From a Property Owner or Manager’s perspective, hot water heaters are never seen or thought of until they stop working and, when they do, fixing it jumps to the top of the priority list. Perhaps we should take a few minutes to consider extending the life of your hot water heater by instituting a preventative maintenance plan. The hot water heating system can be a substantial fuel expense and keeping the unit clean and well-maintained can improve energy efficiency and considerably affect your energy bill.

GOT SCALE?

The process of heating water causes minerals to separate and settle at the bottom of a hot water heater. This sediment consists of any solid material that water does not dissolve naturally, like iron, magnesium, and calcium, which also can cause discoloration or rust in your hot water taps. Sediment continues to build up over time, which reduces the efficiency of the unit in heating and water storage. It can also prevent the drain valve from working properly. Every hot water heater experiences sediment buildup, but it happens exponentially faster in areas with hard water because the water contains a higher concentration of natural minerals.

Sediment is also commonly referred to as silt, water scale, or debris. Every new water heater is sold with a set of instructions informing owners of the importance of draining the tanks of debris. In fact, the water heater warranty often states, “Tank must be free of excessive scale,” in order for the warranty to be valid. You can dissolve the sediment and keep your gas unit operating at its best by simply draining the unit periodically and treating it with a cleaner. Electric units require a flushing method to properly dissolve it. Whether your property has a gas or electric heater, it’s imperative that you take the time to maintain it.

Jody Benson can be reached at (847) 477-2306 or jbenson@valleyfire.com.