Use this fundamental maintenance technique to keep your hot water heater operating effectively and reliably.
Water heaters work hard to offer you with warm showers, clean garments, and shining pots and pans.
So demonstrate your hot water heater some love by following a planned maintenance program that will keep it working for its approximated 15-year life-span, and potentially beyond.
Here is what you need to do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll conserve as much as 5% on energy costs for every single 10 degrees you lower the temperature, and you’ll likewise minimize the threat of scalding.
Unless otherwise specified in the handbook, keep a 2-foot clearance around the device.
- Drain about a quarter of the tank a few times a year to eliminate sediment and particles.
- Turn off the cold water supply, connect a garden hose-pipe to the drain valve, and run the water into a pail up until it is clear.
Open the water supply valve briefly to stir up any remaining particles before emptying the tank again if the water remains hazy. This likewise minimizes the system’s noise level.
Check the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by rapidly discharging it 2 or 3 times. Keep a lookout for tiny leakages from the valve after the testing.
Examine the sacrificial anode rod every 3 years by eliminating the hex and loosening up head screw.
Change the rod if any of the list below conditions exist:
(A 13-inch zinc-aluminum anode rod costs approximately $16).
- More than 6 inches of core steel wire is visible.
- The rod is just around 1/2 inch thick.
- Calcium has actually been applied to the rod.
- Insulate older systems with a fiberglass jacket to improve efficiency, making certain not to come into contact with the flue (more recent systems are currently insulated; consult your owner’s handbook to verify).
Insulate the cold and hot water lines.
When you leave for a prolonged time period, set the thermostat on gas heating units to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot burner lit but does not heat up the water.
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How Frequently Do You Need Water Heater Upkeep?
Water Heater care is needed not just for keeping you warm during the winter months. Warm Water Heaters that are damaged or defective can additionally lead to severe burns to you and your family members.
How typically should you do water heating unit upkeep, and what are the warning signals that anything is wrong with your water heater?
Initially, let’s go over how frequently you need to perform hot water heater maintenance.
In general, the life-span of your water heater will be between 8 and 12 years. Obviously, a variety of elements can have an impact on this life-span.
- The placement of the water heater in your home.
- How appropriately it was installed.
- The make/model of the heater itself.
- And even the quality of care you give will all have an impact.
Experts advise getting your hot water heater emptied out at least once a year for repair work and maintenance. Essentially, this indicates that your tank must be drained with a hose and after that refilled with clean water.
This helps in the removal of excess dirt from your heating unit, which, if left unattended, can trigger major damage and blockages in your system. An inspection and deep cleansing of the hot water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts need to be consisted of in the maintenance.
Clues You May Need Water Heater Upkeep
Now that you have a better idea of how typically you should get your water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to start paying closer attention to the warnings that something isn’t really right with your heater. You need to act at once if you spot any of the following symptoms. A faulty water heater might explode, leading to serious damage to you or your family.
1. You See Leaks
Obviously, you’ll know you need water heater maintenance if you see a leak or a big puddle around your heater. Not all signs of a leak are as clear.
In general, you need to look for leakages around your warm water heater at least as soon as a month. Try to find drips, moist floor covering, or perhaps a musty smell around the heater.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is irritating, but it is likewise a clue that your hot water heater needs to be serviced. This is probably due to the accumulation of minerals or other kinds of dirt.
The pressure might likewise be low due to a kink in the pipeline or incorrect installation.
3. Noises
Your water heater will make a few random sounds that are not alarming. However, what if you start to hear a great deal of clanging, clicking, or perhaps something that seems like popping?
It is probably a clue of a more serious issue. Normally, what is happening is that your heater is overheating as it attempts to adjust for blockages in the system.
Not just will this increase your warm water cost, but it might likewise raise your threat of burns if you enter into touch with the heater.
4. Rusty Water
Another warning 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 metal taste to it if you’ve attempted to drink it?
- Does your water constantly appear filthy?
You are in immediate need of water heating unit upkeep if this is the case.
Because the pipelines themselves have most likely started to rust, this is. In some cases, you might be able to address this issue without the assistance of a professional.
Begin by emptying as much warm water as possible from your heater. (For your protection, we advise utilizing a five-gallon container.) If, after the 3rd five-gallon container, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It indicates that the issue is with your hot water heater rather than your pipelines.
It is best to seek the assistance of a seasoned pro if this is the case. They’ll be able to empty your tank more completely, and they’ll probably check the general condition of your pipelines.
When it concerns water heater maintenance, constantly count on the services of a professional when in doubt.
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