The plumbing system is one of the most important systems in your home. It’s responsible for carrying out our everyday tasks. The water heater is an important part of the plumbing system. All of us rely on the water heater to work efficiently, whether it’s for the morning shower, doing the dishes or watering your plants; we all need a proactive water heater in our lives to make our daily tasks more convenient. Because of constant running, there is a lot of strain on the plumbing system to work efficiently and provide water all over the house. Just like we maintain the whole plumbing system, we also need to maintain the water heater. It’s equally as important.
Imagine not having hot water in winters. It’s not fun at all. Not everyone is willing to heat their water separately nowadays. Water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water whenever you want. Water heater maintenance is very important to ensure an efficient supply of hot water. It is said that a well-maintained water heater can last up to 10 years. Water heaters are super easy, inexpensive and feasible to maintain.
Schedule of Maintenance
For the first three months when you get your new water heater, you should flush the tank weekly to wash out possible sediment build up. This can clog up the lines and shorten the life of the heater. Inspect the water heater for any possible leaks and corrosion of plumbing joints. Check out the condition of the components, from the hose to the couplings, for any sort of damage. Check if the pressure relief valve opens and closes smoothly. Unusual sounds can also indicate serious water heater issues. It’s important to check the pressure of the tank. Normally, a water tank can hold a pressure of 100psi. If the pressure exceeds 100psi, then the pressure relief valve can potentially get damaged and break.
Wait for a Full Tank
One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they don’t wait for the tank to be full before turning on the power. This causes the heating element to burn out. The correct way would be to open the water heater tap and let the water run for 2 minutes so no air is left in the tank. If the water still isn’t getting heated, then check if the water heater is being powered with enough voltage.
Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod is placed inside the tank and prevents corrosion from occurring. To make sure it’s doing its job to draw minerals, the rod should be checked a year later after installing and then every 3 years after the first time. Drain 5-6 gallons of water from the heater and unscrew the rod with a wrench and pull it out. If it appears thin and looks corroded then it needs replacement.
Flushing the Water Heater
Flushing the water heater is a crucial part of its maintenance. It should be done every 6 months. All you have to do is simply drain out a few gallons of water from the bottom of the tank. This will flush out sediments, solid residue, and unwanted minerals and accumulated dirt that is found in the tank. The harmful sediments and residue can impair the functionality of the heater and decrease its lifespan as well. Draining the water through the drain valve can also do some quick repairs of the heater and help it perform exceptionally well in the future.
