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How Do I Clean My Water Heater?

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by

Ryan Tutak
in
A close up image of a tank style water heater. The tank has an Action Furnace branded sticker on the front with care and operating instructions.

What We’ll Cover In This Blog

  • Regularly cleaning and maintaining your water heater is essential for maximum performance, reducing the need for costly repairs, and increasing its 8-12 year lifespan.
  • An overview of the benefits of maintenance and Action’s industry leading service. Plus, why you should sign up for our exclusive Comfort Club Plumbing & Water Heater memberships.
  • Contact Action Furnace for professional cleaning, repairs, or installation services.

Your water heater is one of the most heavily used appliances in your home. It is constantly working for you from dishes, showers, laundry and everything in between.

You wouldn’t put off cleaning your front-load washer or dishwasher. Your clothes won’t be as fresh and your dishes won’t be as sparkling. So why not put the same care into the machine that supplies water to those appliances? Maintaining your water heater helps lots of home systems run better and cleaner.

In this blog, we’ll explore the many advantages of routine cleaning and upkeep, alongside a look at Action Furnace’s specialized maintenance services.

A close up image of a hot water tank's thermostat and controls.

The Benefits of Water Heater Cleaning & Maintenance

Water heater maintenance has benefits beyond keeping your home’s water supply clean. Clean water will feel better on your skin and make your other appliances happy. But it can help your wallet as well.

Better Performance

A clean hot water heater functions better because it’s free from the sediment that builds up thanks to Alberta’s extremely hard water. Sediment buildup increases how long it takes the heater to warm up, and ultimately affects your water experience. Trust us, no one wants a lukewarm shower.

Less Frequent Repairs

Just like your furnace, your hot water heater will operate better when it’s well taken care of. Regular maintenance will ensure things like your pilot light and thermostat are working properly. Regular checks will also alert you to any potential problems that could lead to big disasters, such as a leak or other water heater repairs.

Increased Longevity

Most hot water tanks have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but that lifespan can be cut short if you neglect cleaning and maintenance. Annual water heater maintenance helps keep all the parts of your water system running clean. And regular cleaning ensures you get maximum performance for the duration of your hot water heater.

Air Filter Awareness

Did you know many hot water heaters have filters just like your furnace? These filters help keep dirt and dust from entering your tank and building up in the heating elements. This can affect how your water heater operates overall.
Cleaning these filters is as easy as: remove and replace. Our hot water experts always make sure your filters are pristine during an Annual WOW! Tune-up, but a bit more on that later!

Action Furnace’s Industry Leading Cleaning & Maintenance Process

When you choose Action Furnace you can rest assured our water heater technicians are trained better. They come to you fully equipped with the latest tools, methods and knowledge to get your water heater running efficiently and more reliably.

Each of our maintenance technicians must complete mandatory training before stepping foot into your home to ensure the utmost precision, performance and care.

From our thorough hot water tank cleaning which involves flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod and doing a visual inspection of the exterior of your tank. To our specialized tankless service that includes an inspection of connections and heating coils, your home comfort equipment is in good hands.

Water Heater Maintenance That Pays For Itself

Here at Action Furnace, we’ve spent over 40 years providing service and maintenance for our members in the community. No matter the home, there’s a Comfort Club membership that’s right for you. 

Our water heater and plumbing memberships include amazing discounts, deals and priority service on annual maintenance to ensure your water heater continues to run optimally for years to come.

An Action Furnace van parked outside a job. The doors of the van are open showing that it is fully stocked with all the technician needs to complete the appointment.

Hot Water Peace of Mind

If we’ve done everything you can to maintain your hot water heater but it’s still not pumping out clean, hot H2O, we’ll recommend replacement options to fit your needs and budget. We provide Alberta’s premier setup services, focusing on the installation of tankless units and energy-efficient hot water tanks for residential use. Get your quote here right now!

Enjoy your steamy showers worry-free and finally get to all those dishes that have been piling up with the helpful team at Action Furnace!

Water Heater Maintenance FAQ

What are some common problems with hot water heaters?

Common problems with hot water heaters include:

  • No hot water: this can be caused by a faulty heating element, a broken thermostat, a tripped breaker, or a lack of power to the unit
  • Insufficient hot water: if the hot water heater is not producing enough hot water, it could be due to a worn out heating element, a clogged dip tube, or a faulty thermostat.
  • Leaking: a leaking hot water heater tank can be caused by corrosion, a faulty valve, or a damaged tank.
  • Strange noises: popping, hissing, or rumbling noises can indicate a buildup of sediment in hot water tanks or an issue with the heating element.
  • Rust-coloured water: rust-coloured water can indicate rust in a hot water tank, or corrosion in the pipes.

What should I do if my hot water heater is not working

If your hot water heater is not working, check the thermostat to ensure that it is set to the correct temperature. If the problem persists, contact Action Furnace for repairs.