If you’re moving into your first home, one area that needs consistent care is the water heater. Here are some water heater maintenance tips for new homeowners.
In a modern home, around 18% of the energy you use is due to a water heater.
This means a water heater is among the most important and expensive appliances in your home. In order to ensure that it continues working right, and doesn’t end up costing you too much, proper water heater maintenance is important.
There are several different types of water heaters, but the main differences are between those with and without a tank. There are tips for both types of water heaters. Even the newest tankless water heater can still benefit from regular maintenance.
Here are some tips you should follow to keep your water heater running at peak performance.
1. Inspect Your Water Heater
It is easy to forget that a water heater is always working in your home. Whether you have a tankless heater or a model with a tank, we don’t really think about our water heaters too often. In many homes, they are in a closet or basement, not areas that we see or interact with regularly.
Take the time to look over your water heater. A simple visual inspection can make a big difference.
You should occasionally watch the water heater work, making sure everything looks fine. You shouldn’t hear any strange noises or smell anything suspicious coming from the heater. Make sure you also visually inspect it for rust or other signs of wear and tear.
2. Flush the Water Heater
This is something that is often overlooked but is a vital part of maintenance. Take the time at least once a year (though twice a year is even better) to empty and flush the tank of your water heater. This is important because it helps prevent the build-up of sediment in your heating tank.
Cleaning water heaters is a great way to keep them working for you. When sediment builds up in your water heater, damage can be extensive.
Sediment build-up can shorten the life expectancy of your water heater and cost you more money in the long run. Instead of waiting for the heater to break, flush the tank.
3. Replace the Air Filter
It seems that air filters are everywhere, from HVAC systems to water heaters. If you have a tankless water heater, remember that having good airflow is important. Many tankless water heaters have air filters that need to be replaced to ensure the unit is in good working condition.
Air filters are important because you want a free, unobstructed flow of air. This will help ensure that your water is hot and ready to go when you need it. If the air filter is clogged, it can cause damage or make your hot water heater malfunction.
4. Check the Anode Rod
Water heaters have something known as an anode rod. This device is designed to corrode instead of the tank.
An anode rod helps prolong the life of your hot water heater. Replacing an anode rod isn’t difficult, and the results will keep your appliance working.
5. Tighten Joints and Valves
One of the last things you want is water leaking all over your hot water heater. Not only does this waste money, but it can help speed up the corrosion process.
When water sits on the appliance for too long, it causes rust. Rust can then cause components to break, requiring you to repair or replace them.
Even if you don’t notice any water, there are some steps you can take to make sure there are no leaks coming from your water heater. Check the joints and valves, and make sure they are snug and don’t move.
If you find any components that are loose, tighten them up using a wrench. Doing this one thing can help you ensure that the hot water heater in your home lasts.
6. Turn the Temperature to 120
There’s no reason to keep your hot water heater above 120 degrees. At that temperature, you can do everything you need.
Keeping your hot water heater hotter than that can cause it to break down much faster. Additionally, it could lead to injury in the form of burns and scalding.
Another thing to take into consideration is prolonged periods where you’ll be gone. If you will be going on vacation for an extended period of time, turn down your thermometer to a lower setting.
A low setting should keep the pilot light on, but won’t heat the water. This can help prolong the life of your unit because it won’t be constantly working when it doesn’t need to.
Professional Help and Water Heaters
You should never be afraid to call in a water heater professional. Water heater maintenance can help prolong the life of your appliance, but fixing water heaters can be dangerous. If you don’t have the skills or tools, that’s okay; there are people who can help you.
A professional water heater maintenance technician can get to the bottom of any issues with your unit. They are capable of testing water heaters and making sure that they are in good working order.
If your water heater isn’t fixable or has reached the end of its life, a technician can then install a new water heater for you. Don’t risk property damage or injury by attempting to do repairs yourself. Instead, rely on an expert to do the job for you!
Water Heater Maintenance Is Essential
Taking care of your water heater by doing regular water heater maintenance is always a good idea. We depend on these appliances, and without them, our lives would be a lot harder. No matter what kind of water heater you have, don’t forget about it or leave maintenance to fate.
If you’re in the Omaha area, you can always trust Eyman’s Plumbing Heating & Air. We have decades of experience and we get results! Contact us at (402) 731-2727 today!