what happens during a hot water heater tune-up?

close-up photo of a hot water heater

scheduling the tune-up

Taking the proactive approach of keeping your hot water heater in optimal condition is a great practice that prolongs the life and efficiency of your unit and can prevent costly repairs in the future.  While hot water heater tune-ups can be scheduled any time, year-round, it may be easiest for both the homeowner and the HVAC company if you schedule it in combination with your air conditioner or home heating system tune-up each year.  This makes it easier to remember and convenient if special arrangements must be made to allow home access for the technician.

standard operating procedures

All Weaver Energy technicians are trained to provide a uniform and thorough system tune-up, based on our standard operating procedures.  Therefore, regardless of which technician arrives to service your unit, you can be confident that they are using a consistent, methodical approach.  Unless otherwise noted on your service statement, Weaver Energy technicians will always:

  • For fossil fuel source water heaters
    • completely vacuum out the system
    • disassemble and vacuum out the smoke pipe
    • clean out the chimney base, checking for evidence of chimney deterioration
    • reassemble the smoke pipe, re-cement the chimney rock, screw the smoke pipe sections together, and replace any questionable sections of the smoke pipe
    • perform a combustion test and enter the data in Smart Service, leaving a physical copy with the service record at the unit
  • For all types of water heaters
    • drain off bottom of the tank
    • check the anode rods for deterioration (if accessible)
    • check the relief valve for corrosion and proper drip leg
    • inspection the system for potential future repairs and consult the homeowner on preventative measures, if possible

specialized care

There are additional steps to every hot water heater tune-up, which vary depending on the type of system.  Heating oil, propane, and natural gas units will receive specialized care from our thoroughly trained technicians.  Any unusual findings are noted directly on the service statement by the technician before the cleaning is completed.  A typical hot water heater tune-up usually takes, on average, about one hour, depending on the system type and its condition. 

maintenance reminders

Customers can expect to receive a maintenance reminder letter approximately one year after their tune-up in order to stay on a regular schedule of annual maintenance.  Hot water heater tune-ups can be scheduled by existing Weaver Energy customers who reside within Lancaster County, by calling our office during normal business hours at (717) 626-7169.  We look forward to serving you!

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