Use this standard upkeep technique to keep your hot water heater operating efficiently and reliably.
Water heaters work hard to offer you with warm showers, clean garments, and dazzling pots and pans.
So show your hot water heater some love by following a planned upkeep program that will keep it working for its approximated 15-year lifespan, and perhaps beyond.
Here is what you should do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll conserve as much as 5% on energy bills for each 10 degrees you lower the temperature level, and you’ll also lower the threat of scalding.
Unless otherwise specified in the manual, keep a 2-foot clearance around the home appliance.
- Empty about a quarter of the tank a couple of times a year to remove sediment and debris.
- Switch off the cold water supply, hook up a garden line to the drain valve, and run the water into a pail up until it is clear.
Open the water supply valve briefly to stir up any leftover particles prior to draining the tank again if the water remains hazy. This also decreases the unit’s noise level.
Evaluate the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by quickly releasing it two or 3 times. Keep a lookout for tiny leakages from the valve after the testing.
Analyze the sacrificial anode rod every 3 years by removing the hex and loosening head screw.
Change the rod if any of the following conditions exist:
(A 13-inch zinc-aluminum anode rod costs roughly $16).
- More than 6 inches of core steel wire shows.
- The rod is just around 1/2 inch thick.
- Calcium has been applied to the rod.
- Insulate older systems with a fiberglass jacket to increase performance, making certain not to come into contact with the flue (more recent systems are already insulated; consult your owner’s manual to validate).
Insulate the cold and hot water lines too.
When you leave for an extended time period, set the thermostat on gas heating systems to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot light lit however does not heat the water.
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How Frequently Do You Need Hot Water Heater Upkeep?
Water Heater care is necessary not just for keeping you warm throughout the winter months. Hot Water Heating units that are damaged or malfunctioning can additionally cause severe burns to you and your family.
How often should you do water heating system upkeep, and what are the caution signals that anything is not right with your water heater?
First, let’s go over how often you should perform hot water heater upkeep.
In general, the lifespan of your hot water heater will be in between eight and 12 years. Obviously, a variety of aspects can have an influence on this lifespan.
- The placement of the hot water heater in your house.
- How properly it was installed.
- The make/model of the heater itself.
- And even the quality of care you provide will all have an impact.
Professionals suggest getting your hot water heater drained out a minimum of once a year for repairs and upkeep. Generally, this implies that your tank must be drained with a hose and then refilled with clean water.
This assists in the elimination of excess dirt from your heating system, which, if left unattended, can trigger significant damage and blockages in your system. An assessment and deep cleansing of the hot water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts should be included in the upkeep.
Indications You May Need Hot Water Heater Upkeep
Now that you have a much better idea of how often you should get your hot water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to start paying closer attention to the signs that something isn’t quite right with your heater. You should act at once if you discover any of the following signs. After all, a malfunctioning hot water heater might blow up, leading to major harm to you or your family members.
1. You See Leaks
Obviously, you’ll identify you require hot water heater upkeep if you see a leak or a big puddle around your heater. However, not all signals of a leak are as clear.
In general, you should look for leakages around your hot water heater a minimum of when a month. Try to find drips, moist flooring, and even a moldy smell around the heater.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is annoying, however it is also an indication that your hot water heater requires to be serviced. This is more than likely due to the accumulation of minerals or other types of dirt.
The pressure might also be low due to a knot in the pipeline or inaccurate installation.
3. Sounds
Your hot water heater will make a couple of random noises that are not alarming. However, what if you begin to hear a great deal of clanging, clicking, and even something that seems like popping?
It is more than likely an indication of a more major problem. Usually, what is taking place is that your heater is overheating as it attempts to change for blockages in the system.
Not just will this increase your hot water expense, however it may also raise your threat of burns if you go into touch with the heater.
4. Rusty Water
Another telling clue is that something is wrong with your hot water heater. Analyze the water flowing from your faucets.
- Is the color reddish-brown and rusty?
- Is there a significantly metal taste to it if you’ve attempted to drink it?
- Does your water regularly appear filthy?
If this holds true, you are in urgent need of hot water heater upkeep.
Because the pipes themselves have most likely started to rust, this is. In many cases, you may have the ability to resolve this problem without the aid of an expert.
Begin by draining as much hot water as possible from your heater. (For your well-being, we suggest utilizing a five-gallon pail.) If, after the third five-gallon pail, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It implies that the concern is with your hot water heater rather than your pipes.
If this holds true, it is best to seek the aid of a pro. They’ll have the ability to empty your tank more completely, and they’ll more than likely check the overall condition of your pipes.
When it concerns hot water heater upkeep, always depend on the services of an expert when in doubt.
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