Preventative Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Andersonville
Enjoy uninterrupted comfort and lower utility bills with HEP’s preventative maintenance plumbing services in Andersonville. Our licensed technicians take a proactive approach to caring for your tank water heater, flushing out sediment that strains the system, checking the anode rod for corrosion, and fine-tuning temperature settings for peak efficiency. By catching small issues before they escalate, we help extend the lifespan of your equipment and keep surprise leaks or cold-water mornings off your to-do list.
Every visit includes a comprehensive safety inspection, water-pressure test, and detailed report, so you’ll always know the exact condition of your plumbing and appliances. With convenient scheduling, upfront pricing, and friendly local experts who respect your home, HEP makes it easy to protect your investment and enjoy dependable hot water year-round. Call today to lock in your maintenance plan and feel the difference true peace of mind can make.
FAQs
Why is preventative maintenance important for my tank-style water heater in Andersonville?
Regular care keeps sediment, mineral scale, and rust from building up inside the tank. Chicago’s Lake Michigan water has moderate hardness, so untreated minerals settle to the bottom, forcing the burner or elements to work harder and shortening the appliance’s life. A yearly tune-up prevents premature corrosion, preserves efficiency, and reduces the chance of an inconvenient leak during our cold Andersonville winters.
How often should I schedule a professional tune-up for my tank water heater?
Most manufacturers recommend an annual maintenance visit. In Andersonville’s climate—where water heaters work overtime in winter—we strongly suggest a once-a-year appointment. Homes with very high hot-water demand or visible hard-water scale may benefit from servicing every six months.
What does your preventative maintenance service include?
Our licensed plumber will: 1) Inspect the tank, gas valve, thermostat, and electrical connections for safety and code compliance. 2) Completely drain and flush the tank to remove sediment. 3) Test the temperature-pressure relief valve. 4) Check and, if needed, replace the sacrificial anode rod. 5) Examine the burner or heating elements for proper operation. 6) Verify venting and combustion air, relight the pilot, and set the thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. You’ll receive a written report and recommendations before we leave.
Can routine maintenance really lower my energy bills?
Yes. Even a thin layer of sediment acts as insulation, forcing gas burners or electric elements to run longer to heat the same volume of water. Flushing the tank, cleaning burners, and calibrating the thermostat restore factory efficiency, typically saving 5–15 % on water-heating costs. Over the life of the heater, those savings often exceed the price of the service.
Are there signs I need maintenance sooner than my annual visit?
Watch for rumbling or popping noises, rusty or cloudy hot water, longer recovery times, a foul “rotten-egg” odor, or visible water around the base of the tank. These symptoms indicate sediment build-up, failing anode rods, or early corrosion—all problems that can often be fixed during a maintenance call if caught quickly.
Is preventative maintenance required to keep my water heater warranty valid?
Almost every major manufacturer (A. O. Smith, Bradford White, Rheem, etc.) states in the warranty booklet that neglect, sediment damage, or failure to replace anode rods voids coverage. Keeping receipts from annual professional maintenance in Andersonville proves you followed the recommended service schedule, protecting you if a warranty claim ever arises.