Water Heater Maintenance
You'll Be Glad You Called Us First!
Water Heater Maintenance: Ensuring Efficiency and Longevity
Regular maintenance of your water heater is crucial for ensuring its efficient operation, extending its lifespan, and preventing unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs. Whether you have a traditional tank-style water heater, a hybrid type, or a tankless model, a proactive approach to maintenance can help you avoid the inconvenience of cold showers and the potential for water damage from leaks. This article outlines essential maintenance tasks and best practices for keeping your water heater in top condition.
We include great service guarantees on all our work as well.
Annual Inspection
Visual Inspection: Annually inspect your water heater for signs of wear or damage, such as rust, corrosion, or water leakage around the base of the tank or in piping connections for traditional water heaters. For tankless models, check for any error codes or warning lights that may indicate a problem.
Check the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve (T&P): This safety device prevents excessive pressure buildup in the tank, which could lead to a dangerous explosion. Lift the valve's lever to release a little water into the drainpipe. If water doesn’t flow or continues to flow after testing, the valve may need to be replaced.
Drain and Flush the Tank
Sediment and/or calcium buildup can reduce your water heater's efficiency and clog water lines. For tank-style water heaters:
Turn off the power: For electric heaters, switch off the power at the circuit breaker. For gas models, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve: Direct the hose to a suitable drain or outdoors.
Drain the tank: Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow out until it's clear of sediment. This may take several minutes to an hour. If the water remains murky, briefly turn on the cold water supply to help flush the tank.
Inspect Anode Rod
The anode rod protects your tank from corrosion by sacrificing itself to corrosion instead of the tank. Checking and replacing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years can significantly extend the life of your water heater.
Locate and remove the anode rod: This will require an applicable wrench. Consult your water heater’s manual for the exact location and instructions or have one of our experts take care of it for you.
Inspect the rod: If more than 6 inches of the core wire is visible, or the rod is heavily coated in calcium, it's time for a replacement.
Adjust Temperature
Setting the temperature to around 120°F provides an ideal balance between energy efficiency and hot water supply. This can reduce scaling and sediment buildup and lower the risk of scalding.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Tankless models generally require less maintenance but benefit from-
Annual flushing: This is especially important in areas with hard water to prevent mineral buildup that can affect performance.
Filter cleaning: Regularly clean or replace any in-line water filters to ensure optimal flow rates.
Professional Servicing
While many maintenance tasks can be performed by owners, a professional servicing annually can help catch issues that may not be visible or accessible without dismantling parts of the unit. This can include checking for gas leaks on gas models, inspecting the burner assembly, the igniter, the control valve, the heating element (for electrical units), and ensuring venting systems (for gas units) are clear and functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of your water heater can improve energy efficiency, extend its operational lifespan, and provide peace of mind by preventing unexpected failures. Incorporating these tasks into your annual home maintenance schedule can save you money and ensure you always have access to hot water when you need it.