One morning, Ava woke up to her blaring alarm. Still groggy, she dragged herself out of bed and into the shower. Just like everyone else, Ava was looking forward to a cozy bath to kick start her day. With one quick turn of the knob, she felt this strange gush of energy through her body, causing her to yelp and jump out of her shower’s reach. Instead of a warm, welcoming stream, she was greeted by an icy splash! It came to her momentarily: her hot water heater had stopped working.
Like many homeowners, Ava doesn’t pay much attention to her water heater until it starts acting up. That day, she arrived late to work without being able to take a much-needed morning refresh and, worse, she even got snagged on a few hundred dollars in water heater repair costs.
We’re sure you wouldn’t want to be like Ava. So, we’ve listed some expert water heater maintenance tips below to ensure you give your water heater some TLC and keep it running without a hitch.
Setting the Right Temperature
Whether you’re using a traditional or tankless water heater, setting the ideal temperature of 120°F is essential for balancing comfort and unit maintenance. Maintaining such optimal heat prevents the risk of scalding showers while fending off any chance of overheating, minimizing unnecessary stress on your water heater and prolonging its service in the long run.
Inspecting the Power Source
This measure entails addressing electrical problems, such as frayed wires and tripped circuit breakers for tankless water heaters or pilot light and gas line connection issues for tanked water heaters. You do this to emphasize overheating prevention and avoid power fluctuation that can harm your unit’s heating element, a common origin for intermittent breakdowns.
Flushing and Descaling
Your water heater is one of the most vulnerable to early breakdowns due to sediment buildup caused by hard water. These particles are the common causes of clogs and low water pressure that stress your unit. Make sure to flush your tank and use a descaling solution to get rid of those minerals hanging around your water heater. Consider this as your defense against disruptive and damaging clogs.
Insulating the Tank
Tank insulation is an inexpensive and effective way to protect your water heater from overworking and corrosion. Proper insulation improves efficiency by limiting heat loss, a condition responsible for overstressing your unit. It also helps minimize condensation, which often leads to untimely corrosion and component damage.
Replacing the Anode Rod
Designed to prevent tank corrosion, the anode rod takes the blow and sacrifices itself by attracting corrosive minerals in the water. It’s commonly cast from aluminum, zinc, or magnesium and installed inside the water tank. Once it deteriorates, its anti-corrosion properties also ease, hence the need for a new rod installation at least once every three years or as necessary.
Thankfully, replacing the old anode rod doesn’t strictly require a plumber; it’s a straightforward task you can do independently. First, shut off the power source and drain some water for better access. Then, locate the rod, often placed atop the tank and covered with insulating material. With the correct plumbing wrench, unthread the old rod to remove it from the tank. Finally, install the replacement through the reverse process while applying new plumbing tape for a better seal.
Testing the Valves
Control valves in water heaters are key to achieving optimal water temperature and pressure in the system. If you leave them malfunctioning, there’s a chance that the tank can explode catastrophically. Routine valve inspection also discloses underlying leaks that may slow down your heater’s function and lower efficiency. Overall, keeping your valves in check is a great way of promoting safety, unit maintenance, and the heater’s extended lifespan.
Scheduling Professional Inspection
It’s always beneficial to schedule a professional water heater inspection from time to time. Although DIY measures are an effective line of defense, a certified plumbing inspection further ensures a comprehensive diagnosis and recommends repairs as necessary. This is also a good time to ask your plumber for advice on how your maintenance measures are doing, paving the way for more accurate and effective actions down the line.
Got water heater problems? Turn to Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services for expert help!
Paying extra attention to your water heater goes a long way in maintaining its optimal condition and function. With proactive personal maintenance matched with regular professional inspection, you can be sure your unit is safe from premature breakdowns, leaving no room for cold showers and unnecessary, expensive repairs.
That’s why Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration and Flood Services is here to lend you a brotherly hand. Our preventive maintenance service will cover all issues impeding your water heater, ensuring no stones are left unturned. We also cover water heater repair, replacement, and installation.
So, why walk the path of preventive maintenance alone when you can partner with Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration and Flood Services? Call us today and get a free estimate, or book the earliest inspection possible!
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