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(410) 242-3111

A.O. Smith electric water heater installed by Metcalf Plumbing in a Baltimore-area basement

Water Heater Maintenance Basics

Your water heater is one of those appliances you don’t think about until it stops working. Pay it a little attention. Especially as temperatures drop and it…

Your water heater is one of those appliances you don’t think about until it stops working. Pay it a little attention, especially as temperatures drop and it has to work harder, and you’ll avoid the surprise of a cold shower or a flooded basement.

Understanding Sediment Buildup

Older gas water heaters often start making a rumbling sound from the bottom of the tank. That’s usually sediment buildup. Draining the tank seems like the obvious fix, but on an older unit it can backfire, tanks that have run for years can develop leaks after being drained.

If your water heater is more than 15 years old and starting to rumble, replacement is usually the smarter call. Metcalf can often install a new unit the same day if you contact us before noon.

Considering a Tankless Upgrade

Thinking bigger picture? Tankless systems save space and eliminate hot water shortages. They give you an essentially unlimited supply, long showers, multiple loads of laundry, no problem.

Installation is more involved than swapping a tank, but the long-term benefits make it worth a conversation. We offer no-obligation estimates if you’re curious about what an upgrade would look like for your home.

When to Call Metcalf

If you’re dealing with an aging water heater making noise, leaking, or just running out of hot water faster than it used to, don’t wait, give Metcalf Plumbing a call at (410) 242-3111 or schedule online. Same-day service is usually available.

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