No One Takes a Cold Shower on Purpose

If you’ve been surprised by a cold shower at least once in the last week or two, your water heater needs some attention. Don’t suffer through another icy shower or try to wash the dishes in cold water.

Can Maintenance Solve Your Water Heater Problems?

It’s possible that all your water heater needs is some attention from a professional. Water heating service includes:

• • Checking the Thermostat

At Sobieski, we always begin by testing the voltage on the thermostat and the individual unit elements if you have an electric water heater. We generally recommend setting the temperature at 120°F to prevent accidental scalding and save energy.

• • Cleaning the Burner

When you have a gas-fired unit, we’ll remove the burner assembly and clean the ports, vacuuming any leftover soot and debris from the chamber. When everything is clean and carefully reassembled, we test the burner and pilot to ensure everything is in working order.

• • Examining the Vent System

To prevent hazardous exhaust backdrafting, we check the condition and functionality of your water heater’s vent system.

• • Inspecting the Anode Rod

An anode rod is used in a tank water heater to attract rust, so the tank itself doesn’t corrode. We will inspect the rod to ensure it hasn’t disintegrated. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced.

• • Testing the Temperature and Pressure Relief (T&P) Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve needs to be fully functional as a safety precaution in case the pressure or temperature inside the tank reaches dangerous levels. If the valve isn’t working, it needs to be replaced.

• • Flushing the Tank

When you have a tank water heater, we will drain and flush it to remove accumulated sediment that can reduce the unit’s energy efficiency or cause premature failure.

• • Inspecting the Tank’s Exterior

To conclude the maintenance appointment, we inspect the outside of the tank and all the water line connections for rust and leaks. Depending on your home and your needs, we may recommend adding a water heater jacket and pipe insulation to reduce heat loss.

Is It Time to Get a New Water Heater?

Unfortunately, water heater maintenance can’t resolve every problem. If your home hasn’t had enough hot water and your unit is outdated, it’s possible that replacement will be the best solution.

What issues typically indicate that a water heater needs to be replaced?

• • Leaks

Leaks generally occur when parts of the water heater have deteriorated. If you notice water around your unit, have a professional from Sobieski take a look at it as soon as you can. Keep in mind that leaks usually mean you’ll need to replace your water heater.

• • Temperature Problems

Water heaters that don’t produce any hot water or aren’t able to maintain a constant temperature typically need to be replaced. This often happens in older units that have experienced too much wear and tear to run efficiently. However, this can also happen in areas that have hard water, since the minerals in the water can build up inside the tank and cause premature failure.

Water Heater Maintenance & Replacement in DE, MD, PA & NJ

If you’re looking for peace of mind about never having to take a cold shower again, Sobieski can help. Our trained, professional staff can determine whether a tune-up can resolve the issues or if replacement would be required.

Stop those cold showers for good. Contact us to schedule a consultation for your home’s water heater today.