It's easy to take your appliances for granted.

After all, you use them so regularly that you might not realize how much you rely on them. Of course, when an appliance fails, it doesn't take long for you to notice and suffer the consequences. Take, for example, a water heater. If yours is experiencing problems, and you have not hot water for bathing or other needs, it can be a frustrating problem. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep it running well for years to come in your Lombard home.

Regular Inspections
With consistent maintenance, a water heater should last at least 10 years. Some can work effectively for up to 20 years. The best approach is to not ignore any minor repair needs. You may not be aware of these unless you perform a regular checkup. Follow these guidelines:

Contact a professional plumber or HVAC specialist to do an annual inspection.
Look for signs of damage or problems such as leaks.
Pay attention to unusual noises such as banging or sizzling.

Drain the Water Heater
Maintenance tips are vital to the health of this appliance. At least once a year, you should drain the heater. This helps to prevent physical damage to the tank such as corrosion. Over time, water in the bottom of the tank heats up and collects sediment. Flushing it removes this debris and helps the appliance to run more efficiently. To drain it, shut off the water and power to the appliance. Then, attach a hose to the drain valve, turn on the hot water tap and open the drain valve. Drain all the water and then flush out the tank with more water until the water coming out is clean. Close the valve and refill the tank.

Pay close attention to your water heater and keep it running smoothly. Inspections and consistent flushes will ensure that you get the most out of this appliance.