A healthy water heater will be able to conserve energy while providing your family with all the hot water they need to bathe, clean, and cook. Unexpected system malfunctions can potentially pose a risk to your convenience and safety. Here’s what you can do to keep your home’s water heater running as safely as possible over the years.
Test System’s Relief Valve
Traditional water heaters have a relief valve that regulates pressure within the tank. When your heater’s pressure reaches a certain peak, the valve will open and release water. You’ll likely find your relief valve at the top of your system. It should be connected to a discharge pipe that runs down the tank. Once a year, you should manually open this valve to ensure water can freely flow out. If it only drips or does nothing, it may need to be replaced.
Consider Earthquake Straps
Earthquake or seismic straps stop your tank from falling over during a natural disaster. They’re wrapped around your water heater and attached to a nearby wall. Even if you’re not in an area that frequently experiences earthquakes, these straps can still help prevent an accident. If your heater were to fall, it could disrupt the gas line, resulting in a leak or explosion.
Clear Area Around Tank
Minimize the chances of an accidental fire by clearing the area around your water heater. You don’t want to stack paper, furniture, or boxes too close to the tank. It’s also helpful to briefly turn off the pilot light before you use flammable substances or aerosols indoors. This can include everything from paint thinners to whole-home insect treatments. An automatic gas shut-off will enable you to quickly cut the system’s gas supply when necessary.
Monitor the System’s Temperature Control
Residential water tanks often have normal, hot, and very hot temperature settings. Regardless of your preferences, it’s best to have your heater produce water that’s at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the minimum temperature necessary to kill germs. You never want to set your heater so high that it scalds your loved ones or causes damage to your fixtures and sinks. Irregular temperature changes are often a sign that something is going wrong within the tank.
Schedule Maintenance
Yearly water heater maintenance will benefit your system by improving its efficiency and lowering its need for repairs. You’ll also enjoy boosted heater performance and decreased monthly energy costs. A professional will have no problem checking your system’s pressure relief valve and flushing the tank. They’ll also catch common heater problems early, significantly lowering your risk of a safety issue.
Invest in professional water heater care to keep your system in optimum condition. Call Select Plumbing today to learn more about our water heater services in Lincoln, NE.
