Nobody wants to take cold showers in this winter season. Want your water heater to always give you crisp, hot showers? If yes, then you must make sure that you maintain your water heater. We are talking about regular inspection and learning a few basic DIY maintenance steps in case of any malfunction.
Curious to learn how to increase the longevity of your water heater? Read as we share with you a few handy tips that will help you ensure that you get an endless supply of hot water for years to come.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance
Addressing issues with your water heater early on can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. To do so, it is critical that you know a few telltale signs that indicate that your water heater needs some tender loving care.
Here are a few signs that indicate that you need to get your water heater fixed:
- Corrosion on the outside of the tank
- Rusty water
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Leaks
- Reduced hot water supply
- Strange noises
- A peculiar odour when you run the hot water
- A sudden shoot in your water bill even though your usage is the same
Regular DIY Inspection
We all know that we are supposed to get a professional inspection of our water heater every 3-4 years. But did you know that you must also check your water heater for any wear, corrosion or leakage every 2-3 months?
Make sure that you check the pipes, gasket, etc., for leakage. We also recommend you check the thermostat setting every few months. The ideal thermostat temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sediment Flushing
You must flush your water heater once a year,especially if you live in an area that has a hard water supply. This is because over time, there is a mineral deposit at the bottom of your water heater tank that affects its efficiency and may even cause serious damage to your water heater.
A night prior to flushing your water tank, turn off the thermostat and switch off the water supply to the tank. The following morning, turn off power to the water heater and open a hot water faucet. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve of the water heater. The drain valve is typically situated at the bottom of your water heater. Open the drain valve and let the water and the sediment buildup in the tank flow outside.
Inspect the Anode Rod
The sacrificial anode rod inside the water heater prevents your water heater from corrosion. It is critical that you inspect this anode rod and replace it every 4-5 years after it is corroded. How would you know when to replace the anode rod? A pro tip is to replace it if it is heavily coated or you can see less than 6 inches of exposed core metal.
Test the Temperature and Pressure Valve
This valve ensures that there is no dangerous pressure build-up inside the water tank. It is important that you check whether this valve is functioning properly every 2- 3 months. Locate this valve. It is either at the top or the side of your water heater. After this, gently lift the valve lever to check if the water flows freely and the valve closes tightly after releasing.
The Final Takeaway
To conclude, you must inspect your water heater every few months for leaks and the above-mentioned potential malfunctions. We recommend you first try to do some basic troubleshooting and if the issue is still not resolved, it is best to call a professional plumber.
If you are sceptical of repairing your water heater on your own, it is best to call an expert to avoid floods, leaks or tank explosions.
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