Most people don’t think about their water heater until it breaks down, and that’s when frigid showers catch you off guard. You can keep your heater in good shape and avoid severe problems if you take care of it. Taking care of your water heater doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
A few regular maintenance tasks can prevent costly issues. Here are five important tips that can save you from emergency breakdowns and expensive service calls. Let’s get started.
1. Flush the Tank to Prevent Sediment Buildup
Over time, minerals and debris can settle at the bottom of your tank. This buildup makes the heater work harder and can cause weird noises. If you don’t clean it up, sediment can even block valves and reduce the amount of hot water that comes out. Flushing the tank at least once a year gets rid of this sediment and makes your heater last longer.
To flush the tank, turn off the power or gas and close the cold-water supply. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve that is close to the tank’s bottom. Take the other end outside or to a floor drain, then open the valve and let the water flow until it is clear.
This process makes the heater work better. As a bonus, it saves you from costly water heater repair in the future. If the drain valve is blocked, you can try back-flushing by connecting a faucet that is close to the hose.
This sends water into the tank to clear the clog. If it doesn’t work, you can get a professional to clean the valve for you. They should also help you look for any leaks or corrosion that might be hiding inside the tank.
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2. Check and Replace the Anode Rod
The anode rod is a metal rod that prevents the tank from rusting. It attracts corrosive substances in the liquid, sacrificing itself to keep your tank safe. The rod wears down over time and needs to be replaced before the tank rusts.
To check the rod, turn off the heater and let out a few gallons of water. Use a socket wrench to take the rod off the top of the tank. If it’s less than half an inch thick or covered with calcium, it’s time for a new one. A new rod can make your heater last longer and prevent you from paying for pricey repairs in the future.
It costs a lot less to replace the rod than to buy a new water heater. If you’re sure about your DIY skills, you can find step-by-step guides online to help you with the process. For those not comfortable doing it themselves, a plumber can replace it quickly during routine service.
3. Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
Your heater has a safety feature called the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve. It opens to let water out if the pressure gets too high. Without this valve, if the pressure gets high enough, the tank could burst or fail totally because of the pressure.
Testing it regularly ensures it works when needed. To test the valve, put a bucket under the discharge pipe and pull the lever. When you release it, you should see water flow out and then stop.
If nothing happens or it flows continuously, you should replace the valve right away for safety reasons. Don’t ever ignore a broken TPR valve. A broken one might make the pressure build up to dangerous levels.
Most plumbers can easily replace the valve, and it costs a lot less than fixing damage caused by a tank failure. To minimize problems and keep the heater in good operating order, many homeowners incorporate this test in their yearly maintenance. You can read articles on Google or other search engines to see what should be part of your water heater maintenance checklist.
4. Adjust the Thermostat to 120°F
The best temperature for your heater is 120°F, which is a nice mix between comfort and safety. Higher settings can cause scalding and make the tank and pipes corrode faster, which shortens their lifespan. Lower settings might not give you enough hot water for your everyday needs.
The thermostat is normally on the side of the tank; however, it can sometimes be behind a small panel. Use a screwdriver to change the temperature to the right level. If your heater has two thermostats, set them to the same temperature to keep the heating equal and the water temperature steady.
This minor tweak can also help you save money. You can save up to 5% on your energy bill by lowering the temperature by just 10 degrees. This is a simple step that enhances safety and efficiency. Keeping it at 120°F also lowers the risk of unintentional burns for homes with small children or older adults.
5. Insulate the Tank and Pipes
You can prevent heat from escaping by insulating your water heater and the first few feet of pipes. This means that the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the water hot, which can make it last longer. It’s especially useful for older models or tanks that are kept in places that aren’t heated, such as garages or basements.
For the tank, use an insulation blanket, and for the pipes, use foam sleeves. Don’t block the thermostat, the top, or the bottom of the heater. This is a simple DIY project that can be done in less than an hour with things you can find at most hardware stores.
If you’re unsure about the right type of insulation or how to install it, you can check some resources for more guidance. The small investment in insulation can pay off quickly in lower energy bills and longer heater life. Insulation can also help keep the water hot for longer periods of time between heating cycles in extremely old heaters.
Conclusion
Taking care of your water heater on a regular basis might help it work well for a long time. Flushing the tank, changing the anode rod, testing the TPR valve, adjusting the thermostat, and adding insulation are all simple steps. Doing them can prevent costly problems and make your heater last longer.
Don’t be afraid to call a technician if you’re not sure how to execute a repair or maintenance step. Safety comes first when it comes to water heaters because they deal with high pressure and hot water. If you follow these tips, you’ll always have hot water and won’t have any nasty surprises.
