Water Heater Maintenance Guide
- By: Amer ZaghloulehUncategorizedComment: 0
Water heaters can last for ten years when they are properly maintained. But when they’re not, they can become bogged down in as little as two years. This is why water heater maintenance is so important.
Here are some maintenance tips for keeping your water heater in tip-top shape.
Acquaint Yourself With the Owner’s Manual
A water heater is a complex appliance. You need to have a basic understanding of how it works to keep it operating safely and efficiently. The owner’s manual is the best resource for this information, as it contains specific instructions for installation, use, and maintenance. For example, the manual may contain instructions on how to drain and refill the tank properly.
The manual may also contain troubleshooting tips in case the water heater is not working properly. By familiarizing yourself with the manual, you can learn how to properly care for your water heater and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Perform Visual Inspections
It’s also a good ideato perform a visual inspection on your unit at least twice a year. Some of the things you should check during a visual inspection include the gaskets, burner assembly, and anode rod. In addition, it is important to check the tank for any signs of corrosion or leaks.
One major benefit of performing visual inspections is that they allow you to identify and address small issues before they become big problems. For example, checking for cracks in the tank could help you catch a leak early on, preventing extensive damage to your plumbing system and ultimately saving you time and money in repairs.
When performed correctly, regular visual inspections on your water heater can also help catch any erratic heating patterns or other issues that may be hurting your energy efficiency. This will, in turn, ensure you are using your energy as efficiently as possible.
Flush Your Heater Regularly
The importance of flushing your water heater periodically cannot be overstated. This simple maintenance procedure will help keep your water heater working efficiently and prevent the buildup of sediment and mineral deposits. These deposits can cause blockages, preventing hot water from flowing through your pipes as efficiently as possible.
The frequency with which you need to flush your unit will depend on the type of water heater you have as well as the quality of your water. For example, if you have a sediment-free water heater, flashing it once every six months should suffice. However, if you have a water heater with a lot of sediment, you may need to flush it as often as once a month.
Schedule Professional Preventative Maintenance
While it is important to perform DIY maintenance on your water heater, some tasks should only be performed by a qualified professional. For example, checking the igniter, and the electric element connections, are tasks that require special training and experience.
A professional preventative maintenance checkup will also include a thorough inspection of your entire unit. This is important because it can help identify any potential issues before they cause serious damage to your water heater.
Anytime Plumbing
Do you need help repairing your water heater? The team at Anytime Plumbing is here to help. We offer a wide range of water heater repair services, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.
