A basic guide to maintaining your water heater

Did you install a brand new water heater? That’s great! However, just installing it is not enough. It is crucial to maintain it too. Timely repairs can help you prolong the machine’s life and, of course, save a few extra bucks. Fortunately, maintaining a water heater is one of the easiest things you could do. It requires your attention just once a year and, sometimes, even lesser than that. Here is some necessary information about water heater repairs you must know.

Services and costs
The average price for a single water heater repair is around $600. This cost can differ depending on the intensity of the problem. If replacements or bigger repairs are needed, the amount can go up to $1000. But if the repairs are small, it may cost as low as $50 to $100. The common services required for water heaters and their approximate costs are mentioned below.

• Fixing leakages
  Leakages could be due to many reasons, such as sediment buildups or broken valves. They can reduce the efficiency of your heater or ruin your home’s water quality. Getting leakages fixed early will save you from replacing the entire heater. The cost of repairing a leakage starts at $50.
• Eliminating deposits
  Mineral deposits cause the tank to heat up, rust, and even interfere with the pressure and temperature valves. So getting rid of these deposits can improve the heater’s overall performance. Although you can do a part of the flush at home, a professional must handle the entire procedure. It generally costs anywhere between $100 and $600.
• Replacing broken parts
  Broken parts require maximum attention. They can lead to leakages, overheating, and other serious problems. So if you notice any strange noise, discoloration, or foul odor, call a professional immediately. The cost of replacing parts can range from $150 to $700, depending on the problem’s intensity and location.

Tips for maintaining your water heater

• Examine the pressure relief valves
  Temperature and pressure valves sense a buildup of heat or pressure and open up automatically to release tension. If this feature does not get tested often or doesn’t exist, the heater can burst. So ensure to check these valves at least once a year. If you notice any leaking from the valve, get it replaced immediately.
• Flush your water heater
  Sediments get accumulated at the bottom of the heater’s tank, causing corrosion and rusting. To avoid this, you should carry out a quick mini flush on your heater. All you need to do is place a bucket under the drain valve, turn it in the anticlockwise direction, and allow about two gallons of water to drop. The water will be very hot, so be careful while conducting the flush.
• Lower the heater’s temperature
  There are many safety and cost benefits to lowering the heater’s temperature. Doing so will prevent scalding and reduce the deposit buildup. Heaters also wear down quickly if the heat is too much and consume more power to function. The water heater should ideally maintain a temperature of 120℉.

Best companies that offer water heater services
These are some of the best water heater repair companies. However, based on your location, their services may or may not be available.

• Home Depot
  Home Depot sends licensed professionals to your home as soon as possible to get your machine fixed within no time. They also have a 24/7 emergency service available. However, you will need to pay a diagnostic fee to the technician on arrival in addition to any extra cost.
• Bay Area
  Bay Area provides immediate assistance on the telephone in case of an emergency before help can arrive. They conduct installations, repairs, parts replacement, and also offer free consultation and estimates.
• One Hour
  One Hour’s services are simply one call away. They, too, provide 24/7 assistance and ensure your heater gets fixed immediately. They only send licensed professionals who are up-to-date with all the latest tech to your home.