Let’s face it – your water heater may not be the star of the household, but it’s definitely the unsung hero. Whether it’s a hot shower after a long day or keeping those dishes squeaky clean, your water heater works hard behind the scenes. Typically, these humble appliances last 8–12 years before deciding they’ve had enough. But what if I told you they could last even longer?
So, what’s the key to avoiding a premature water heater retirement party? Maintenance! At Kalos, we offer annual planned maintenance programs designed to keep your water heater in tip-top shape for years to come. Here’s how we give your water heater the TLC it deserves:
Flushing the Tank
Water comes from the ground and contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. These can clump together and become sediment, which builds up in hot water tanks over time. Too much sediment in the tank can cause water temperatures to fluctuate, increase energy bills, decrease water capacity, and reduce the lifespan of your water heater.
In our maintenance program, we clear out all that sneaky sediment buildup, giving your heater a fresh start each year.
Component Check
Your water heater has a lot of parts that let it make hot water safely: valves, anode rods, igniters (on gas water heaters), heater elements, and more. At Kalos, we check each part during maintenance to make sure everything is working like a charm. Ensuring that each part is working properly also keeps your entire house safer.
While we’re at it, we also clean burners on gas water heaters when we check them. Who doesn’t love a clean burner?
Flue Inspection
Gas water heaters also have flues that need to be clear and able to vent the gases from combustion properly. Like furnaces, gas water heaters produce carbon dioxide and a small amount of carbon monoxide (CO). CO can make you feel sick or even be deadly in large amounts, and a blocked flue can cause the burning process to make more CO than it should. Debris can get in your flue when birds make nests or when the wind blows leaves from a nearby tree into it.
We’ll inspect your flue to make sure it’s clear and that the gases have a path to leave your home safely.
Tank Inspection
During a maintenance procedure, we will take a peek inside the tank to see how it’s holding up. We look for any signs of damage or rust, which usually indicates that your water heater is nearing the end of its hot water-making days. Corrosion eats through the tank material, causing leaks.
When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
If your water heater is old or has seen better days, it may be time to replace it. But how can you know if it’s time?
Electric water heaters are pretty straightforward – they only need to be replaced if the tank starts leaking. Gas heaters, however, can throw a few curveballs. Whether it’s faulty burners or a flue that’s seen better days, our team will guide you on when it’s time for a new one.
So, give your water heater the gift of longevity! Let Kalos help you extend its life, save some money, and keep that hot water flowing. You can call or text us 24/7 at (352)-243-7099 for any residential plumbing concerns or to ask about our maintenance plans.
