Use this standard upkeep method to keep your water heater functioning effectively and reliably.
Hot water heater work hard to provide you with warm showers, clean wardrobes, and dazzling pots and pans.
So show your water heater some love by following a planned upkeep program that will keep it working for its approximated 15-year life-span, and potentially beyond.
Here is what you should do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll save as much as 5% on energy bills for every single 10 degrees you lower the temperature, and you’ll likewise reduce the threat of scalding.
Unless otherwise defined in the manual, keep a 2-foot clearance around the unit.
- Drain about a quarter of the tank a couple of times a year to remove sediment and particles.
- Switch off the cold water supply, hook up a garden tubing to the drain valve, and run the water into a pail up until it is clear.
If the water stays hazy, open the supply of water valve briefly to stimulate any remaining particles prior to draining the tank once again. This likewise lowers the unit’s noise level.
Test the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by quickly releasing it 2 or three times. Keep a lookout for tiny leaks from the valve after the screening.
Take a look at the sacrificial anode rod every three years by loosening up and eliminating the hex head screw.
Change the rod if any of the following conditions exist:
(A 13-inch zinc-aluminum anode rod expenses roughly $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 jacket to boost efficiency, making certain not to come into contact with the flue (newer systems are already insulated; consult your owner’s manual to verify).
Insulate the cold and hot water lines.
When you leave for an extended amount of time, set the thermostat on gas heating units to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot light lit however does not warm the water.
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How Typically Do You Need Hot Water Heater Maintenance?
Water Heater care is required not only for keeping you warm during the cold weather. Warm Water Heaters that are damaged or defective can in addition lead to extreme burns to you and your family.
However how typically should you do water heater maintenance, and what are the warning signals that anything is bad with your water heater?
Initially, let’s discuss how frequently you must carry out water heater upkeep.
In general, the life-span of your water heater will be in between 8 and twelve years. Obviously, a variety of factors can have an effect on this life-span.
- The placement of the water heater in your house.
- How appropriately it was set up.
- The make/model of the heating system itself.
- And even the quality of care you offer will all have a result.
Experts advise getting your water heater drained out a minimum of once a year for repair work and upkeep. Basically, this means that your tank should be emptied with a hose and after that refilled with clean water.
This assists in the elimination of excess dirt from your heater, which, if left unattended, can cause major damage and clogs in your system. An examination and deep cleaning of the water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts must be included in the upkeep.
Signals You May Need Hot Water Heater Maintenance
Now that you have a much better idea of how typically you should get your water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to begin paying closer attention to the clues that something isn’t really right with your heating system. If you discover any of the following symptoms, you must act immediately. After all, a faulty water heater could burst, causing major harm to you or your family members.
1. You See Leakages
Obviously, you’ll know you need water heater upkeep if you see a leak or a large puddle around your heating system. Nevertheless, not all signs of a leak are as clear.
In general, you must look for leaks around your hot water heating system a minimum of once a month. Try to find drips, moist flooring, and even a musty odor around the heating system.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is annoying, however it is likewise 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 could likewise be low due to a kink in the pipeline or incorrect setup.
3. Sounds
Your water heater will make a couple of random sounds that are not alarming. What if you begin to hear a lot of clanging, clicking, or even something that sounds like popping?
It is probably an indication of a more major problem. Typically, what is taking place is that your heating system is overheating as it attempts to change for clogs in the system.
Not only will this increase your hot water expense, however it might likewise raise your threat of burns if you get into touch with the heating system.
4. Rusty Water
Another alerting clue is that something is wrong with your water heater. Take a look at the water streaming from your faucets.
- Is the color rusty and reddish-brown?
- Is there a significantly metallic taste to it if you’ve tried to drink it?
- Does your water regularly appear unclean?
If this is the case, you are in immediate need of water heater maintenance.
This is due to the fact that the pipelines themselves have probably begun to rust. In many cases, you might 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 safety, we advise utilizing a five-gallon bucket.) If, after the third five-gallon bucket, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It means that the issue is with your water heater instead of your pipelines.
If this is the case, it is best to seek the aid of a pro. They’ll have the ability to empty your tank more completely, and they’ll probably examine the total condition of your pipelines.
When it pertains to water heater upkeep, always rely on the services of a professional when in doubt.
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