Although you use your water heater multiple times a day, it’s far too easy to forget about it. An appliance that’s out of sight still needs to be well-maintained. Otherwise, you could suddenly be without hot water. IRBIS provides water heater maintenance services in San Jose, Santa Clara County, and the South Bay and East Bay regions. We recommend annual service to keep the system in top shape and prevent repairs and unnecessary expenses.
Our Water Heater Maintenance Services
We are a full-service water heater maintenance company. Checking and flushing the water heater tank is one of the most important steps. It eliminates sediment that can reduce the unit’s capacity and efficiency and cause damage. We also inspect and replace the anode rod if necessary, which can slow down corrosion.
If you have a gas-powered water heater, our technicians check the gas line connection and valve, pilot light, and power supply. Electric water heaters have two heating elements. We verify the function of both and also check the burners. Water heater tanks can develop leaks, and our team is diligent in checking for signs of leakage and addressing it before there’s serious damage.
Emergency Water Heater Maintenance Services
IRBIS provides emergency water heater services. Regardless of when your last service call was, don’t hesitate to call for urgent maintenance if any of the following issues occur:
- Fluctuating water temperatures
- Water is cold or lukewarm
- Reduced hot water pressure
- The tank is leaking
- Cloud or smelly water
- Rust-colored water
- Loud noises from the water heater
- Hot water runs out quickly
Our team is ready to respond promptly and resolve any water heater issue, big or small, quickly. Call (669) 266-5464 to request emergency water heater services in your San Jose area home.
Benefits of Professional Water Heater Maintenance
There are many reasons to be proactive with water heater maintenance. We consider it one of our most important South Bay water heater services because it can:
- Increase energy efficiency
- Save on energy and repair costs
- Prevent sediment buildup and corrosion
- Yield more consistent water temperatures
- Extend the water heater’s lifespan
- Avoid a water heater breakdown
- Keep the warranty valid
Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
Our East Bay HVAC experts follow a detailed checklist when providing water heater maintenance. They check the entire system for signs of damage or corrosion and make sure there are no clogs or leaks. Water heater maintenance also entails a few key steps that include:
- Flushing the Tank and Removing Sediment: Hard water minerals are generally not a health concern, but they can build up inside a water heater tank. This sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and damage the system. Flushing the tank at least twice a year can eliminate any sediment and mineral scale that has built up.
- Checking and Replacing the Anode Rod: The sacrificial anode rod should last three to five years. While preventing corrosion inside the water heater, this steel tube attracts corrosive elements that eventually cause it to wear out. Replacing the anode rod protects the tank lining from oxidation.
- Inspecting the Pressure Relief Valve: The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve opens when it gets too hot inside the tank and pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the valve opens, excess energy is released to prevent the tank from exploding. Therefore, a faulty valve can create a dangerous situation.
DIY Water Heater Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
You don’t always need a technician for water heater maintenance in San Jose. For example, you can remove sediment by opening the tank drain (with a bucket underneath and a garden hose attached to the drain) and allowing the water heater to empty. Open a hot water faucet while water drains from the tank. Repeat this process until the water coming out of the hose looks clear. Once the drain is closed, refill the tank and turn the system back on.
To test the TPR valve, turn off the power and cold-water supply valve and place a bucket under the pipe connected to it. This pipe is located on the top or side of the tank. Lifting the tab on the valve will let out some water. The water should stop flowing when you release the tab; if not, partially drain the tank and replace the valve.
Adjusting the temperature can help the water heater run more smoothly. If the temperature is set too high, it increases the risk of scalding and can waste energy. The ideal water temperature is 120℉; you can adjust it by unscrewing the cover for the thermostat and adjusting the dial with a flathead screwdriver (you can save up to 5% in energy costs for every 10℉ you lower the temperature).
How Do I Know My Water Heater Has Sediment?
Signs of excessive sediment buildup include no hot water, fluctuating water temperatures, or popping or rumbling sounds from the tank. Water may look discolored or have an odor. It can also take longer for water to heat up.
What Happens If I Skip Water Heater Maintenance?
Without maintenance, mineral scale can clog the drain at the bottom of the water heater. Scale can also build up on the heating elements, causing the system to work much harder. At this point, flushing the system may not be enough. Bacteria can also build up in the water heater, creating foul odors and causing health concerns.
How Long Does a Water Heater Flush Take?
It depends on the size of the tank. Generally, flushing a water heater takes about 20 to 60 minutes.
Contact IRBIS for Water Heater Maintenance
We provide water heater maintenance in San Jose and surrounding areas. To optimize your water heater’s performance, schedule a maintenance visit at least once a year. Our trained technicians flush the tank, check the TPR valve, and replace the anode rod if necessary; they also check for leaks, loose connections, and other issues. Call (669) 266-5464 to book your appointment.