Utilize this standard upkeep approach to keep your water heater functioning efficiently and dependably.
Water heaters work hard to offer you with warm showers, clean clothes, and sparkling pots and pans.
So show your water heater some love by following a planned upkeep program that will keep it working for its approximated 15-year life-span, and possibly beyond.
Here is what you should do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll save up to 5% on energy costs for each 10 degrees you lower the temperature level, and you’ll also decrease the threat of scalding.
Unless otherwise defined in the handbook, keep a 2-foot clearance around the home appliance.
- Drain about a quarter of the tank a few times a year to remove sediment and debris.
- Shut off the cold water supply, connect a garden hose-pipe to the drain valve, and run the water into a pail till it is clear.
Open the water supply valve briefly to stir up any remaining particles before draining the tank again if the water stays hazy. This also decreases the system’s noise level.
Test the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by rapidly discharging it 2 or three times. Keep a lookout for tiny leakages from the valve after the testing.
Examine the sacrificial anode rod every three years by getting rid of the hex and loosening up head screw.
Change the rod if any of the following conditions exist:
(A 13-inch zinc-aluminum anode rod expenses approximately $16).
- More than 6 inches of core steel wire shows.
- The rod is just around 1/2 inch thick.
- Calcium has been applied to the rod.
- Insulate older units with a fiberglass coat to enhance effectiveness, ensuring not to come into contact with the flue (more recent units are currently insulated; consult your owner’s handbook to validate).
Insulate the hot and cold water lines too.
When you leave for an extended period of time, set the thermostat on gas heating units to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot light lit however does not heat up the water.
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How Frequently Do You Need Water Heater Maintenance?
Hot water heater care is necessary not just for keeping you warm during the winter months. Warm Water Heating systems that are damaged or defective can also trigger serious burns to you and your family.
How frequently should you do water heater upkeep, and what are the caution signals that anything is bad with your water heater?
First, let’s talk about how regularly you should perform water heater upkeep.
In general, the life-span of your hot water heater will be in between 8 and twelve years. Obviously, a number of elements can have an impact on this life-span.
- The placement of the hot water heater in your house.
- How properly it was installed.
- The make/model of the heater itself.
- And even the quality of care you give will all have an impact.
Specialists suggest getting your water heater emptied out a minimum of once a year for repair work and upkeep. Basically, this indicates that your tank ought to be emptied with a hose and then filled up with clean water.
This assists in the removal of excess dirt from your heater, which, if left unchecked, can trigger significant damage and blockages in your system. An examination and deep cleaning of the water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts should be consisted of in the upkeep.
Signs You May Need Water Heater Maintenance
Now that you have a much better idea of how frequently you should get your hot water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to start paying closer attention to the warnings that something isn’t quite right with your heater. If you find any of the following signs, you should act immediately. A defective water heater might blow up, causing serious damage to you or your family members.
1. You See Leaks
Obviously, you’ll recognize you require hot water heater upkeep if you see a leakage or a big puddle around your heater. Nevertheless, not all signals of a leakage are as clear.
In general, you should check for leakages around your hot water heater a minimum of as soon as a month. Search for drips, moist flooring, and even a moldy smell around the heater.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is irritating, however it is also a clue that your water heater needs to be serviced. This is probably due to the buildup of minerals or other types of dirt.
The pressure might also be low due to a knot in the pipe or wrong installation.
3. Noises
Your hot water heater will make a few random noises that are not alarming. What if you start to hear a lot of clanging, clicking, or even something that sounds like popping?
It is probably a clue of a more serious issue. Normally, what is occurring is that your heater is overheating as it tries to change for blockages in the system.
Not just will this increase your hot water expense, however it might also raise your threat of burns if you go into touch with the heater.
4. Rusty Water
Another alerting sign is that something is wrong with your water heater. Examine the water flowing from your faucets.
- Is the color reddish-brown and rusty?
- Is there a significantly metal taste to it if you’ve tried to drink it?
- Does your water regularly appear dirty?
If this holds true, you are in immediate need of hot water heater upkeep.
Since the pipes themselves have most likely started to rust, this is. In some cases, you might be able to address this issue without the assistance of an expert.
Begin by draining as much hot water as possible from your heater. (For your well-being, we suggest using a five-gallon bucket.) If, after the 3rd five-gallon bucket, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It indicates that the concern is with your water heater instead of your pipes.
If this holds true, it is best to seek the assistance of a seasoned pro. They’ll be able to drain your tank more totally, and they’ll probably inspect the total condition of your pipes.
Always rely on the services of a professional when in doubt when it comes to water heater upkeep.
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