A well-maintained water heater plays a significant role in supplying your home with hot water. Performing regular maintenance on your water heater will help prolong its lifespan, prevent costly repairs and reduce energy costs. Here are some useful maintenance tips you should follow to make sure your water heater is running as efficiently as possible.
1. Check the Temperature Settings
It’s important to ensure that you set your water heater to the right temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended thermostat setting is 120 degrees F. This is typically the best temperature for most households as it provides sufficiently warm water without wasting too much energy. If you set the temperature too high, you’ll consume more energy, but if you set it too low, your water might not be warm enough.
2. Inspect Your Anode Rod
The anode rod in your water heater plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion. These rods are made of either aluminum or magnesium, and they work by attracting corrosive elements that are present in the water. This process helps protect the steel tank.
Over time, your anode rod will begin to wear down and need replacing. If your rod is damaged, your tank could rust, and you may start to experience leaks. It’s best to inspect the rod every one to two years. If it’s worn thin or is covered in a white substance, those are good indicators that it needs to be replaced.
3. Flush the Tank Regularly
Particularly in areas where the water is hard, sediment buildup can be a common problem with water heaters. Over time, calcium and magnesium accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank, which reduces its capacity, causes inefficiency and damages the heating elements.
If you flush your system on a yearly basis, it can help remove deposits and keep everything running smoothly. All you must do is turn off the power supply, put a hose on the drain valve and release the water until it runs clear.
4. Insulate
Insulating your water heater and pipes helps improve energy efficiency. Insulation helps reduce heat loss, so your water heater will not have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature. You can purchase foam insulation wraps to be used specifically for water heaters. Although you’ll have to make an investment upfront, it will help reduce costs in the long run.
5. Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
All water heaters have a temperature and pressure relief valve, which helps prevent over-pressurization in the tank. You should test the valve periodically to ensure that it’s working properly. You can do this by lifting its lever to release some water. Once you let it go, if the water doesn’t stop flowing, that’s a sign that the valve may need to be replaced.
Regular maintenance is key to increasing your water heater’s lifespan. If you need a water heater repair or installation, contact the professionals at TNT in Savannah, GA.
