Use this basic maintenance approach to keep your water heater operating effectively and dependably.
Water heaters work hard to supply you with warm showers, clean clothes, and shining pots and pans.
So show your water heater some love by following a planned maintenance program that will keep it working for its approximated 15-year life expectancy, and potentially beyond.
Here is what you should do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll save up to 5% on energy bills for each 10 degrees you lower the temperature level, and you’ll also decrease the danger of scalding.
Unless otherwise specified in the handbook, keep a 2-foot clearance around the home appliance.
- Drain about a quarter of the tank a couple of times a year to eliminate sediment and particles.
- Shut off the cold water supply, connect a garden tubing to the drain valve, and run the water into a pail until it is clear.
If the water stays hazy, open the supply of water valve briefly to stimulate any remaining particles prior to emptying the tank again. This also minimizes the unit’s noise level.
Evaluate the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by quickly releasing it two or three times. Keep a lookout for small leakages from the valve after the screening.
Analyze the sacrificial anode rod every three years by removing the hex and loosening head screw.
Replace the rod if any of the list below conditions exist:
(A 13-inch zinc-aluminum anode rod expenses roughly $16).
- More than 6 inches of core steel wire shows.
- The rod is only around 1/2 inch thick.
- Calcium has actually been applied to the rod.
- Insulate older units with a fiberglass coat to enhance performance, making certain not to come into contact with the flue (newer units are currently insulated; consult your owner’s handbook to verify).
Insulate the cold and hot water lines also.
When you leave for a prolonged amount of time, set the thermostat on gas heating systems to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot burner lit however does not warm the water.
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How Typically Do You Need Hot Water Heater Maintenance?
Hot water heater care is required not only for keeping you warm throughout the winter season. Hot Water Heating systems that are damaged or malfunctioning can likewise cause serious burns to you and your family.
However how frequently should you do water heater maintenance, and what are the warning signals that anything is bad with your water heater?
Let’s talk about how regularly you should carry out water heating system maintenance.
In general, the life expectancy of your hot water heater will be between 8 and 12 years. Of course, a number of elements can have an influence on this life expectancy.
- The placement of the hot water heater in your house.
- How effectively it was installed.
- The make/model of the heating system itself.
- And even the quality of care you offer will all have an impact.
Experts advise getting your water heater drained out a minimum of once a year for repair work and maintenance. Basically, this means that your tank needs to be emptied with a hose and after that refilled with clean water.
This helps in the removal of excess dirt from your heating system, which, if left unchecked, can trigger major damage and clogs in your system. An evaluation and deep cleaning of the water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts should be consisted of in the maintenance.
Clues You Need Hot Water Heater Maintenance
Now that you have a much better idea of how frequently you should get your water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to begin paying closer attention to the signals that something isn’t really right with your heating system. If you find any of the following symptoms, you should act at once. A malfunctioning water heating system could blow up, posing severe damage to you or your family members.
1. You See Leakages
Of course, you’ll identify you require hot water heater maintenance if you see a leakage or a large puddle around your heating system. Nevertheless, not all indicators of a leakage are as clear.
In general, you should check for leakages around your warm water heating system a minimum of when a month. Try to find drips, wet flooring, and even a musty odor around the heating system.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is frustrating, however it is also a signal that your water heater needs to be serviced. This is more than likely due to the buildup of minerals or other types of dirt.
The pressure could also be low due to a kink in the pipe or inaccurate setup.
3. Noises
Your hot water heater will make a couple of random sounds that are not alarming. Nevertheless, what if you begin to hear a lot of clanging, clicking, and even something that seems like popping?
It is more than likely a signal of a more severe issue. Generally, what is happening is that your heating system is overheating as it attempts to change for clogs in the system.
Not only will this increase your warm water cost, however it might also raise your danger of burns if you go into touch with the heating system.
4. Rusty Water
Another telling clue is that something is wrong with your water heater. Analyze the water flowing from your faucets.
- Is the color rusty and reddish-brown?
- Is there a significantly metallic taste to it if you’ve attempted to drink it?
- Does your water regularly appear dirty?
You are in immediate need of water heating system maintenance if this is the case.
Due to the fact that the pipes themselves have most likely started to rust, this is. Sometimes, you might be able to resolve this issue without the assistance of a professional.
Begin by emptying as much warm water as possible from your heating system. (For your protection, we advise utilizing a five-gallon container.) If, after the third five-gallon container, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It means that the problem is with your water heater rather than your pipes.
It is best to seek the assistance of an expert if this is the case. They’ll be able to drain your tank more completely, and they’ll more than likely inspect the general condition of your pipes.
When it comes to hot water heater maintenance, always rely on the services of a professional when in doubt.
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