Keeping your water heater working by keeping it well-maintained is always important. However, it gets even more important during the colder winter months. We’re always around to help you with your water heater when it needs help. However, there are some things you can do yourself to keep your water heater in good condition. Proper water heater maintenance can improve its energy efficiency and allow it to work longer.
Here are five simple water heater maintenance tips to help keep yours running:
Watch the anode rod
The anode rod is a water heater accessory that helps prevent the tank from rusting. You should take a look at it every year or so to see how it’s doing. They can generally last four to five years, but you should replace yours if:
- More than six inches of the core metal wire is exposed.
- The rod is under half an inch thick.
- The rod is coated in calcium.
Drain the tank
Draining or flushing the tank annually or bi-annually is key to keeping the tank free of sediment. To do this, you first have to turn off the gas/power and cold water supply to your tank. Then, get a hose and bucket, and open the hot water tap and pressure release valve. Drain the water into the bucket until it looks clear or there’s no water left. If you still have sediment, turn on the cold water supply so any sediment at the bottom is washed around and repeat the draining. You should do this last step at least once, but keep doing it until the water comes out clean. When you’re done, close the drain cock, refill the tank, and turn the power/gas back on.
Change the temperature
If you read our blog post on setting your water heater’s temperature, you’ll know that setting the temperature to 120-125°F can save you a bit of money. That blog post can give you more info on how and why to set your water heater to that temperature.
Test the pressure release valve
Boilers aren’t the only heating appliance that’s capable of exploding. Water heater tanks can also blow up if too much pressure builds up inside of them. That’s why water heaters come with a switch and pipe on the side as a safety measure. If there’s too much pressure in the tank, the switch flicks and the copper or plastic pipe directs released water safely to the floor. When you test it, put a bucket under the pipe and flick the switch on and off two or three times. If water comes out and there’s no leaking after you test it, you’re good to go.
Look for leaks
This last tip is a simple one, but it’s an important one, nonetheless. Every couple of months, you should give the water heater and its pipes a thorough visual inspection to make sure everything looks fine. Be on the lookout for leaks, corrosion, and deformities in the metal. If you see anything and aren’t sure how to handle it, give us a call.
Why rely on Water Heaters Now’s knowledge to keep my plumbing working fine?
Master Plumber Raymond Snesrud has been plumbing in the twin cities for 10 years and he says, “I have noticed that there are hundreds of plumbing companies who do thousands of plumbing types of repairs. I have had dozens of employees over the last 10 years, and I have found it very difficult to hire technicians who will respect people and their homes the way they deserve. One day five years ago, it occurred to me that if we only install and repair water heaters, we could become the leading experts at doing one thing.” Call Water Heaters Now today to learn more about how to keep your water heater in top condition!
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