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Water heaters are essential for daily comfort for homeowners in cities like Stockton and San Jose. They provide hot water – not only for showers – but also for laundry and dishwashing. But many people do not usually maintain their water heater – or it might seem a daunting task to them – sometimes they don’t know what to look for and what to do.
According to data, about 25% of homeowners neglect their water heaters’ regular maintenance. This can result in expensive malfunctions and inefficiency.
So, if you want your water heater to last longer and operate efficiently, ensure that you are maintaining your system properly.
If maintaining a water heater seems like too much work for you – that’s understandable. But – maintaining a water heater is not a challenging task – and in this guide, we have discussed everything you need to know about it – which is a bit more than some basic checks.
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5 Easy-Peasy Ways To Maintain Your Water Heater
Here are 5 simple yet efficient ways you can do a maintenance check of your water heater –
1. Insulate Your Your Water Heater
If you don’t insulate your water heater, heat loss can cause condensation. This might lead to moisture buildup and potential drain issues from rust or corrosion. It can clog your drainage system. Though a professional drain cleaning can help clear and prevent such issues effectively – you should never let these issues become a problem.
Like other pipes in your house, the pipes on your water heater may freeze during severe winter conditions. You won’t be able to get hot water if your pipes freeze. It is advisable to insulate your pipes to keep them from freezing.
Your nearby water heater repair can help you with selecting the best insulator and putting it on your pipes.
Pro Tip: Don’t just insulate your pipes, though. It is better to insulate the water heater, too, in winter to keep the water heated all day.
2. Check Your Anode Rod
The anode rod helps to prevent corrosion in your water heater. The anode rod draws calcium and mineral accumulation by electrolysis. Thus preventing internal rusting in your water heater. It is advisable to replace your anode rod on a regular basis. This guarantees your water heater lasts for many years.
It is important to inspect and replace the water heater’s anode rod. It is essential for maintaining your electric water heater. It’s easy work, and all you need to do is – unscrew the road and install a new one. Several service providers will advise you on how to maintain the heater during electrical water heater installation.
Pro Tip: To prolong the life of your new rod, wrap it with Teflon tape before inserting the replacement.
3. Flush The Water Heater
Flushing the water heater once or twice a year is very important. It helps remove sediment buildup by flushing the water heater. Also, it contributes to the system’s increased longevity and efficiency.
You can do this on your own. Here are the things you must do first –
- Turn off the gas supply
- Turn off the thermostat
- Turn off the tank’s water supply
- Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker
To empty the tank, attach a garden hose to the drainage fixture and then run the hose to an appropriate spot. To remove any silt, turn on the spigot, open a neighboring hot water tap, and empty the tank.
4. Check The T&P (Temperature and Pressure) Valve
When the tank’s internal pressure becomes too high, the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve is intended to open. A portion of the tank’s pressure is released when this valve opens automatically.
The system might not be able to release this pressure if the T&P valve is malfunctioning. The best companies for plumbing advised to get them fixed or checked as it might lead to tank explosion. So, you must test the T&P valve, which should be done every two to three months. You can find the T&P valve on the top or side of the unit first.
Once done, use a plumber’s wrench or a pair of pliers to remove the drain pipe that is connected to the valve. After that, slowly raise the T&P valve lever to release a tiny quantity of water and air from the device. As long as air and water escape the valve when the lever is lifted, the valve is functioning correctly.
Pro Tip: Change the valve if it doesn’t release water during testing or if it leaks persistently.
5. Check The Thermostat Setting
When visually inspecting the device, make sure the thermostat is set between 120°F (preferably) and 140°F. Reduce the temperature of your water heater – it helps reduce energy costs.
The best part of a modernized water heater is that – you can also put it in vacation mode if you are away from home for an extended period.
To further insulate the water heater and minimize heat loss, think about enclosing it in a water heater blanket.
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Why Shouldn’t You Ignore Water Heater Maintenance And Repair?
If gas-fired water heaters are not routinely inspected for problems like possible gas leaks, deadly accidents may occur. When there is an excessive accumulation, the safety mechanisms of heaters with tanks allow excess temperature and pressure to escape.
However, tank explosions can occur without thoroughly inspecting these safety mechanisms.
Water heaters often require no maintenance for 10 years. However, regular maintenance can help water heaters remain in good operating condition for longer. It also assists in identifying problems that could have gone overlooked because of negligence.
The efficiency of energy used to heat water can be adversely affected by sediment building in water heaters with tanks, particularly in regions where hard water is more prevalent.
Hence, you must never ignore the importance of hot water heater repair.
Takeaway
If you are doing the maintenance check yourself – you must take safety measures – and this applies to all types of water heaters. A little miss can lead to severe injuries.
It is important to check your water heater every 6-8 months to keep it in optimal condition. But no matter if you inspected the water heater thoroughly, there might be something that you missed. In that case, you need a professional water heater repair.
They specialize in water heater repair and maintenance. Moreover, as they are well-versed in repair and maintenance, they will have a list of things to look for when performing maintenance – which you might overlook!
Looking For Water Heater Repair Stockton? Contact Preferred Plumbing And Drain!
We understand how necessary a properly working water heater is – especially in winter season. If your water heater is leaking, not heating efficiently, or making strange noises – our plumbers can help you identify and mend the issue promptly.
At Preferred Plumbing and Drain, we specialize in all types of water heater services – from minor repairs to complete replacements. In addition to water heater repair, our services extend to – water heater installation Stockton and drain cleaning, in addition to several other commercial and residential needs.
Don’t wait for a minor problem to become a costly one. Contact us for a top-notch water heater repair service in Stockton. Our experts work to keep your water warm. We’re here to help with all your water heater needs!
