Water Heater Maintenance in 6 Easy Steps

Most homeowners neglect the importance of cleaning the water heater on a regular basis, especially if it is used frequently. Don’t get me wrong: underused water heaters aren’t always less damaged than those that are used frequently. In fact, both of them have an equal risk of being injured. It all relies on the appliance’s location, way of use, and overall quality. If you look closely, you’ll notice that we sometimes take for granted things that are very important to us. Just because they’re working correctly now doesn’t ensure they’ll continue to do so tomorrow.

Water heaters provide hot water to keep you warm throughout the colder months. It is not a smart idea to go through the winter without a water heater; it will almost certainly result in tragedy and major health problems. This is why you should be on the lookout for any problems with your water heater.

Prevention is preferable to cure, as the saying goes. So, here are some suggestions for keeping your water heater in good working order:

Adjust the temperature.

Check your water heater’s temperature. Don’t make it any higher than it needs to be. Make sure the temperature is between 120 and 130 degrees. This preventive approach will help to keep the water heater from overworking itself and causing harm to the device. Also, keep in mind that lowering the temperature by 10 degrees reduces your energy consumption by 5%. This procedure, in theory, not only keeps your heating unit safe, but it also saves you from going broke.

Check the clearance.

Check the clearance of your water heater on a daily basis. Make sure there’s at least 12 feet between it and the nearest appliance or wall. Keeping the equipment at a safe distance can help you avoid harm from overheating mechanisms. Its allowance around the body aids in temperature regulation and keeps the machine cool.

Drain the tank occasionally.

Make it a practice to empty the tank’s contents at least six times a year. To be safe, repeat this process once a month. This action will extend the unit’s shelf life and improve its performance.

Turn off the water main first. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and empty the contents into a bucket. You can utilize the water to water your plants and clean up your yard. When you’ve finished emptying the tank, clean it and begin filling it again, keeping the garden hose connected to drain the contents. You can now close it and turn on the water heater again once the water is clear. If the water remains hazy, open the water supply valve and stir or crack the deposits to allow them to be conveyed in the water to the bucket.

Test the temperature-pressure relief valve.

Keep in mind to remove this fixture at least three times a year. Make sure everything, especially the temperature and pressure setting, is in moderation. Failure to do so will almost surely result in leaking valves and fractured pipes.