Everything needs some TLC from time to time, and water heaters are no exception. Whether your water heater is tank-style or tankless, gas or electric, all water heaters benefit from annual maintenance. If you've recently replaced an old water heater, or have never scheduled a check-up for your current water heater, you may be wondering: what's the worst thing that can happen if I don't?

And that's where Williams Plumbing comes in. As a Chattanooga-based company that's locally owned and operated, it's not only our job to respond to plumbing issues as they come up, but to help members of our community make informed decisions about how they care for their homes.

Minerals can begin accumulating (scaling) in water heaters in as little as a few months. Though the timeline varies due to the hardness of the water, the amount of water heater usage, and the type and quality of the water heater itself, scaling is bound to happen at some point.

Minerals accumulate on essential parts of your water heater, such as the heat exchanger, thus making it more difficult for the heater to function properly. This reduces efficiency and raises energy costs.

No one needs to tell you there's a problem when your hot water suddenly goes out. But subtle warning signs, such as leaks, corrosion or unusual smells, may go undetected by the average homeowner, leading to—at best—unpleasant surprises.

Inadequate maintenance may result in voided manufacturer warranties of otherwise warrantied parts or units. This can lead to unforeseen expenses that can quickly exceed the cost of a yearly check-up.

Annual check-ups for your tankless water heater are essential to ensuring the optimal performance of your unit. While flushing and checking for issues are beneficial anywhere, these preventative care practices are especially beneficial in Chattanooga, Tennessee and surrounding areas, where water tends to be moderately hard.

While you might be able to get by without annual maintenance, it's only a matter of time before a problem occurs—and it could be anything from an unexpectedly cold shower, to something that severely impacts the functionality of your home.

So, don't wait until there's a problem. Take action and call Williams Plumbing Services at (423) 668-1616 today, or visit our website at williamsplumbingchatt.com/contact.

We look forward to serving you!