Your home’s water heater is one of the most important appliances in your household. It supplies hot water for your home’s daily needs such as cooking, cleaning and bathing. Your water heater works hard for you, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. With professional water heater maintenance, your water heater will be more energy efficient, less prone to breakdowns and will last longer. H2OBros Plumbing is here to help you maintain your water heater. Our team of professionals will inspect, clean, and repair your unit. We also provide a range of maintenance schedules to suit your budget and requirements. Get in touch with us today to find out more!
Here аre a few tips to keep your hot water heater in good working order:
Regular Inspection
It’s important to take the time to visually inspect your water heater. A thorough inspection can help you identify any signs of damage or any other issues that may be present. Make sure to use your eyes as well as your ears to listen for any strange or disturbing sounds coming from the water heater. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to contact a professional and arrange for an inspection with one of the reliable technicians.
Flush the Heater
Whether you live in a hard water area, sediment can accumulate in your hot water heater tank at a faster rate than other properties. It is important to address sediment in the bottom of your water boiler tank as soon as possible so that the appliance does not consume too much energy to heat your water. Another danger of sediment settling is that it can lead to corrosion and leaks.
One of the most important maintenance tasks for tankless water heaters is the occasional flush. You may have all the necessary equipment, such as a garden hose and floor drain, as well as a colander, to flush your water heater, but you may prefer to leаve the task to a professional water tank specialist. You don't need to put yourself or your family in danger from a hot water flush.
Insulate the Tank
Insulating the water heater tank is a crucial step in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your water heater. It also helps to keep the water inside the tank at a consistent temperature, ensuring that you always have hot water when you need it. Additionally, insulating the tank can help to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of your water heater.
Lower the Temperature
Most water heaters are set to temperatures of 140 degrees or higher. By reducing your water heater’s temperature by a few degrees, you’ll not only save energy, but you’ll also extend the life of the water heater. When your water heater is set to a temperature of 120 degrees or lower, you can reduce the risk of scalding, especially if you have children or elderly people in your home.
Check the Pressure Valve
Every electric and gas water heater has a T&P (temperature-pressure release valve) or TPR valve. This safety valve opens when there is an excess of heat or water. This helps prevent explosions and damage. It is important to check the valve every few months for sediment or residue that can block the valve's opening. Turn off your water heater's power and open and close it a few times. Keep an eye on the drainpipe's water flow because a working valve allows water to flow when the valve is open. If you don't see any water released, have one of our experts inspect your unit.
Inspect the Anode Rod
Your water heater's anode rod attracts minerals that would otherwise be lost as sediment. Most anode rods last between three and five years. Let us help you remember how long you've had your current anode rod! Turn off the heater to check your rod. You can also drain some water from your best water heater tank to see if there's rust on the inside.
Unlock the hex nut at the top of your water heater tank. This will show you where the anode rod is attached. If you notice mineral deposits on your anode rod or if you see a significant amount of core wire sticking out of your anode rod, we recommend you buy a new оne at your nearest hardware store or call a professional right away.
Replace the Air Intake Filter
Tankless heaters have air intake filters that need to be changed on a regular basis. Air intake filters are designed to protect your unit from dust and other pollutants that can damage it. If your unit has a dirty air intake filter, it can overheat and turn off.
Insulate your Pipes
In addition to making sure your electric hot water tank is insulated, you should also make sure the pipes leading to and from your unit are insulated. This will help keep the water warm as it moves through the pipes and help you save money on your energy bills. Pipes should also be insulated to keep them from freezing in the winter. A frozen pipe can burst and cause a lot of damage to your home.
Use a Water Softener
Do you live in a hard water area? If so, hot water tanks inside hard water homes are more prone to sediment buildup. Hard water, sediment, and appliance aging can all be exacerbated by hard water. A water softener can help alleviate some of these issues.
Add an Expansion Tank
Does your heater operate in a closed system with no backflow? If this is the case, the water needs a place to flow when expanding after heating. Alterations in temperature and pressure can cause premature wear and tear on your appliance, so consider adding an expansion tank.
In conclusion, adhering to the 10 tips for maintaining your water heater is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Regular maintenance not only improves energy efficiency but also prevents costly repairs. Remember to flush the tank, check for leaks, and adjust the temperature to extend the lifespan of your water heater. For professional assistance and reliable water heater repair or replacement services, trust H2OBros Plumbing.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and safeguard your home's hotwater supply. Don't wait – let H2OBros Plumbing keep your water heater running smoothly.