Tips for Prepping Your Water Heater for Fall

December 17, 2023

September is a time of change. With the kids back at school, baseball season giving way to football season, cooler temps arriving, and pumpkin spice popping up everywhere, it’s a time to embrace a great deal of change. Of course, whatever comes your way this season, the team at Blue Dot wants you to be ready—especially for any plumbing changes that may knock on your door. So, in honor of National Preparedness Month (yes, there is such a thing), our pros are sharing some common questions and answers about your home’s water heater. Keep these things in mind this season to help avoid emergency heating service! Why might my water heater stop working? There’s nothing more irritating than when your hot water heater stops working —especially when you want a hot shower. But there are quite a few reasons why it may go on the fritz. The top reasons include:

• Sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank
• Loose fittings
• Rust or corrosion
• Pressure that is too high

Here’s our tip. When you call for your annual furnace inspection this fall, schedule a water heater check too! Why is my water heater rumbling? Typically, a water heater doesn’t make noises. But if it starts to emit a rumbling noise, the cause is probably sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. The good news? A professional water flush by a trained technician can fix this issue. What is the lifespan of a water heater? The lifespan of a traditional water heater is typically between 8 and 12 years, with tankless models lasting a bit longer.  What is the difference between a traditional water heater and a tankless water heater? As you may have figured, a regular water heater heats water in a tank, while a tankless model eliminates the large tank and just heats water on demand. Tankless water heaters are designed to be more energy efficient and use fewer gallons of water per minute than traditional models. Can I extend the lifespan of my water heater? Yes. Some of the top ways to increase your water heater’s lifespan include a professional water heater flush once a year, scheduling routine maintenance, checking that anode rods are working (these attract sediment – ask your plumber to check these out for you), setting your heater to “vacation mode” when away, and installing a water softener. What is the perfect temperature setting for my water heater? According to Energy.gov the ideal temperature setting for a water heater is 120 degrees. This not only helps prevent scalding, but will also help save you money. Should I insulate my water heater? It can’t hurt. According to the Department of Energy, a hot water blanket or jacket can save up to 16% in water heating costs. You can usually find these accessories at most hardware stores. Ask one of our plumbers to install it for you.

Gain Peace of Mind When You Call Blue Dot

Finally, as you relish those last few days of summer and get ready for the fall season, remember it’s always good to be prepared. This means it’s never too early for that pre-season furnace inspection. And at Blue Dot, we make it easy to be ready for anything. Schedule your appointment right here online or give us a call at 410.204.2662.