Use this basic maintenance method to keep your hot water heater functioning efficiently and reliably.
Hot water heater work hard to supply you with warm showers, clean wardrobes, and shining pots and pans.
Demonstrate your water heating system some love by following a scheduled maintenance program that will keep it working for its estimated 15-year lifespan, and perhaps beyond.
Here is what you need to do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll save approximately 5% on energy costs for each 10 degrees you lower the temperature, and you’ll likewise decrease the risk of scalding.
Unless otherwise defined in the manual, keep a 2-foot clearance around the device.
- Drain about a quarter of the tank a couple of times a year to get rid of sediment and particles.
- Shut off the cold water supply, link a garden hose to the drain valve, and run the water into a pail until it is clear.
Open the water supply valve briefly to stir up any leftover particles before draining the tank again if the water remains hazy. This likewise minimizes the unit’s sound level.
Evaluate the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by rapidly discharging it 2 or 3 times. Keep a lookout for tiny leaks from the valve after the screening.
Examine the sacrificial anode rod every 3 years by removing the hex and loosening head screw.
Change the rod if any of the list below conditions exist:
(A 13-inch zinc-aluminum anode rod costs roughly $16).
- More than 6 inches of core steel wire is visible.
- The rod is only around 1/2 inch thick.
- Calcium has been applied to the rod.
- Insulate older systems with a fiberglass jacket to boost efficiency, making sure not to come into contact with the flue (newer systems are currently insulated; consult your owner’s manual to confirm).
Insulate the hot and cold water lines.
When you leave for a prolonged amount of time, set the thermostat on gas heaters to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot burner lit but does not heat up the water.
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How Often Do You Need Water Heater Maintenance?
Hot water heater care is necessary not only for keeping you warm during the winter season. Warm Water Heating units that are damaged or faulty can also lead to severe burns to you and your family.
However how often should you do water heater maintenance, and what are the warning signals that anything is wrong with your hot water heater?
Let’s go over how frequently you must perform water heating system maintenance.
In general, the lifespan of your water heater will be in between eight and twelve years. Naturally, a variety of aspects can have an impact on this lifespan.
- The placement of the water heater in your house.
- How correctly it was set up.
- The make/model of the heating system itself.
- And even the quality of care you give will all have a result.
Specialists advise getting your hot water heater drained out at least once a year for repairs and maintenance. Generally, this means that your tank needs to be drained with a hose and after that filled up with clean water.
This helps in the removal of excess dirt from your heating system, which, if left untreated, can cause significant damage and obstructions in your system. An evaluation and deep cleansing of the hot water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts must be included in the maintenance.
Clues You Need Water Heater Maintenance
Now that you have a much better idea of how often you should get your water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to start paying closer attention to the indications that something isn’t quite right with your heating system. If you find any of the following symptoms, you must act as soon as possible. After all, a malfunctioning hot water heater could explode, causing serious damage to you or your family.
1. You See Leakages
Naturally, you’ll recognize you need water heater maintenance if you see a leak or a large puddle around your heating system. Not all indications of a leak are as clear.
In general, you must check for leaks around your hot water heating system at least once a month. Search for drips, damp floor covering, and even a musty smell around the heating system.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is irritating, but it is likewise a signal that your hot water heater needs to be serviced. This is most likely due to the buildup of minerals or other types of dirt.
The pressure could likewise be low due to a knot in the pipeline or faulty setup.
3. Noises
Your water heater will make a couple of 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 most likely a signal of a more serious problem. Typically, what is happening is that your heating system is overheating as it attempts to change for obstructions in the system.
Not only will this increase your hot water cost, but it may likewise raise your risk of burns if you enter into touch with the heating system.
4. Rusty Water
Another telling clue is that something is wrong with your hot water heater. Examine the water flowing from your faucets.
- Is the color reddish-brown and rusty?
- Is there an extremely metallic taste to it if you’ve attempted to drink it?
- Does your water always appear dirty?
If this holds true, you are in immediate need of water heater maintenance.
This is due to the fact that the pipelines themselves have actually most likely started to rust. In some cases, you may have the ability to resolve this problem without the aid of an expert.
Begin by draining as much hot water as possible from your heating system. (For your safety, we advise utilizing a five-gallon bucket.) If, after the 3rd five-gallon bucket, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It means that the problem is with your hot water heater rather than your pipelines.
It is best to look for the aid of a pro if this is the case. They’ll have the ability to empty your tank more totally, and they’ll most likely check the overall condition of your pipelines.
When it comes to water heater maintenance, constantly count on the services of a professional when in doubt.
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