As a homeowner, it's important to know how to properly maintain your water heater. By following these six simple tips, you can help ensure that your water heater is working properly and lasting as long as possible. Keep reading for more information on how to properly care for your water heater!
Maintaining a water heater is a good way to extend its life and reduce the likelihood of expensive water heater repair. Unfortunately, water heaters aren't on most people's radar until there's a problem. It can be difficult to remember that water heaters need maintenance when you're busy with your day-to-day routine. That's why water heater service contracts are so popular—they can take care of all or some of your water heater maintenance needs at scheduled intervals under the guidance of trained professionals.
That being said, water heaters can still be maintained by homeowners. Here are 6 water heater maintenance tips that will help you keep your water heater in good working order.
I'm not sure if water heaters can be easily repaired, but I'll make it a tip anyway
1) Replace the anode rod every 3-5 years or when water starts to taste bad. The anode rod acts as a magnet for rust and other sediments that cause the "bad" water taste and stains on sinks and tubs. When replacing this part of the water heater, choose one made of aluminum instead of magnesium. Magnesium corrodes faster than aluminum, so it's important to buy a water heater replacement part that resists corrosion just like the anode rod that came with the water heater.
2) Drain water heaters once a year or more often if water sits in your water heater for long periods of time. When water sits, sediment builds up over time and reduces heating efficiency. Sediment can also cause rusting, water damage to flooring, and other problems inside your home. To drain the water heater, turn off power or gas before attempting to locate the drain valve at the bottom of water tanks located on top of most tank-type water heaters. If you have an electric water heater with no visible drain valve, call a professional plumber because draining these units requires working around electricity.
3) Flush out the water heater once every six months or when water doesn't seem to heat up as fast. Flushing water heaters will remove sediment build up in the tank, especially if you are on a well system. To flush the water heater, turn off power or gas before attempting to locate water tank drain valves.
4) Replace anode rods every 5 years or when water starts to taste bad. Anodes are located inside water tanks and corrode over time causing rust sediments-which can taste and stains on sinks and tubs.
5) Turn down your water heater's thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit when getting rid of old units or installing new ones. A cooler water heater requires less energy for heating water while still providing nearly the same level of hot water comfort.
6) Turn the water heater off when going away for extended periods of time. This water heater maintenance tip saves water and energy as you won't be using hot water during those times.
This is important because water heaters are the largest water consumer in any home, using up more water than bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms combined. So when one part of the water heater malfunctions, it uses up lots of water which can lead to higher water bills.
The drain valve on a water heater should be checked each year for proper functioning. If this does not work properly, then you will have leakage from the water lines which could lead to flooding in your house or lawn when you are away from home.
Your old water heater might need replacing if it is over 10 years old. Manufacturers now make water heaters that use less water and energy than older water heaters. This will not only save you money on your water bill, but it is good for the environment as well because newer water heaters consume less water and natural resources.
It is important to have a gas fitter check the pilot light on your water heater to make sure that it stays lit at all times. If this goes out, then you might notice a foul smell as soon as hot water stops flowing from your faucet. To prevent this from happening, you should have a professional check the pilot light every year or two to make sure it remains functional.
Make sure to check your water heater's thermostat settings and make the necessary adjustments. If the water in your water heater remains too hot or too cold, then water may not flow through it properly once you open a faucet. If this is happening, adjust the setting so that water can heat up to an appropriate temperature before water flows from the tap.
If you notice dripping water around your water heater or water lines, then there could be a problem with leaks near or under it. It is important to consult with a professional right away since water damage can occur if you do not stop the leak in time. You could call a plumber to come out and inspect the water near the water heater, or you can simply replace your water heater with a new one if needed.
Water heaters are essential in the home. They provide water for showers, laundry and dishwashing. This means that when they go wrong, people usually notice quickly because water is not getting where it needs to go. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to take care of your water heater so that it works properly throughout its life span.
Conclusion: To maintain your water heater and keep it running at peak performance, take these six easy steps. Whether you need help installing a new Water heater or just want to be better prepared for the future, we can help. We provide quality installation services for all types of equipment; from hot-water heaters to geothermal systems. Give us a call today! You’ll be happy that you did.
Author Bio:- Jacqueline Lewis
Jacqueline is a content marketing manager who formerly worked at Cali's Choice Plumbing & Restoration. She is a writer, editor, and content strategist for plumbing services. Making her knowledge and skills a power, she amplifies the readers’ knowledge about the ways of water leak and slab leak detection and their reciprocation.
Through her articles, she shares the most successful tactics and strategies of slab leak repair, mitigating blockages through Hydro Jetting, and AC & heater installation tips to the audience.
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