Your home’s water heater is an important appliance that uses energy to create hot water for your home. While any water heater may need to be repaired at some point, there are several steps you can take to ensure you avoid any major malfunctions that could cause catastrophic loss of your hot water supply.
Regularly Inspect Your Tank
Every so often, you should perform a routine inspection of your water tank to check for any issues. You’ll want to look for things like condensation on the tank, rust, water leaking onto the floor, and loose connections to plumbing.
Ensure Your Water Heater is Insulated
Plumbing professionals can install a foam insulation around your water heater and its pipes to help prevent heat loss and freezing. This ensures your device is not overworking. It reduces energy costs and increases energy efficiency.
Flush Your Tank Regularly
Most professionals recommend flushing your water heater tank at least once per year. This process involves draining sediment from the tank to reduce mineral buildup. Although it is relatively simple, it’s best to contact a professional so you can avoid injuries or causing costly damage to the tank.
Inspect the Anode Rod
An anode rod helps protect the inside of your water heater from corrosion. You should have your rod inspected by a professional at least once per year. Since it attracts materials that are corrosive, it will wear out after a few years and need to be replaced to ensure your water heater continues to have effective protection.
Check Your Temperature Gauge and Settings
You should check your water heater’s temperature gauge at least once every six months. The temperature of your heater should remain around 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If it gets above 140 degrees, you should manually lower it to avoid a malfunction or scalding temperatures.
Keep the Space Around Your Water Heater Clear
If you have too much clutter around your water heater, it could overheat. This can cause costly damage, so it’s important to keep the area around your water heater clear of debris or other large objects. This will help prolong its life. A clear pathway to your water heater will also help professionals access it more easily when they perform inspections or come to do a repair.
Keeping your water heater in tip top shape is a good way to ensure it lasts for a long time. Contact our team of experts at Select Plumbing in Lincoln, NE for help with water heater issues and maintenance. Our fully licensed, knowledgeable professionals offer water heater repair and replacement services.
