Have you ever wondered what would happen if your water Heater suddenly broke during winter? It would take too much time and effort to get a replacement or find a professional to fix it. As you can see, Water heaters are a necessity for most homeowners, especially in areas with cold topographical climates, and are one of the common plumbing issues to encounter especially during winter. Hence, let us not wait for it to break and take good care of it while it is serving us with a great purpose. It also needs requires upkeep and maintenance to last for a long time. Failure of proper maintenance for your water heater can lead to decreased efficiency and shortened lifespan. We know that you care for your water heater so here are a few tips on how to keep your water heater running smoothly:
Drain your water heater
Did you know that sediments build up in your water Tank over time? It reduces the water heater’s efficiency and causes it to overheat with the worst-case scenario of causing significant damage. Prevent this from happening! Drain your water heater regularly to avoid the build-up of sediments. Even experts recommend draining your water heater every six months or so. The exact frequency will depend on the type of water heater you have and the quality of your water supply. Draining your water heater is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Simply turn off the power to your water heater and then attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Once the hose is attached, open the drain valve and let the water flow until it runs clear. Then close the drain valve and turn the power back on. By following these simple steps, you can help prolong your water heater's life and keep it running smoothly.
Inspect the anode rod annually
One part of your hot water tank that you should inspect regularly is the Anode Rod. Also known as a sacrificial anode, this rod is usually made of a magnesium or aluminum alloy and is responsible for protecting the tank from corrosion. Over time, the anode rod will corrode instead of the tank, and it will need to be replaced. You can inspect the anode rod by removing it from the tank and inspecting it for signs of wear and tear. If the rod is more than half consumed, it's time to replace it. Replacing the anode rod is a fairly straightforward process. Still, if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional plumber in Bexley to do it for you. By inspecting and replacing the anode rod every year, you can help to extend the life of your hot water tank.
Check the water heater for any leaks
One important maintenance task that every homeowner should do is check the water heater for leaks. Even a small leak can lead to significant water damage, so it's important to fix any leaks as soon as possible. There are a few different ways to check for leaks. One is to look for water on the floor around the water heater. Another is to check the temperature and pressure relief valve on the side of the heater. If this valve leaks, it's a sure sign of a problem. Once you've located the leak, you'll need to repair it. This may involve simply tightening a loose fitting or replacing a damaged hose. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire water heater. Whatever the repair entails, it's important to take care of it immediately to avoid further damage.
Make sure the water heater pressure is correct
One of the most important things to keep an eye on with your water heater is the pressure. If the pressure gets too high, it can cause your tank to explode. On the other hand, if the pressure gets too low, it will greatly reduce the efficiency of your heater. Depending on the type of water heater you have, the correct pressure will fall somewhere between 40 and 80 psi. You can usually find a label on your water heater indicating the correct range. If you're not sure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and keep the pressure on the lower end. Checking and adjusting your water heater pressure is a simple task that only takes a few minutes, but it can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Insulate the tank for energy efficiency
Insulating your tank can help improve energy efficiency, especially if the tank is located in an unheated area. Insulation helps to keep the heat in, which means the tank won't have to work as hard to maintain the water temperature. There are a variety of ways to insulate a tank, and the best option will depend on the size and shape of the tank as well as the climate. A tank that is located in a cold climate will need more insulation than one that is located in a warm climate. The most important thing is to make sure that the insulation is thick enough to do its job. Thinner insulation may be adequate in a warm climate, but it will be less effective in a cold climate. In addition, it's important to make sure that the insulation covers all sides of the tank. If there are any gaps or holes, heat will be able to escape, which will decrease the overall efficiency of the insulation.
Have a professional help you
If you are unsure how to properly take care of your water heater, it is best to call a professional plumber in Bass Hill. A plumber can help you with routine maintenance and troubleshooting any problems that may arise with your water heater. By following the simple tips in this blog post, you can help prolong the life of your water heater and avoid costly repairs. While it is important to properly maintain a water heater, keeping it clean and free of debris is also very important. This can help reduce the risk of fire and keep your home heated during colder months.
