Your water heater is a very important appliance in your home. It provides hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Because it works so hard, it is essential to take care of it at regular intervals. Professional water heater maintenance will make it more energy-efficient, prevent frequent breakdowns, and extend its lifespan.
At All American Plumbing, Heating & Air, we can help you keep your water heater in top condition. Our experts will inspect and clean your unit and make any necessary repairs. We also offer a variety of maintenance plans to fit your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more!
Here are some tips for maintaining your hot water heater:
Regular Inspection
It is important to have your water heater serviced by a professional regularly. Regular inspections help to catch minor problems before they become major repairs. Inspections by an expert also ensure that your water heater is operating as efficiently as possible.
Flush The Tank Yearly
Flushing your water heater tank helps to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank. Sediment can build up over time and cause your water heater to operate less efficiently. Flushing the tank also helps to prevent corrosion. To drain your water heater, shut off the power or gas to the unit and attach a hose to the drain valve. Open the valve and let the water drain out until it runs clear. Refill the tank and turn the power or gas back on. Never turn on a water heater that is empty.
Insulate The Tank
Adding insulation to your water heater tank can help to keep the water hot and reduce energy costs. It can also extend the life of your water heater. This is so because it lessens the strain on the unit by preventing it from having to work as hard to heat the water.
Lower Temperature
Water heaters are often set to very high temperatures, often as high as 140 degrees. However, you can save energy and prolong the life of your water heater by turning it down a few degrees. When you lower the temperature of your water heater to as low as 120 degrees, you can also help to prevent scalding. This is especially important if you have young children or elderly family members in your home.
Test Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
This valve is a safety feature that is designed to release pressure if the water in the tank gets too hot. It is important to test this valve monthly to make sure it is working properly. To test it, lift the lever on the valve and let some water out. If water doesn’t come out, or if it comes out in a significant amount, then the valve needs to be replaced. But if water comes out and then stops after you lower the valve, the TPR is working properly.
Replace Anode Rod
The anode rod is a metal rod that is responsible for protecting the tank from corrosion. It attracts corrosive elements in the water and corrodes instead of the tank. Over time, it will need to be replaced. You should check it every few years and replace it when necessary. Anode rods need to be replaced every five years or so, depending on the type of water in your area. You can check it by removing it from the tank and looking for corrosion. If it is more than half corroded, it needs to be replaced.
Replace The Air Intake Filter
If you have a tankless water heater, it is important to replace the air intake filter regularly. These filters protect your unit by trapping dust and other contaminants that could damage it. A dirty filter can cause the unit to overheat and shut down.
Insulate Pipes
In addition to insulating your water heater tank, you should also insulate the pipes that lead to and from the unit. This will help to keep the water hot as it travels through the pipes and reduce energy costs. Insulating pipes also protect them from freezing during the winter. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage to your home.
Get Professional Inspection
While you can inspect and maintain your water heater on your own, it is always a good idea to have it done by a professional. They will be able to identify any problems that you may not be able to see and make sure that your unit is operating as efficiently as possible. Trained professionals are also able to handle different types of water heaters, so you can be sure that they will know how to properly maintain yours.
Taking these steps will help you to maintain your water heater and keep it running efficiently for many years. Regular professional maintenance and simple steps can prevent major problems and lengthen the life of your unit.
Contact Your Neighborhood’s Favorite Water Heater Specialist
If you have any questions about your water heater or need help with maintenance, be sure to contact All American Plumbing, Heating & Air today at (209) 710-5629. We are always happy to help! We will advise you on the best way to care for your unit and ensure it is running properly.