Water heater maintenance is a necessary part of owning a home. The choice isn't whether or not it gets done, but rather who will do it. Unless you, potentially, want to replace your water heater years earlier than you should.
Over the course of a regular water heater's lifespan, you can expect to pay around $10,000 for it to operate. This includes the cost of gas or electricity that is needed in order to keep it running, but it also includes the repairs that almost every heater needs at one point or another. In order to keep your water heater running great and to avoid costly repairs, it's crucial to do a little bit of maintenance every now and then.
But in order to maintain your water heater, you will need to figure out who you want to do your maintenance. Here, you only really have two options – either you can do it, or you can call a plumber. The plumber that you choose should be a professional plumber who is properly licensed by the state that he is operating in and should carry insurance that will protect your home.
DIY-Friendly You!
The good news about water heater maintenance is that you don't have to be a DIY guru, a professional plumber, or a similar expert on the subject in order to do it. Every water heater has different maintenance activities that are recommended by the manufacturer, and you don't need to be a guru to perform them. If you did not keep the owner's manual that came with your unit, most water heater manufacturers have a water heater website which provides information for learning how to maintain your heater. Simply follow the step by step instructions that the manufacturer's site provides in order to maintain your water heater.
If you decide to take this route, make sure to practice proper safety. The first thing you need to make sure of is that the heater isn't currently powered on. Always unplug the heater before you start any work. Then let the heater cool down for a bit. Grabbing any part of a hot heater can result in 2nd or even 3rd degree burns, so it's important to check the temperature gauge in order to make sure that you won't get scorched. It's also a very good idea to keep a work light on. A well lit work area is a safe work area.
Or, Call A Plumber!
For many people who don't have the time, the inclination, or the tools to maintain their water heater, calling a plumber is a great way to keep your water heater well-maintained. Getting a plumber to do the work is a time-saving way to get things done. However, there are many plumbers who aren't properly licensed and you should avoid these.
In order to find a good plumber, after making sure that they are licensed, it's important to choose a plumber that has been in the business a while. At least five years is a good standard. Then you would be advised to choose a plumber that offers a warranty on their work. You don't want to pay twice for the same repair!
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that maintaining a water heater, while necessary, can be tedious and sometimes unpleasant work. But if you are a DIY person, it may soon become a badge of honor in your household. For those that prefer getting a plumber, you can at least rest assured that you have saved a little time and avoided a messy activity.
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