Unless you really like cold showers, deep down, you understand the importance of your water heater, even if you don’t think about it very often. like any other major appliance in your home, your water heater is not one that you can install and then forget about it for years. All of your major appliances require periodic maintenance, repairs, and yearly inspections. If you’re not getting your water heater inspected, you could be setting yourself up for trouble. Read on to find out what happens when you don’t get your water heater inspected regularly.
Sediment Build-Up Can Lower Efficiency
One of the major things that an inspection looks for in the water heater is the buildup of sediment. Over time, debris, minerals, and other deposits in the water can build up inside of the heater as they precipitate out when the water is heated. This starts to coat the inside of the heater, including the heating element. When it does, it means that your water heater has to work harder to get the water up to the appropriate temperature or that it just doesn’t get up to the appropriate temperature. This can lead to uncomfortable showers and spending more on electricity or gas as your water heater becomes less efficient. One of the biggest reasons that people stay on top of their yearly inspection is that the cost of the inspection is usually balanced out by the continued efficiency of the unit.
Small Leaks Can Cost You Big
Another thing that your inspection will look for is small leaks. If you notice any rust on the outside of your water heater, that could be a sign that you have a small leak. Over time the small leaks can cost you money because you’re paying for water that you never even get to heat up or use. It also can decrease the lifespan of your heater. Between rust damage from small leaks and sediment buildup inside causing stress to the heating element, you could seriously decrease the lifespan of your water heater by not doing the yearly inspection. Ultimately, small leaks like other issues with the appliance are best caught early and fixed quickly – which an inspection helps with.
Overtime Safety Issues Can Develop
Finally, not doing yearly inspections can also lead to safety issues. Especially for gas powered water heaters, these inspections are crucial to make sure that the appliance is operating safely. Letting a gas-powered appliance start to deteriorate and potentially malfunction could lead to very dangerous situations, including gas leaks or even possibly explosions.
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