Water heaters are essential in any home or commercial property and need to be properly maintained. Tenants rely on having hot water available for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and more. Failing water heaters invite complaints, emergency repair bills, and disruption in a short order.
Preventative maintenance is one way that property managers can also avoid these problems. Examples like regular inspections and servicing equipment before the problems turn into failures can detect small problems before they become costly repairs. Water heaters are the responsibility of properties management, so knowing how they work and what kind of maintenance they need or who to call if you need help can put your mind at ease.
Why You Should Keep an Eye on Your Water Heater
Water heaters are used all the time, sometimes multiple times a day in multi-tenant properties. Minerals, corrosion, pressure, and broken parts may limit their operation over time.
The preventative maintenance approach minimizes the risk of unexpected breakdowns and is attractive to property managers due to the ease of having hot water at the ready. It also improves equipment life and energy efficiency.
Tenant satisfaction is another major advantage. Properly functioning water heaters also mean no unexpected disruption in service. Good systems mean good experiences for tenants.
It also helps property managers budget for maintenance costs instead of being caught off guard Sales Opportunity Management Software .
Set Up a Water Heater Inspection Schedule
A regular inspection schedule is one of the easiest ways to avoid major water heater problems. Property managers should also maintain records for every unit, noting the date of installation, capacity, model, and history of service.
Visual inspections can detect the following early warning signs:
Water drips near tanks or fittings.
Rust or corrosion on pipes or fixtures.
Noises with heating.
Irregular water temperature.
Damaged area around the pressure relief valve.
Water/moisture stains around the equipment.
Follow manufacturer guidelines and property care instructions. Commercial systems that are under heavy loads or older systems should be serviced more frequently by professionals.
Keeping records also helps you “really track” recurring problems and when it is more economical to “replace” an item than to keep spending money to “fix” it.
Flush out sediment buildup from the tank.
This is a common problem with sediment buildup in standard tank water heaters. Minerals naturally found in water will occasionally collect at the bottom of the tank. They can cause reduced heating efficiency and create popping or rumbling sounds over time.
Flushing the tank can help remove the buildup and promote better system performance. Frequency depends on local water quality, equip and mfgr recommendations.
Property managers in buildings with hard water should schedule professional flushing as needed for cleaning. A trained technician can check the system
Learn how to drain properly and inspect for other problems developing while in service.
It’s a pretty easy maintenance task, but it’s also a means of preventing extra wear on heating elements and other components.
Inspect the anode rod to avoid tank corrosion.
Anode Rods are among the most crucial components in preventing corrosion in the tank of a standard water heater. It attracts corrosive materials from the water toward itself, thus protecting the inner lining of the tank.
Unfortunately, the rod will corrode and eventually will need to be replaced. When the rod is fully spent, it may leave the tank more susceptible to corroding and potentially leaking.
Preventative maintenance plans provided by property management should include an inspection of the anode rod. A technician can inspect its condition and recommend when to replace it according to manufacturer recommendations.
Caring for this part can extend the lifespan of a water heater and prevent premature tank failure.
Setting Pressure and Temperature Correctly
Setting of temperature and pressure should be proper to be efficient and safe enough. Hot enough not to scald but not so cold that scalding will not happen. These situations can lead to problems with comfort and sanitation.
Many home water heaters are set at approximately 120°F, but the right temperature is dependent on the building, local codes, and system requirements.
Property managers should not ignore a leaking, damaged, or malfunctioning relief valve. Instead of making dangerous adjustments, call a qualified professional to inspect the system and perform repairs.
Rebates for energy efficiency
Heating water can consume a significant portion of a building’s energy consumption. Insulation problems, sediment buildup, improper settings and old equipment can drive up utility bills.
Property managers can also improve efficiency by inspecting insulation around exposed hot water pipes and making sure that equipment has proper clearance and ventilation.
Older systems may need to be professionally serviced to determine which components are causing a loss of performance. Technicians can also help with deciding if existing equipment should be repaired or replaced with a more efficient model, which will be more effective in the long run.
Energy-efficient operation means property owners and tenants can enjoy low operating costs without sacrificing hot water service.
Know the Early Warning Signs of a Water Heater Problem
Before total system failures, there are usually minor warning signs. Property managers should encourage tenants and maintenance crews to report problems as soon as they become aware of them.
Hot water taking longer to heat up than usual.
Funny smelling or looking hot water.
Bizarre banging, popping, or rumbling noises.
Water near heater.
Suddenly soaring energy bills.
You might be dealing with sediment build-up, heating elements that aren’t working right, corrosion, thermostat troubles, or plumbing issues.
By detecting it early, the technician can identify the cause and make appropriate recommendations for repair before it spreads throughout the entire bed.
When to Call a Water Heater Specialist?
You can keep an eye on your property in a casual way, but you may need some specialized tools and skills to do water heater maintenance.
Technicians are trained to inspect electrical parts, gas components, thermostats, heating elements, safety valves and the condition of the tank. They can identify hazards that aren’t apparent on a surface inspection.”
If you are experiencing any of these common problems (including inconsistent temperatures, leaks, strange noises, pressure problems or recurring equipment failures)
Water heaters (gas and electric) should be handled carefully, as repairs can be hazardous when done incorrectly. Always have professionals perform these jobs.
Establish a Long-Term Water Heater Maintenance Schedule
Having a planned maintenance schedule makes it easier to manage your water heating systems across multiple properties. Property managers can plan ahead for inspections, servicing, repairs and equipment replacements instead of reacting to each problem as it happens.
A good maintenance plan will have:
Equipment inventory: A list of all water heaters indicating type, age, capacity and location.
Scheduled inspections: Schedule inspections according to the condition of the equipment and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Service Documentation: Record inspections, repairs, replacement parts, and technician recommendations.
Tenant Communication: Establish a simple process for tenants to report hot water problems and potential leaks.
Replacing aging units: Identify units that are aging and plan to replace them before they fail completely.