The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Water Heater
Your water heater is a vital home component that keeps you from experiencing the discomfort and inconvenience of hot water shortages. It usually lasts for up to eight or 12 years with proper maintenance.
Regular inspections on your unit can prevent major problems that cost you money and time. Here are some of the most important things to check.
Checking the Pressure
Your home’s water heater is a very important appliance that comes into play daily. As such, it needs to be well-maintained to prevent problems in the future.
Your water heater has safety devices like pressure and temperature valves that need to be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly. If not, you could be at risk for scalding burns and water leaks that can damage your home.
Hard water can leave rock behind in your tank, which can corrode it over time and cause problems with the pressure relief valve. This is why having your water heater inspected regularly by a water heater company San Francisco, CA is important. A water heater inspection can catch these small problems before they become major issues that require expensive repairs or replacement.
Monitoring the Temperature
Your water heater is a sturdy appliance that lasts up to 12 years. However, it won’t have as long of a life as it should without regular maintenance.
Small tasks like flushing the tank, measuring temperatures, and checking the thermostat help your water heater function optimally. This ensures that you can access hot water and that the temperature is always consistent – perfect for your family’s needs.
Keeping track of the water temperature can help you save money. For example, if your water heater is set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be wasting energy heating the water to this temperature. A professional can help you monitor the water temperature and ensure it is set at the right temperature for your needs. This will help you save on energy costs and lower your utility bills. In addition, it will help you avoid costly repairs later on. During a routine maintenance check, a professional can also inspect the pressure release valve and anode rod to prevent corrosion and extend the life of your water heater.
Checking the Anode Rod
The anode rod scavenges the hard water – not the tank lining – by attracting minerals and rust. If it loses effectiveness, you will notice a foul odor and stains in your water. If the anode rod is completely rusted or discolored, it must be replaced with a magnesium or aluminum one.
You can check for this rod at the top of your water heater. Look for a plastic cap with a hex head screw and remove it to expose the anode rod. Replace the rod after wrapping its threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
Be sure to shut off your gas and electricity before working on the water heater. Once you replace the anode rod, open the hot water supply valve and wait for hissing or spitting noises as air escapes from the line. Once the water is clean, you can turn on the power and gas to relight your pilot light.
Draining the Tank
Over time, minerals from your home’s water build up on the bottom of the tank and can cause clogs. Draining the tank regularly helps prevent these clogs and keeps your unit working properly.
Adding this task to your routine maintenance will also help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Generally, it’s best to drain the tank every 6-12 months.
To drain the tank:
- Shut off the water supply via the water heater’s main valve at the top.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve and route it outdoors or to a drain.
- Once the tank is empty, turn the hot water valve on to let the tank refill and flush out any accumulated sediment.
Regular maintenance on your water heater is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan and keep it working properly throughout the year. Talk to your local HVAC contractor for more information or to schedule an inspection.
