How to Maintain Your Water Heater

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water heaters are an essential part of everyday living. While they must function smoothly throughout the year, their maintenance becomes increasingly important around winter.

A properly maintained heater not only provides you with hot water around the clock but also saves energy and money. If ignored, the heater can run up costs, break down, and require new heater installations frequently.  Here are a few simple tips that can prolong your water heater’s life and ensure smooth operation.

Lower the Temperature

Lowering the temperature as little as 10 degrees can save you up to 5% in energy costs. If the heater is working to keep the water warm rather than extremely hot, the water reaches that level faster. This lower temperature will also protect the heater from working too hard and increase its longevity.

Drain the Dregs

Sediments collect over time and need to be flushed out. To keep your water heater in pristine condition, drain the heater’s tank a few times a year to remove all the dregs and debris. Fill the tank about a quarter of the way full and close the supply valve. Then attach a hose to the drainpipe for the water to drain. If the water remains cloudy, briefly turn on the supply valve again and let the water drain.

Test the Temperature & Pressure Release Valve

At least once every year, check whether the temperature and pressure release valve are in working order. The valve has to open and release pressure in case the tank overpressurizes; otherwise, it can explode. Release the pressure from the valve two or three times. If the water is leaking, drain the water from the tank, remove the discharge tube, and replace the valve.

Check the Anode Rod

Geysers have an anti-corrosion anode rod installed that attracts impurities in the water and saves the tank from rust or corrosion. But over time, the rod itself can corrode. Every three years, check to see if the rod’s outer magnesium layer is corroded and if more than six inches of core steel wire is exposed. If the rod itself has reduced in thickness to less than half an inch or if there is a whitish calcium coat on the rod, you’ll need to replace the rod.

Maintain Space around the Heater

Make sure that the heater is not tucked away in a corner somewhere. Ensure at least two feet of space around the heater, so it can be serviced and is not at risk of collision.

Get Annual Maintenance Done

The best maintenance is done by an expert. To save yourself the trouble, you can hire a professional for annual maintenance, especially around winter when water heaters are working harder to keep the hot water flowing. If your water heater floods, contact SERVPRO of Cedar City / Fillmore.