Your water heater is a bit like the heart of your home.
It supplies hot water to your entire house, from your showers to your dishwasher and faucets. Considering how often you use hot water, gas and electric water heaters are incredibly important to your family’s routine.
Gas water heaters get heavy use almost every day of the year, and regular maintenance will keep yours running like new. Maintenance will extend your water heater’s lifespan, keep your water heater from breaking down when you need it most, and save you money in the long run.
Maintenance will also improve its energy efficiency and lower your environmental footprint.
In this guide and comprehensive checklist, we’ll go over everything we do at a professional hot water heater maintenance call and why regular maintenance is a smart investment for your home.
Table of Contents
- Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
- 1. Draining and Flushing Your Drain Valve
- 2. Checking for Obstructions
- 3. Inspecting for Damage or Corrosion
- 4. Ensuring a “Soft Blue Flame”
- 5. Checking for Flammable or Corrosive Materials
- 6. Inspecting Venting and Air Supply
- 7. Examining the Piping System
- 8. Inspecting the Main Burner
- 9. Checking for Soot Buildup
- 10. Testing the Temperature and Pressure Safety Valves
- Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance
- Signs You Need Water Heater Maintenance
- Work With Hot Water Ottawa
Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining hot water heaters involve more than you might think.
Here’s what Hot Water Ottawa’s certified technicians go over during every gas and electric water heater maintenance visit.
1. Draining and Flushing Your Drain Valve
Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of your water tank. This sediment can corrode your tank, damage your heating elements, and reduce your tank’s capacity. Draining and flushing your tank’s drain valve gets rid of this sediment, which is one of the most important steps in maintaining your water heater tank and keeping it running efficiently.
2. Checking for Obstructions
Objects or buildup in the venting system or air supply can cause your water heater to run less efficiently and even pose safety risks. We inspect these areas to make sure nothing is in the way and impacting your water heater system.
3. Inspecting for Damage or Corrosion
Rust and corrosion will weaken your water heater tank and pipes, get in your water supply, and eventually cause leaks. We check all of your water heater components and surrounding pipes for rust and corrosion and address them.
4. Ensuring a “Soft Blue Flame”
A properly functioning gas water heater should produce a soft blue flame. A yellow or orange flame may indicate incomplete combustion, which can lead to higher energy costs and carbon monoxide risks. Technicians adjust your heating element as needed to ensure safe and efficient operation.
5. Checking for Flammable or Corrosive Materials
The area around your water heater should be free of flammable or corrosive substances. Our team ensures your unit is in a safe environment to minimize risks.
6. Inspecting Venting and Air Supply
Your ventilation is important to safely move exhaust gasses outside your home, while your air supply is needed to help heat your hot water. We inspect these systems for damage and blockages that can cause serious problems.
7. Examining the Piping System
A leaky, damaged, or corroded water pipe and gas valve is a big hazard. We check all piping on your tank or tankless water heater connections for any signs of wear or damage.
8. Inspecting the Main Burner
The heating element heats your water in gas water heaters. Our technicians clean and inspect the burner (and replace it if necessary) to make sure your gas heater is working at its best.
9. Checking for Soot Buildup
Soot buildup can mean your system is having combustion problems. Cleaning the burner and removing soot extends the lifespan of your water heater tank and keeps it working more efficiently.
10. Testing the Temperature and Pressure Safety Valves
These safety valves release excessive heat and pressure if needed and will shut your hot water heater system down if there’s no water supply. We test them to make sure they’re working correctly and keeping your home safe.
Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance
Regular water heater maintenance is a worthwhile investment, whether you do it yourself or you have a professional do it for you.
Annual maintenance will:
- Extend the lifespan of your water heater
- Remove sediment buildup and prevent corrosion
- Catch other issues before your water heater gets to the point where it breaks down
- Lower your energy bills
- Lower your environmental footprint
- Maintain your water heater’s efficiency
- Save you money in the long term
A well-maintained water heater tank runs more efficiently, providing consistent and reliable hot water. Better performance means more hot water, less interruptions to your daily routine, and peace of mind.
If you rent your water heater from Hot Water Ottawa, we offer free maintenance as part of our service. This added benefit keeps our rental units running in top condition without any extra cost to you.
Signs You Need Water Heater Maintenance
There are telltale signs that it’s time for your water heater to get a professional check-up:
1. Old Water Heater
If your water heater is 10 years old or more, it’s especially important to have regular maintenance done.
2. Rusty Water
If you notice discolored or rusty water coming from your taps, it could mean you have corrosion inside your tank.
3. Noisy Water Heater
Popping, banging, or rumbling water heater noises usually mean sediment build up in the tank. It’s time for a drain and flush.
4. Lukewarm Water
Water that doesn’t get hot enough could be issues with the heating elements, thermostat, or burner. A technician will diagnose and fix the problem.
5. Water Too Hot
If your water is scalding hot, the thermostat may be set incorrectly or not working correctly.
6. Leaky Water Heater
Leaks around your water heater base are a serious issue. Get a professional on the case right away.
Work With Hot Water Ottawa
Regular maintenance for your hot water heater is a worthwhile investment to keep your family’s hot water flowing smoothly. It’s important that it gets done at least once a year.
If you prefer to leave it to professionals, our team of experts at Hot Water Ottawa is at your service.
We specialize in water heater maintenance, buying and renting water heater units, repairs, and replacements, and servicing the entire Ottawa area.
Give us a call at 613-729-5052 or book your water heater maintenance appointment online!