Water Heater Maintenance and Replacement Tips for Long Beach, CA

 
Your water heater may be the last thing on your mind. At least, it is until there’s a leak or when you climb in the shower, only cold water comes out. At Long Beach Snappy Plumbing in Long Beach, CA we know that  water heater service can be all too easily ignored. But service is key to increasing the lifespan of a water heater. That’s why water heater service from a certified contractor is so important. Whether you have a gas, electric, or tankless water heater, it’s smart to schedule regular maintenance –  before you need water heater repair or replacement.

After all, maintenance is just as important as installation. Making sure your water heater stays in good shape means that it will not need to be replaced for a much longer time, and it will work more efficiently. An efficient water heater will reduce your costs and energy consumption. Along with regular maintenance, water heaters should be insulated, to reduce heat loss - which will also reduce water-heating expenses.

Depending on the type of water heater you have, your maintenance needs will differ. Traditional hot water heaters, whether they’re gas or electric, should have the pressure relief valve inspected by discharging it several times, and examining it for any leaks. The water heater tank should also be drained to remove sediment if necessary, and the tank and connections both thoroughly examined to check for wear, rust, or corrosion. If necessary, worn anode rods should be replaced as well. Replacing a rod is much more cost efficient than replacing your water heater.

A tankless water heater utilizes different maintenance procedures, such as checking for debris in the in-line screen filter, and flushing the unit to remove any lime or scaling.

Here in Long Beach, CA how long can you expect your water heater to last? The average is about eight to twelve years. However, by following a regular maintenance schedule you can extend the life of your water heater well beyond that average.