Utilize this fundamental maintenance method to keep your water heater working efficiently and dependably.
Hot water heater work hard to supply you with warm showers, clean wardrobes, and dazzling pots and pans.
Show your water heater some love by following a scheduled maintenance program that will keep it working for its estimated 15-year life expectancy, and perhaps beyond.
Here is what you must do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll save up to 5% on energy bills for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, and you’ll also lower the risk of scalding.
Unless otherwise defined in the handbook, keep a 2-foot clearance around the appliance.
- Drain about a quarter of the tank a couple of times a year to eliminate sediment and debris.
- Shut 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 before draining the tank again if the water remains hazy. This also lowers the unit’s noise level.
Test the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by quickly releasing it 2 or 3 times. Keep a lookout for tiny leaks from the valve after the testing.
Analyze the sacrificial anode rod every 3 years by loosening and eliminating the hex head screw.
Change the rod if any of the list below conditions exist:
(A 13-inch zinc-aluminum anode rod costs approximately $16).
- More than 6 inches of core steel wire is visible.
- The rod is only around 1/2 inch thick.
- Calcium has been applied to the rod.
- Insulate older systems with a fiberglass coat to improve efficiency, ensuring not to come into contact with the flue (newer systems are already insulated; consult your owner’s handbook to verify).
Insulate the hot and cold water lines as well.
When you leave for a prolonged amount of time, set the thermostat on gas heating units to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot burner lit however does not warm the water.
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How Often Do You Required Hot Water Heater Upkeep?
Hot water heater care is needed not only for keeping you warm throughout the winter season. Hot Water Heating units that are damaged or defective can additionally lead to severe burns to you and your family members.
How often should you do water heater maintenance, and what are the warning signals that anything is wrong with your water heating system?
Let’s talk about how regularly you should perform water heating system maintenance.
In general, the life expectancy of your hot water heater will be between eight and twelve years. Of course, a number of aspects can have an effect on this life expectancy.
- The placement of the hot water heater in your house.
- How correctly it was installed.
- The make/model of the heating system itself.
- And even the quality of care you provide will all have an effect.
Experts recommend getting your water heater drained out a minimum of once a year for repairs and maintenance. Basically, this suggests that your tank must be emptied with a hose and after that filled up with clean water.
This helps in the elimination of excess dirt from your heater, which, if left unchecked, can cause major damage and clogs in your system. An evaluation and deep cleaning of the water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts should be consisted of in the maintenance.
Indications You Need Hot Water Heater Upkeep
Now that you have a better idea of how often you should get your water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to begin paying closer attention to the signs that something isn’t quite right with your heating system. You should act at once if you identify any of the following symptoms. After all, a faulty water heater might blow up, leading to severe damage to you or your family members.
1. You See Leaks
Of course, you’ll realize you need hot water heater maintenance if you see a leakage or a large puddle around your heating system. Not all signs of a leakage are as clear.
In general, you should check for leaks around your hot water heating system a minimum of when a month. Try to find drips, moist floor covering, and even a moldy odor around the heating system.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is irritating, however it is also an indication that your water heater needs to be serviced. This is probably due to the accumulation of minerals or other kinds of dirt.
The pressure might also be low due to a kink in the pipeline or inaccurate setup.
3. Noises
Your hot water heater will make a couple of random sounds that are not alarming. However, what if you start to hear a great deal of clanging, clicking, and even something that seems like popping?
It is probably an indication of a more severe problem. Normally, what is happening is that your heating system is overheating as it tries to change for clogs in the system.
Not only will this increase your hot water cost, however it may also raise your risk of burns if you enter into touch with the heating system.
4. Rusty Water
Another warning indicator is that something is wrong with your water heater. Analyze the water streaming from your faucets.
- Is the color rusty and reddish-brown?
- Is there an extremely metal taste to it if you’ve tried to drink it?
- Does your water often appear dirty?
If this holds true, you are in urgent need of water heater maintenance.
Since the pipelines themselves have most likely begun to rust, this is. In some cases, you may have the ability to resolve this problem without the aid of a professional.
Begin by draining as much hot water as possible from your heating system. (For your protection, we recommend utilizing a five-gallon container.) If, after the 3rd five-gallon container, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It suggests that the issue is with your water heater instead of your pipelines.
If this holds true, it is best to look for the aid of an expert. They’ll have the ability to drain your tank more completely, and they’ll probably check the overall condition of your pipelines.
Constantly rely on the services of a professional when in doubt when it comes to water heating system maintenance.
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