6 Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Most of the time, we don’t look after our house appliances even though maintaining these items is easy and will actually save resources. It is essential to check out companies like Water Mold Fire Restoration of Jersey City who provide the best services to ensure that your taps and showers are piping hot water effectively. Below are some of the steps to consider for maintaining your water heater:

Know the Water Heater:

Ensure you have all the information about your water heater, including the company name and the number of gallons. This is the first thing a plumber will ask for. All the information is usually provided on the water heater’s sticker together with the warranty information.

Do not place anything near the water heater. A safe distance of at least 2 feet must be maintained around the water heater. It reduces the risk of something colliding with it and is also convenient during the service time. 

Also Read: Why Drinking Clean Water is Good For You

How to Flush a Water Heater

• To flush the water heater, you first need to drain it.
• Before you drain the water heater, make sure the water heater is turned off.
• You must connect one end of the standard garden hose to the base and keep the other end in the large basket.
• Make sure you open the valve slowly, so you don’t burn your fingers.
• It might take around 20-25 minutes to flush the water heater completely.
• Then open the stopper, flush out all the sediments from the bottom, and let the water drain out.

Sedimentation on the bottom of the water heater reduces energy efficiency and can clog the pipes. By avoiding this, you can extend the life of the water heater.

Adjust the Water Temperature

Gas Water Heaters have thermostats on the tanks that allow us to adjust the temperature easily. 

In the case of an electric water heater:

• Flip the circuit breaker to shut off the electric water heater while you adjust the temperature.
• Pull back any insulation to expose the thermostat.
• By using a screwdriver, adjust the temperature in 10-degree increments.
• Now close the panel, and turn on the water heater.
• The water will be adjusted to the new temperature within an hour.
• Any changes made can be undone if necessary.

Check the Anode Rod

Anode rods are an integral component of water heaters. Anode rods are sacrificial because they will corrode and prevent the water heater from rusting from the inside.

Anode rods are susceptible to corrosion and can break out, so we will need to inspect them and replace them as necessary. You can check the rod by loosening the hex-head screw and removing it. This is not a challenging task, as one can check this anode rod after three years.

The anode rod may need to be replaced for several reasons, including,

• Calcium coating on the anode rod.
• The color of the water tank changes, and it stinks.
• Rust reduces the rod’s thickness to less than a half-inch.
• There can also be cases where the pieces of the anode rod are missing.

Insulate the Pipes

• Insulate the pipes with self-sticking foam pipes. By doing this, you can prevent condensation from forming in the pipes during the summer.
• Make sure the foam pipe is the same diameter as the pipes.
• Strip the tape from the insulation and squeeze it.

Insulate the Heater

It is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your water heater and improve its efficiency. By installing insulation, you will reduce the heat loss by 45%.

To insulate a water heater, simply touch the outer area of the heater to test its insulation level. If the heater is warm, then more insulation is required.

Ensure that the top of a gas heater is not covered, and leave some space around the burner area and valve below. To insulate the water heater, you will require an insulation blanket. To ease the process, one can find a pre-cut insulation blanket available on the market for $20.

Professional Water Heater Service

It is important to get a water heater serviced by professionals at least once a year. Professionals can detect any problem with the water heater and determine what part of the water heater needs to be replaced. Professionals will know when a part is near failure and needs to be replaced.

Note:If you are on vacation, electric power and water should be turned off, and the water heater should not be left empty.