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One of the most critical appliances you must have worked fine during the cooler months is your water heater. From hot showers to heating your home or getting on with your daily chores, a reliable water heater is crucial when the temperature drops. Sadly, extreme cold weather can also take a toll on this reliable home appliance. To prevent sudden malfunctions and guarantee effective operation, regular care is very important.
Here are 8-maintenance tips to help keep your water heater in top condition this fall and winter.
Minerals like calcium and magnesium can precipitate at the bottom of the water heater’s tank. At times, this sediment results in inefficiencies in your heater because it insulates the water from the heating element, thus making it work much harder and more energetically. In extreme cases, the stratification may eventually lead to the failure of the tank.
Tip: Don’t let this happen by draining your water heater tank every year. Shut off the power or gas to the heater, attach a hose to the drainage valve, and let the water drain until clear. This step removes sediment and can even renew heating efficiency.
This is part of the corrosion protection system inside your water heater: the anode rod. The anode rod is magnesium or aluminum, which in its form attracts all the corrosive material that’s inside the water, thereby protecting the tank from rusting. However, over time, the rod may deteriorate and expose your tank unprotected to rust.
Tip: Check the anode rod every 1-2 years. Replace it when the rod is worn out or covered with calcium deposits. This simple process will extend the lifespan of a water heater for much more than years.
You would likely find yourself in need of heating your water heater to higher levels during winter to maintain water at a comfortable temperature. Still, do not set it so high, as this would use up much energy, utilize larger bills, and raise the risk of scalding.
Tip: Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F. That is warm enough for most household use and is an energy-efficient temperature. If you have a thermostat not on your water heater or are unsure, you can use a thermometer to check the temperature and ensure it gets to the optimal level.
The space surrounding your water heater should also be regularly inspected for leaks, dampness, or water stains. Even the slightest leaks can cause long-term damage to the structure of your home and, hence, very costly to repair. The existence of a leaking water heater is a sign of a problem with the tank, pipes, or fittings.
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The pressure relief valve is another safety feature that helps control the pressure inside the tank. This valve will automatically open and release excess pressure if the pressure becomes too high, thereby preventing the bursting of the tank. Hence, this valve is tested periodically to ascertain its proper functioning in case of an emergency.
Tip: Test the valve by lifting the lever on the valve. It should be on top or along the side of the tank. Water should flow out as you lift the lever. If it doesn’t or leaks when tested, it’s time to replace it.
As the temperature cools down, all your pipes attached to it and your water heater will lose heat much faster, and this can make your water heater work harder to reach the desired temperature. Therefore, the resulting aspect will be energy consumption by your heater.
Tip: Wrap a special blanket or jacket around your water heater tank to retain warmth, and wrap foam pipe insulation on pipes going into and coming out of the heater. In unheated locations such as basements or attics, this may help you save additional heat and make your system slightly more efficient.
For users with gas water heaters, a venting system is vital for the safe expulsion of the hazardous carbon monoxide formed. Any backdrafts caused by blockage in the vent can, therefore, be extremely dangerous and pose a serious safety hazard.
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Although many preventative maintenance chores you can personally conduct, a professionally performed inspection by an authorized plumber or water heater technician really gets your system to its best performance. An expert will detect potential issues before these become major problems and conduct appropriate repairs or replacements.
Tip: Get a professional inspection annually, ideally before winter, when your water heater will be most strained. That way, you avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of your water heater.
Proper maintenance of a water heater is what will lead it to serve efficiently and reliably during the colder months. With the following 8 simple tips on flushing, checking anode rods, checking for leaks, and more, your water heater will have the best chance of making it through those chilly fall and winter months. And remember that little time spent now on maintenance saves you money in energy bills, prevents costly repairs, and extends the life of an appliance. If you are unsure as to how to carry out any of these actions, feel free to contact Magnificent Plumbing for assistance in keeping your water heater at its best.
Stay warm and cosy during the winter season; your water heater will be grateful for the attention!