Maintaining your water heater is an important part of owning a home. Regular maintenance can help to keep it running safely and efficiently, while avoiding costly repairs down the line. From checking your pilot light or sediment buildup, to draining and flushing out the tank annually, there are some essential steps homeowners should take in order to extend their water heater’s lifespan.
You can usually learn more about the types of water heaters and related services provided by contractors like Hurliman Heating by visiting their websites. However, this homeowner’s guide will provide you with valuable information on how often you should perform these routine tasks as well as tips for troubleshooting common issues that arise with residential water heaters.
Understand the Basics of a Water Heater
A water heater might not seem like the most exciting purchase, however it is an important one and it’s important to understand the basics. There are a few main types of water heaters to choose from – tankless water heaters, electric water heaters and gas-powered tanks.
All have different benefits – tankless models don’t require storage tanks, while electric and gas-powered systems require less energy over time. But, of course, with any purchase, proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your system running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. To ensure your water heater is working predictably (and efficiently!), you should drain it about 1-2 times a year to flush out any sediment that may have built up in the bottom of the tank.
Dishing out a bit of money towards regular maintenance will go a long way in ensuring you get hot water whenever you need it!
How to Inspect & Maintain Your Water Heater Regularly
Maintaining your water heater is an important part of keeping it in good working order and ensuring that you have a steady supply of hot water for your home. Inspecting and maintaining it regularly can not only keep it running but also prevent any serious problems that may arise from improper maintenance.
You should inspect your water heater annually for signs of rust, corrosion or other issues which might impair its ability to function properly. Keep the area around the unit clean and ventilated, check the temperature and pressure relief valves and tighten electrical connections if needed.
Draining several gallons of water at least twice a year will help rid the tank of sediment build-up, while checking anodes every three to four years will ensure they are able to do their job of protecting the tank lining properly. Taking care of all these tasks will help keep your water heater in top condition and prevent any costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Tips for Protecting Against Common Water Heater Issues
Water heaters are an essential part of any home, so it’s important to take steps to make sure yours is running smoothly and efficiently. Some common water heater issues that you should be aware of include sediment buildup, corrosion, and loss of pressure.
To help safeguard your system from these issues, there are a few tips you can follow.
- Be sure to flush the unit on a regular basis so you can get rid of any sediments that could build up over time.
- Check the unit for signs of corrosion and replace corroded parts as soon as possible.
- Check the pressure release valve regularly to make sure it’s working correctly and relieve any built up pressure.
Following these steps takes minimal effort but can save you plenty of hassle down the line.
What to Do When You Notice a Problem with Your Water Heater
If you’ve noticed a problem with your water heater, don’t panic. The first thing to do is to stop using it until you can get it fixed. If the issue relates to heating or boiler pressure then you should shut off your water supply immediately. If the issue doesn’t involve those things, and there’s no leak, then you might want to research ways to fix it.
Many water heater issues can be resolved with quick DIY troubleshooting steps. For instance, check your thermostat settings and make sure that all electrical connections are secure. It’s also important to refer back to the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes time for repairs in order to ensure that everything is done correctly and safely.
However, if the problem continues after attempting a few basic fixes, or if you feel like it could be a homemade job, then calling in a professional is recommended.
Troubleshooting Common Water Heater Problems
Troubleshooting common water heater problems can be a bit of a headache – but don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as you might think! If the heater isn’t producing hot enough water, or is leaking, it may simply be due to a lack of maintenance.
Check that the unit has been flushed within the last year and if necessary, attach new sacrificial anode rods – this will help to protect the tank from corrosion. If your tank’s temperature setting is low you can raise it without needing to call in an expert. But if that doesn’t do the trick don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing professional who will be able to investigate potential issues such as sediment buildup or a faulty thermostat.
All in all, it’s worth taking some simple steps first before calling for additional help – solving common water heater problems can be simpler than imagined!
Takeaway
In conclusion, inspections and regular maintenance of your water heater can save you money and time in the long-run. A complete flush cycling and descaling at least once a year will help to rid your tank of built-up minerals that cause damage over time, improve the efficiency of your water heater, and result in more substantial cost savings for you as a homeowner.
So if it’s been longer than 6 months since your last checkup, don’t delay! Contact your local HVAC specialist who will be able to provide you with servicing if anything needs repair or suggest any maintenance measures that might be necessary.
