Use this standard upkeep approach to keep your water heater operating efficiently and reliably.
Hot water heater work hard to provide you with warm showers, clean garments, and dazzling pots and pans.
Demonstrate your water heating unit some love by following a scheduled upkeep program that will keep it working for its approximated 15-year life-span, and possibly beyond.
Here is what you need to do:
Set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll conserve approximately 5% on energy expenses for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature level, and you’ll likewise decrease the risk of scalding.
Unless otherwise specified in the manual, keep a 2-foot clearance around the device.
- Drain about a quarter of the tank a couple of times a year to eliminate sediment and debris.
- Shut off the cold water supply, attach a garden hose-pipe to the drain valve, and run the water into a pail up until it is clear.
If the water remains hazy, open the supply of water valve briefly to stir up any leftover particles prior to draining the tank once again. This likewise minimizes the unit’s sound level.
Test the temperature-pressure relief valve once a year by rapidly discharging it two or 3 times. Keep a lookout for tiny leakages from the valve after the screening.
Analyze the sacrificial anode rod every 3 years by eliminating the hex and loosening up 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 shows.
- The rod is just around 1/2 inch thick.
- Calcium has actually been applied to the rod.
- Insulate older systems with a fiberglass jacket to enhance efficiency, making sure 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 too.
When you leave for a prolonged amount of time, set the thermostat on gas heating units to “vacation,” which keeps the pilot light lit but does not warm the water.
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How Often Do You Need Hot Water Heater Upkeep?
Hot water heater care is needed not just for keeping you warm during the winter months. Warm Water Heaters that are damaged or defective can even trigger severe burns to you and your family members.
How frequently should you do water heating unit upkeep, and what are the warning signals that anything is bad with your water heater?
Let’s discuss how regularly you ought to carry out water heater upkeep.
In general, the life-span of your water heater will be between eight and 12 years. Obviously, a variety of factors can have an influence on this life-span.
- The placement of the water heater in your home.
- How appropriately it was set up.
- The make/model of the heater itself.
- And even the quality of care you give will all have a result.
Experts advise getting your water heater drained out at least once a year for repairs and upkeep. Basically, this means that your tank should be drained with a hose and then filled up with clean water.
This assists in the elimination of excess dirt from your heating unit, which, if left unattended, can trigger major damage and clogs in your system. An examination and deep cleaning of the water heater’s coils, rods, and other parts ought to be consisted of in the upkeep.
Signs You May Need Hot Water Heater Upkeep
Now that you have a better idea of how frequently you should get your water heater serviced, what should you do next?
It’s time to start paying closer attention to the indications that something isn’t quite right with your heater. If you detect any of the following symptoms, you ought to act as soon as possible. After all, a defective water heater might erupt, causing serious damage to you or your family members.
1. You See Leakages
Obviously, you’ll realize you need water heater upkeep if you see a leak or a big puddle around your heater. Nevertheless, not all signals of a leak are as clear.
In general, you ought to look for leakages around your hot water heater at least as soon as a month. Try to find drips, wet flooring, or perhaps a musty smell around the heater.
2. Water Pressure Is Low
Low water pressure is frustrating, but it is likewise a sign that your water heater requires to be serviced. This is probably due to the accumulation of minerals or other types of dirt.
The pressure might likewise be low due to a knot in the pipeline or incorrect setup.
3. Noises
Your water heater will make a couple of random sounds that are not alarming. What if you start to hear a lot of clanging, clicking, or even something that sounds like popping?
It is probably a sign of a more serious issue. Usually, what is occurring is that your heater is overheating as it attempts to adjust for clogs in the system.
Not just will this increase your hot water cost, but it might likewise raise your risk of burns if you get into touch with the heater.
4. Rusty Water
Another alerting clue is that something is wrong with your water heater. Analyze the water streaming from your faucets.
- Is the color reddish-brown and rusty?
- Is there a significantly metal taste to it if you’ve tried to drink it?
- Does your water always appear filthy?
You are in urgent need of water heating unit upkeep if this is the case.
Due to the fact that the pipelines themselves have actually most likely started to rust, this is. In some cases, you might be able to address this issue without the help of an expert.
Begin by draining as much hot water as possible from your heater. (For your protection, we advise using a five-gallon pail.) If, after the 3rd five-gallon pail, you’re still seeing the reddish-brown color?
It means that the concern is with your water heater instead of your pipelines.
If this is the case, it is best to look for the help of a pro. They’ll be able to empty your tank more completely, and they’ll probably inspect the overall condition of your pipelines.
Always rely on the services of an expert when in doubt when it comes to water heater upkeep.
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