Your water heater keeps your water nice and hot, whether you’re boiling water to cook pasta or looking forward to a hot shower. However, your water heater, like many appliances, can be subject to any number of problems. The best way to mitigate these issues is with regular maintenance. Keep reading this blog to learn some water heater maintenance and repair tips.
5 Water Heater Maintenance And Repair Tips
There are quite a few ways to easily keep your water heater in good condition. Following the proper maintenance and repair procedures will allow this appliance to last for many years to come. The following water heater maintenance and repair tips will help increase the longevity of this appliance:
1. Insulate And Inspect
The two simplest water heater maintenance and repair tips are to insulate your heater and pipes and inspect the state of the heater. Experts recommend using foam insulation to protect the temperature of the water. The insulation only needs to be done once. Inspections should be carried out on a monthly basis to stay on top of any potential issues.
2. Test The TPR Valve
Another essential part of water heater maintenance and repair involves testing the TPR (temperature and pressure relief) valve. This part of the water heater is responsible for lowering the temperature and pressure of the heater by discharging water. Failing to check up on the TPR valve can lead to extreme pressure increases that could cause a tank water heater to explode. You will test the TPR valve by placing a bucket below the discharge pipe, pressing the lever, and seeing if any water comes out of it. If there isn’t any water, you need to replace the valve.
3. Flush The Water Heater
Sediment buildup can be a huge problem if left untreated. Letting sediment and minerals thrive in the water heater will damage the quality of the water and make it unpotable. That’s why you need to flush the water heater at least every six months. You will flush the water heater by placing a bucket beneath the drain and releasing two to three gallons of water. Wait for particles to stop showing up in the draining water before closing the drain again.
4. Check The Anode Rod
The anode rod is meant to prevent corrosion, so it’s essential to check it regularly. Once it shows signs of wear or rust, it’ll need to be replaced, though this should only be required every four or five years. Replacing this part is fairly straightforward. Make sure you purchase the right replacement for your water heater and have access to supplies like Teflon tape and a wrench to secure the new anode rod. Most heaters will include a user manual to guide you through the specifics of the replacement process, which might vary depending on the specific kind of water heater in your home.
5. Adjust Temperature Settings
When it comes to water heater maintenance and repair, it never hurts to adjust the temperature settings when necessary. If you plan to be away from home for an extensive period of time, adjust to the lowest settings to save on energy costs. As far as what the temperature setting should be, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard.
Our Technicians Can Assist With Water Heater Maintenance And Repair
We hope that these five water heater maintenance and repair tips make a difference in keeping your home’s water supply in great shape. Of course, we understand if you don’t feel entirely comfortable performing certain maintenance and repairs yourself and would rather ask a professional to do them. If you happen to live in Houston, all you have to do is contact us at Appliance Repair Houston today, and we will get the job done easily.
