Your water heater is a crucial element within your plumbing system. It services multiple areas in your household and makes your quality of life so much better than living without it. However, it can be costly to repair and replace. For this reason, the experts at Rooter and Sons Plumbing have shared affordable water heater maintenance tips below to give you a better idea of how to maintain your water heater via easy DIY practices. The list is generally applied to traditional gas and electric heaters, but we top this article off with an important maintenance tip for tankless heaters as well.
General Inspections
One of the best ways to prevent the need for repairs and replacements is by doing a routine inspection every one to two months. These inspections should include checking for leaks either in the pipes or at the bottom of your heater, loose connections and screws, aged gaskets, or any corrosion on the heater and pipes.
Flush Out Sediment Build-Up
Flushing out your tank twice a year can help prevent sediment build-up. This is such an important step since it reduces the risk of clogging and malfunctioning heaters.
Check the Snode Rod
This rod is located inside a water heater and is designed to reduce the risk of corrosion. Replace this every 3 years, but if upon checking you find high levels of corrosion, replace it more frequently.
Test The Temperature and Pressure Valve
When the temperature and pressure levels of your tank are too much, this can cause the tank to malfunction, and in extreme cases, even explode. Be sure to test the T&P valve at least once a year to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Mind The Thermostat Setting
In general, water heaters must be between 120°F and 140°F (50°C and 60°C). Anything below the suggested degree may result in bacterial growth, but anything higher can cause burns. Stick within the above range for optimal temperature settings.
Keep It Insulated
By applying water heater blankets, you can significantly save on energy and bills in the long run. This not only helps reduce heat loss in your pipes but it can also prevent condensation in warmer weather.
Check The Ventilation
If you have a traditional gas water heater, make sure to check the venting system if there is ample clearance around the vent pipe. Also, ensure that there are no damages and that the vent connector is still properly sealed off.
What About Tankless Water Heaters?
With modern tankless water heaters, the main form of maintenance is just to descale it. Just like with traditional variants, impurities can still build up within the system, causing the tankless water heater to malfunction or become less efficient.
How often this is done entirely depends on the types of water you have. For soft water, this can be done annually while those with a hard water supply need more frequent descaling.
Conclusion
While most of these water heater maintenance tips are straightforward, you can always rely on a reputable plumbing company in Apex, NC to take care of it for you. Not only will a professional plumber in Apex, NC be able to determine any need for repairs and replacements, but they can also better determine accurate solutions to lengthen the lifespan of your water heater.
For water heater installations, repair, replacement, and maintenance, contact us at Rooter And Sons Plumbing!
