create strange noises, and potentially shorten the life of the unit.
Tankless water heaters can also develop mineral buildup inside the heat exchanger, especially in areas with hard water. This scale can affect performance and reduce efficiency over time.
Think of flushing your water heater like changing the oil in your car. A little maintenance now can help prevent bigger problems later. Your water heater may not have a check-engine light, but it still has ways of telling you when something is wrong.
Signs Your Water Heater May Need Attention
Not sure if your water heater is due for maintenance? Keep an eye out for:
- Rumbling or popping noises
- Reduced hot water supply
- Water taking longer to heat
- Fluctuating water temperatures
- Higher utility bills
Those rumbling sounds are often caused by sediment buildup inside the tank.
If your water heater starts sounding like it’s making popcorn in the basement, it may be trying to tell you something. Unfortunately, there probably isn’t any butter involved.
You may also notice that your hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to. If your morning shower suddenly becomes a race against the clock, your water heater may need some attention.
Tank vs. Tankless Maintenance
Both types of water heaters benefit from regular maintenance, but the process is a little different.
Traditional tank water heaters are typically flushed to remove sediment that collects over time.
Tankless water heaters are often descaled or flushed using a cleaning solution to remove mineral buildup from internal components. Even though they don’t have a storage tank, they still need a little TLC. “Tankless” doesn’t mean “maintenance-free.”
The frequency of maintenance can depend on factors like water quality, system age, and manufacturer recommendations, but annual service is a good guideline for many homeowners.
Preventative maintenance can help improve efficiency, maintain performance, and reduce the risk of unexpected repairs.
Schedule Water Heater Service Today
Regular maintenance can help keep your water heater operating efficiently and reliably throughout the year.
At Omega Plumbing Heating and Cooling, we provide dependable plumbing services to help homeowners prepare for colder weather and keep their homes comfortable.
Call Omega Plumbing Heating and Cooling today to schedule water heater maintenance or learn more about your replacement options, including our 10-year warranty on labor and materials for water heaters.
Your water heater works hard every day. A little maintenance can help keep the hot water flowing when you need it most.
