Top Maintenance Tips For Water Heaters
Your water heater is crucial for supplying hot water in your home for bathing and washing dishes. Many homeowners neglect the importance of water heater maintenance and end up paying high costs for repairs or replacements. Here are some tips to ensure your water heater's efficiency and keep it in proper condition for a long time.
Clear the Area Where You Place Your Water Heater
One of the tips to ensure the efficiency of your water heater is placement. It is essential that your water heater has space to work unimpeded and where you can easily access it. Easy access is necessary when you need to turn off the heater or change the temperature.
For gas-fired water heaters, you must ensure the oxygen supply runs smoothly. If nearby objects impede the oxygen supply, the water heater's efficiency will suffer, and you risk a gas leak. Therefore, ensure the area around your water heater is free from debris. This also makes it easier to identify water leaks.
Empty the Tank Regularly
It is recommended that you drain your water heater once a year. Draining involves removing sediment that interferes with heat transfer. As a result, it makes your heater more efficient. While draining your water heater may sound like a DIY project, you must consult a professional. Apart from draining the tank, a water heater technician will inspect the gas and flue lines for carbon monoxide leaks.
Lower the Temperature
Many water heaters come set with a high temperature. This can be risky because it can result in burns. For example, if a water heater is set initially at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you should lower it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Lowering the temperature also reduces your energy expenses. Additionally, it prevents your water heater from overworking, increasing its lifespan.
Test the Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
Another maintenance tip for the longevity of your water heater is testing the temperature pressure relief valve. This valve releases accumulating pressure inside the water heater. To determine whether the valve is functioning correctly, insert a bucket under the pipe connected to the valve.
After placing the bucket, lift the lever. If water comes out and stops after you lower the lever, the relief valve works properly. However, if the water doesn't come out or there is a leakage, call a water heater technician to replace the valve.
In Closing
Other maintenance practices that lengthen the lifespan of your water heater include insulating the tank and pipes, fixing leakages, and scheduling annual inspections. One of the most common household repairs involves water heaters. Therefore, to minimize repairs and improve the overall efficiency of your water heater, practice the above tips.
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