Water Heater Maintenance

Installed Rinnai tankless water heater with digital temperature display mounted on wall, showing copper pipe connections and yellow shut-off valves beneath unit

Water Heater Care

Your water heater works hard every day to provide hot water for your family’s needs. At Unionville Heating, we understand that regular maintenance is key to keeping your water heater running efficiently, especially given our local water conditions.

Why Local Water Conditions Matter

We deal with particularly hard water in Stouffville, Markham, and Uxbridge. Hard water means your water heater faces additional challenges from mineral buildup and sediment. Our maintenance program is specifically designed to address these local water conditions, helping prevent the increased wear and tear that hard water can cause to both tank and tankless systems. According to John Wood Water Heaters, it is recommended that the tank be drained and flushed every 6 months to remove sediment that may build up during operation.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Over time, minerals and sediment from your water supply naturally settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element and the water, forcing your system to work significantly harder to heat your water.

The result? Wasted energy, higher utility bills, and increased wear on your system. Left unchecked, sediment buildup can lead to:

  • Reduced heating efficiency and longer wait times for hot water
  • Rumbling, popping, or banging noises from your tank
  • Corrosion and potential leaks
  • Shortened lifespan of your water heater
  • Complete system failure requiring premature replacement

Regular flushing removes this sediment, helping your water heater run efficiently and extending its lifespan. Think of it as preventative maintenance—a simple service every 6 months can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement.

Gas water heaters typically require more frequent maintenance than electric models due to how sediment affects the burner flame, making our 6-month recommendation even more important for gas units in hard water areas like ours.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Immediate Attention

Between scheduled maintenance visits, watch for these warning signs that indicate your water heater needs service:

  • Unusual noises – rumbling, banging, or popping sounds coming from the tank
  • Discolored water – rusty, brown, or cloudy hot water
  • Temperature issues – inconsistent water temperature or longer heating times
  • Reduced supply – running out of hot water faster than usual
  • Visible leaks – any moisture around the base of your unit

If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately to prevent further damage.

Our Professional Water Heater Maintenance Service

Regular maintenance isn’t just about preventing problems – it’s about protecting your investment. Whether you have a traditional tank or tankless system, our experienced technicians provide thorough maintenance service tailored to your specific unit.

What’s Included for Tank Systems:

  • Complete system drainage and flush
  • Removal of built-up sediment
  • Inspection of the anode rod and key components
  • Testing of the temperature and pressure relief valve
  • Checking for signs of corrosion or leaks
  • Assessment of overall system condition
  • Documentation for warranty and insurance purposes

What’s Included for Tankless Systems:

  • Vinegar cleaning process to remove scale buildup
  • Flushing of internal components
  • Inspection and cleaning of inlet screens and filters
  • Verification of proper water temperature and flow
  • Assessment of heat exchanger condition
  • System performance testing

Why Choose Professional Water Heater Maintenance Over DIY?

While some homeowners attempt to flush their water heaters themselves, professional service provides important advantages:

Safety First – Water heaters contain water hot enough to cause severe burns. Improper drainage or handling can result in injury or property damage. If your tank hasn’t been regularly flushed since installation, attempting to drain it yourself can actually cause the tank to start leaking due to sediment that may be filling microcracks in corroded metal.

Expert Assessment – Our technicians don’t just drain your tank; they inspect your entire system, identifying potential issues before they become expensive problems.

Proper Equipment and Expertise – We have the right tools and training to handle the job safely and thoroughly, including proper disposal of sediment-laden water.

Warranty Protection – Many manufacturer warranties require professional maintenance. Our documentation ensures your warranty remains valid.

Insurance Compliance – Proper maintenance records can be crucial if you need to file an insurance claim.

Save by Combining Services

Book your water heater maintenance together with your furnace or AC annual maintenance and save! Our combined service appointments not only save you money but also time, letting us handle multiple maintenance needs in a single visit.

Protect Your Investment

If you’ve purchased your water heater in the last 5 years, now is the perfect time to establish a regular maintenance schedule. Many home insurance policies won’t cover tanks older than 10 years, making regular maintenance even more crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring coverage if problems arise.

Regular maintenance can add years to your water heater’s life, helping you avoid the expense and inconvenience of premature replacement.

Expert Service from Unionville Heating

Like all our services, your water heater maintenance will be performed by our licensed, professional technicians – never subcontractors. We’re proud to have served our community for 40 years, with 16,000 local customers and 22 “Best Business Awards.”

Our technicians understand the specific challenges of maintaining water heaters in our local hard water conditions and will ensure your system receives the care it needs.

Service Area

We provide water heater maintenance services throughout:

  • Markham
  • Unionville
  • Stouffville
  • Uxbridge
  • Pickering
  • Newmarket
  • Aurora
  • Richmond Hill

Book Your Maintenance Today

Don’t wait for problems to develop. Schedule your water heater maintenance today and ensure your system runs efficiently year-round. With our local hard water conditions, regular 6-month maintenance is your best protection against costly repairs and premature replacement.

Call us at 905-479-1290 or book online for prompt, professional service.

Looking for water heater installation or repair services? Visit our Water Heater Repair and Installation page.

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