TIPS & GUIDES FOR MAINTAINING YOUR WATER HEATER

Your water heater is a very important piece of equipment in your home. It provides hot water for cooking, cleaning and bathing. Because it works so hard, regular grooming is essential. professional water heater maintenance makes it more energy efficient, prevents frequent breakdowns and extends its service life.

Here are some tips for maintaining your water heater:

REGULAR INSPECTION

It is important that your water heater is regularly serviced by a professional. Regular inspections help identify minor problems before they become major repairs. Expert testing also ensures that your water heater is operating as efficiently as possible.

FLUSH THE TANK ONCE A YEAR

Flushing your water heater tank will help remove sediment from the bottom of the tank. Scale can accumulate over time and make your water heater less efficient. Flushing the tank also helps prevent corrosion. To drain your water heater, turn off the power or gas to the unit and connect a hose to the drain valve. Open the valve and let the water flow until it runs clear. Fill the tank and turn on the electricity or gas. Never light an empty water heater.

INSULATE THE TANK

Adding insulation to your water heater tank can help keep water warm and reduce energy bills. It can also extend the life of your water heater. This is because it takes the pressure off the device by not having to work as hard to heat the water.

LOW TEMPERATURE

Water heaters are often set to very high temperatures, often up to 140 degrees. However, you can save energy and extend the life of your water heater by turning it down a few degrees. Lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees can also help prevent scalding. This is especially important if you have young children or older family members at home.

CHECK THE TEMPERATURE RELIEF VALVE

This valve is a safety device to release the pressure if the water in the tank gets too hot. It is important to test this valve monthly to ensure it is working properly. To test, lift the valve lever and let some water flow out. If water does not come out or if it comes out in large quantities, the valve must be replaced. However, if water leaks out and stalls after lowering the valve, the TPR is working properly.

REPLACE ANODE ROD

The anode bar is a metal bar responsible for protecting the tank from corrosion. It attracts corrosive elements in the water and instead corrodes the tank. Over time it needs to be replaced. You should check it every few years and replace it if necessary. Anode bars should be replaced about every five years, depending on the type of water in your area. You can check this by removing it from the tank and checking for corrosion. If it’s more than half corroded, it needs to be replaced.

REPLACE THE AIR INTAKE FILTER

If you have a water heater, it is important to regularly replace the air intake filter. These filters protect your device by trapping dust and other contaminants that could damage it. A dirty filter can cause the device to overheat and shut down.

PIPE INSULATION

In addition to insulating your water heater tank, you must also insulate the pipes that go to and from the unit. This helps keep the water warm as it travels through the pipes, reducing energy costs. The insulated pipes protect them from freezing even in winter. Frozen pipes can burst and cause major damage to your home.

Breakdown Review List:

1. Regularly check the pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve on your water heater is responsible for preventing the tank from over-pressurizing and potentially exploding. Make sure to test it once a year to ensure it’s working correctly.
2. Drain the tank: Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater tank, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage. It’s recommended to drain your tank once a year to remove any sediment that has accumulated.
3. Insulate the tank: Insulating your water heater tank can help reduce heat loss and save you money on energy bills. Make sure to use an insulating blanket that’s specifically designed for water heaters.
4. Check the anode rod: The anode rod is responsible for attracting corrosive minerals and preventing them from damaging your tank. Check it once a year and replace it if it’s corroded.
5. Adjust the temperature: Lowering the temperature on your water heater can help reduce energy consumption and save you money. The recommended temperature is 120°F (49°C).
6. Keep the area around the water heater clear: Make sure the area around your water heater is clear of clutter and debris to ensure proper ventilation and prevent a potential fire hazard.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your water heater and ensure it continues to work efficiently.

GET A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

Although you can inspect and maintain your water heater yourself, it’s always best to have it done by a professional. You can identify any issues you may not be seeing and ensure your device is running as efficiently as possible. Trained professionals are also capable of handling different types of water heaters, so you can rest assured that they know how to properly maintain yours.

By following these steps you can maintain your water heater and keep it running efficiently for many years to come. Regular professional maintenance and simple steps can prevent bigger problems and extend the life of your device.