Water Heater

The Importance and Basics of Water Heater Maintenance

April 10, 2019

You rely on your water heater more than you probably realize. Every time you turn on the tap to wash your hands or take a shower, you expect warm water to flow out, and that isn’t possible without a functioning water heater.

Water heaters are important (but expensive) appliances. Proper water heater maintenance is necessary to keep your water heater functioning for many years. Here’s why you should rely on water heater services to keep your water heater running.

Why water heating maintenance matters

Like all appliances, your water heater cannot run for years and years without a little help. This help comes in the form of routine maintenance, which is when you check on the water heater’s functionality and perform some simple tasks that keep it running how it should.

Without this routine maintenance, your water heater could start to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in an expensive breakdown that requires repairs or the need for total replacement. If you weren’t expecting to buy a new water heater for many more years, this news could be shocking.

Water heater maintenance also serves another purpose: early identification of issues. While most services are preventative, doing maintenance can also help you notice when something isn’t working correctly so you can fix it before it gets worse. Without maintenance, your water heater (and its problems) might stay out of sight and out of mind.

Tips for keeping your water heater in good shape

You should conduct water heater maintenance once a year to ensure everything is working how it should. If you can’t do the maintenance yourself, ask your plumber about water heater services. Here are a few things to focus on:

  • Flush the tank or heater: After continuous use, sediment can build up in a water heater’s tank and erode the tank from the inside. To flush the tank, shut off power and water intake and connect a garden hose to the drain valve that will drain into a floor drain or bucket. Open the pressure relief and drain valves and let water and sediment flow out. You may need to fill the tank with water and flush it again to completely remove sediment.
  • Adjust the temperature: If you raised your water heater temperature during winter or for another reason, adjust it back to 120 degrees for optimal performance. Make sure that the temperature isn’t fluctuating on its own, as this could indicate the need for repair.
  • Test the pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve on your water heater prevents the tank from accumulating too much pressure and exploding. To check that the valve is working properly, turn off the power and water intake to the heater and put a bucket underneath the valve. Lift the level on the valve and make sure some air and water flows out and into the bucket.
  • Check for leaks: Take a look at your water heater and the surrounding area routinely and make sure that no water is leaking from the appliance. If you find a leak, check the hose and valve connections. If that doesn’t solve it, you may have a more serious issue that requires repair.

If your water heater is in need of maintenance or repairs, call Rooter Express. Our water heater services can restore proper functionality and hot water to your home in no time. We are your local experts in plumbing installations and repair, so give us a call today!

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