A water heater is an important investment and can serve you for years if taken care of correctly. They’re also prone to problems when nothing is done to prevent them. Here are some simple maintenance tips that will help extend the life of your water heater and keep it running smoothly.
Check The T&P Valve
When hiring a water heater repair professional, make sure they check the T&P valve. This valve is located at the bottom of the water heater. It controls the flow of hot and cold water through the system. When you turn on your hot water, it should be able to sustain a steady flow for about 10 minutes before it starts to drop off. If so, you can assume your heater is functioning efficiently. If your hot water is not consistently flowing, there may be something wrong with your T&P valve.
Check The Anode Rod
Check that the anode rod is in good working order and connected to the water heater. Ensure the rod is not bent or corroded and appropriately secured on the water heater.
Check For Leaks
Check for leaks at any faucets within your house, including those in your shower, kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and exterior faucets. You may want to turn off the main water valve until you can find and repair any leaks that are present.
Check For Corrosion
Check for any corrosion around fixtures such as bathtubs or showers where water could be exposed to harsh chemicals such as bleach or other cleaners regularly used in bathrooms.
Flush Your Water Heater
It’s a good idea to check the water heater once a year and flush it if there are any problems. You can do this by opening the lid and using a bucket or pail to pour water into the tank. If it is not filled to the right level, add more water until it is.
Check The Insulation
If you suspect that your water heater is not insulated, here are some things to check:
- Is there any rusting or corrosion on the tank?
- Are there any holes in the tank?
- Is there any condensation on the tank?
If you find any signs of corrosion, rust, or holes in your water heater, contact a professional immediately so that they can determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired immediately!
Add An Expansion Tank if Necessary
If you’re experiencing issues with your water heater, adding an expansion tank may be a good solution for you. An expansion tank allows your water heater to work at its maximum capacity by adding extra space to the system. It’s especially useful if you have an older water heater model that doesn’t have enough room to keep up with demand. The extra space will allow it to function correctly and prevent any issues with clogs or leaks.
Lower The Temperature Setting
When your water heater is working correctly, it should stay at 120 degrees. However, when it’s not working correctly, it can get too hot and damage the unit. This is why it’s essential to let the water heater cool down after use.
Schedule Annual Inspection
With the cost of fuel and electricity rising, it’s more important than ever to make sure your water heater is running efficiently and safely. An annual inspection will identify potential issues and ensure you get the most out of your investment.
You can schedule an annual inspection for your water heater by calling reliable professionals. They’ll come out to your home, inspect the unit, and give you an accurate assessment of how long it will take to get back up and running if something goes wrong with it. They’ll also ensure any problems are nipped in the bud before the heater goes bad.
Conclusion
One way to keep your water heater functioning correctly is to have it professionally cleaned at least once a year. You can prevent sediment from building up in your hot water tank by calling a licensed professional with the proper equipment. A professional cleaning will also ensure that the gas pressure relief valve and other vital parts work well.