Your hot water system is probably one of the most valuable things in your house. It provides you with heated water for showers, washing dishes, doing laundry, etc. However, most homeowners only focus on maintaining their hot water system once a problem arises. Neglecting proper maintenance may result in lifting mollusks, leakages, or worn-out parts, reducing efficiency and increasing the cost of repairs.
Range of services to be performed on the water heater include but are not limited to scheduled maintenance that shall ensure extending its life and maximizing its efficiency. These services would keep it running smoothly and lower energy bills while having hot water at all times you need it.
- Look for Leaks Frequently
Leaks in your hot water system can go unnoticed for weeks or even months, causing slow water damage and an increased utility bill. Even little drips develop into major problems with time, mold growth, corrosion, etc.,
It is vital to check for leaks in the vicinity of the water heater tank, the pipes, and connections. Look for tiny puddles of water near the base of the system or signs of moisture forming around joints between the pipes. Rust spots signify the early stages of corrosion that could eventually evolve into leaks.
- Flush the tank once a year
Depending on how long the water heater has run, solids dissolved in your water can settle to the bottom of the tank. This could be sedimentation that, left to accumulate, will form a sludge layer. This sludge makes the water heater less efficient and makes it work harder, resulting in increasing energy costs. So much sediment could also lead to overheating in the heater, thus causing it to fail prematurely.
Once a year should be enough to clean any sludge out of the tank. In case of rumbling or popping noises caused by the water heater, it indicates the build-up of increased sediment. Hence, it will be better to flush the tank every six months if you live in hard water areas.
- Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The valve that helps relieve pressure in the hot-water system is of great importance for safety. It helps to relieve pressure from the tank to ensure that failure conditions do not develop. You could test the valve once in a while to ensure that it is in good working order and protect your home.
In order to operate the valve, find the small lever on the top or side of the tank; place an adequate-sized bucket under the discharge pipe; and lift the lever gently, just tilting it so a small stream of water runs out. If the lever worked perfectly and good, free flow was obtained until the lever was released, the valve is functioning properly. On the other hand, if some or no water comes out or is dripping afterward, the valve may need to be replaced.
Take care of the pressure relief valve-excessive pressure buildup inside the tank is hazardous and a working valve must be replaced immediately. Call a professional plumber if you are not sure how to do the replacement.
- Check the Temperature Setting
Most homeowners do not realize that the thermostat temperature of their water heater is set higher than it needs to be. Though it is required to boil water, if the temperature is set too high, it tends to add strain to the system, which, in turn, shortens its lifespan and increases its energy consumption.
Most manufacturers recommend operating your water heater at a temperature of 120°F (49°C). Increasing the temperature setting will only make the system work harder to maintain that heat, causing further energy waste. If the system has a digital thermostat, you should make some adjustments to the appropriate settings. After a few hours, measure the temperature of the water flowing from a faucet to make sure it is comfortable.
- Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod is one of the last lines of defense against rust and corrosion in hot water systems. This metal rod sacrifices itself to hinder the corrosion that disintegrates the inner lining of water heaters. Eventually, the elements and corrosion prove too great for anode rods, and they will need either to be replaced or cleaned up from time to time.
Switch off the power and water supplies to check the anode rod’s condition. The rod is placed on the top of the tank. You are going to use a wrench to unscrew it and inspect it. If the rod is heavily corroded or if the diameter of the rod has shrunk to less than half an inch, you should probably go ahead and replace it.
Changing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years can significantly extend the life of your water heating system. The process is quite simple and very economical maintenance that prevents rust damage and lets you avoid the replacement of the entire system before due time.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
While routine maintenance can be done at home, it is a good practice to be sure that you have a professional plumber inspect the heater each year. A trained professional can simply detect and recognize other problems that may not be identifiable to homeowners. Besides that, they are in a position to do other very complex forms of maintenance such as checking hidden leaks, burner assembly inspection (in gas heaters), and ascertaining optimal working conditions for electrical components. Professional maintenance becomes more important when it comes to the older systems of hot water because wear can abruptly become an incursion for unplanned breakdowns for hot water systems. Your trusted plumber can offer you guidance on when it is best for you to change your old heater for an energy-efficient model.
