Water heaters are one of the most important large appliances in homes and offices, making sure you have ready hot water for washing, for laundry and dishwashing, and of course for hot showers. However, while commercial water heaters get the care and attention they deserve, homeowners tend to ignore their heaters. Delayed or irregular maintenance can result in huge energy bills, decreased efficiency, and a reduced lifespan of your heater.
With a few simple routine checks you can keep your water heater in pristine condition. In this blog, we bring you some crucial steps you can take to maintain your water heater and ensure it operates efficiently every time, helping you save money on energy bills and future repairs.
Recurring Checks
The adage ‘A stitch in time…’ has never been more true. It is vital that you regularly check your water heater and have it serviced by a licensed professional. This helps ensure that you can spot and fix smaller problems before they turn into larger and more expensive repairs. Regular maintenance checks also make sure that your water heater performs optimally and efficiently.
The Annual Flush
Water heaters are prone to sediment accumulation. With time as sediment increases, it impacts the efficiency of the heater. By flushing the tank of your water heater every year you can remove sediment that collects at the bottom of the tank and prevent corrosion. To flush your water heater, shut off the gas or power connected to the unit before you begin draining. Next, attach a hose to the drain and open the valve allowing all water to flow out until it runs clear. Once done, you can refill the tank and turn the power back on. While the process is simple, it’s a good idea to get a professional plumber to flush your water heater.
Tank Insulation
Insulating your water heater tank increases its efficiency by keeping the water hot for a longer time, while reducing energy costs. Insulation puts less strain on your water heater and lowers the time it takes to heat up water.
Pipe Insulation
Similarly, you must also insulate all pipes connected to your water heater to preserve the temperature of the water as it travels through the pipes. Proper insulation also protects the pipes from freezing in the winters and prevent them from cracking or bursting. Self-adhesive foam pipe is an easy way to insulate your pipes and reduce energy costs. For the portion of the pipe closer to the water heater outlet, use heat-resistant fiberglass wrap instead of foam.
Manage the Temperature
Most homeowners set their water heaters to very high temperatures. But if you want to extend its lifespan and save energy, then you should turn down the temperature and maintain it at a few degrees lowers. A recommended temperature is 120 degrees, which also helps prevent scalding.
Fix the Pressure
The pressure release valve is perhaps the most vital part of your water heater. It is a safety feature that releases pressure in case the water becomes too hot. Make sure you ask a professional plumber to check your pressure valve by lifting the lever on the pressure valve and letting some water out. If there’s too much water or if there’s none, you need to replace the valve.
Check the Anode Rod
The combination of water, metal and heat makes your heater prone to corrosion. Heaters are equipped with an anode rod to prevent corrosion. But with time, even the anode rod will need to be replaced. Depending on the quality of water in your area, you might need to replace the anode rod every five years.
Air Intake Filters
Tankless water heaters come with air intake filters which must be replaced regularly without fail. These filters trap dust and other particles and prevent damage to your heating unit by preventing overheating.
Water Filter Cleaning
Don’t forget to clean water inlet filters, especially if you have a tankless water heater. The frequency with which you clean these depends on the water quality in your area. Dust and particle accumulation in these filters can clog your water heater and prevent the smooth flow of water. If you suspect any leaks or damage in the filters, contact professionals to clean your water heater.
Hire a Professional Plumber
While inspecting and cleaning or maintaining your water heater is not rocket science. For example, you may not know how to maintain a tankless water heater. That’s why, it is always better to hire a professional plumber in alameda skilled in fixing water heaters. They can easily spot and rectify any problems, while ensuring that all safety measures are in place. Trained and licensed plumbing professionals are familiar with different kinds of water heaters and can keep yours running efficiently in different conditions.
By following all the tips and suggestions listed above, you can be sure that your water heater will run efficiently and will serve you for many years. Regular maintenance by a professional will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of your heater, and make sure that you have hot water available when you need it. Still not sure about how to maintain water heater? If you have problems with your water heater or need help with simple maintenance, call Albion Plumbing and Rooter, Inc. We will ensure everything is in working order.