Many people don’t realize how much they rely on their water heater or how essential its care and upkeep is. The unit is responsible for many aspects of a home’s function, such as taking showers and cleanup following dinner.
Without the benefit of hot water, germs cannot be effectively killed, and nothing can be thoroughly cleaned. With adequate maintenance, you can enhance the energy efficiency of the water heater and extend its lifespan. This can, in turn, help to reduce your utility costs.
Preventive inspections by quality and qualified technicians like those with Wasden Plumbing Services ensures that the unit continues to function efficiently. These professionals readily detect developing issues and can present solutions for any existing problems.
Companies like these address all questions and concerns to ensure you’re well informed on your water heater. Contact details for this business: Wasden Plumbing Services, 3810 Industrial St, Suite 400 Rowlett, TX 75088, 2143646664
A Homeowner’s Guide to Water Heater Maintenance
The water heater is an essential component for everyday function; however, it’s often overlooked when it comes to standard care and upkeep. Regular maintenance ensures there’s always a hot shower to greet you in the morning and hot water to wash clothes and clean the dishes.
When well maintained, you can expect optimal energy efficiency and an extended lifespan of roughly 12 years. Visit – Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Extend Its Life – maintenance tips to extend a water heater’s life. Consider these tips to keep your unit running at peak performance for its lifetime.
Anode rod
The anode rod i an essential part of the water heater, one that protects the unit from rust and corrosion. It is composed of a steel rod wrapped in aluminum. The life expectancy for this rod is less than that of the water heater so it must be monitored and replaced.
The anode rod sits in a moist, hot, and intense metal tank, helping to extend the water heater’s life. It releases electrons into the water as it begins to erode, helping to prevent or slow the corrosion in the tank. The rod is, in fact designed to eventually wear out and fail; this is its purpose.
You must remove the rod from the water heater to inspect its condition and check for corrosion.
Flushing the tank
Sediment, minerals, and calcium settle on the floor of the water heater tank over time. It’s normal; however, for the unit to efficiently function or work properly these materials must be routinely removed.
A primary reason this needs to be done is due to the heating elements location at on the tank floor. If this element is blocked by sediment, the unit must exert more effort to heat water. This can lead to failure and expensive maintenance and repairs.
The water heater must be cooled down and the water supply shut off to remove the sediment buildup. You can then drain the tank and refill it. You can do this or call a professional technician if you uncomfortable with the process.
Temperature adjustment
All homeowners look for ways to save from rising energy costs. An ideal way to reduce the utility bill is to lower the water heater temperature. Not only can that save energy costs, but it can extend the unit’s life cycle.
The temperature should be set to 120F as recommended by the US Department of Energy. This will reduce your utility bill and slow corrosion and mineral buildup for extended longevity of your pipes and the water heater.
Lowering the temperature involves turning the knob on the tank. The electricity should be shut off as a safety precaution before opening the panels. Consult the owner’s manual or reach out to a professional technician if you have questions about what to do.
Insulate the tank and pipes
Another way to save on utility costs is to insulate your water heater tank and the pipes that come from it. This helps keep the water leaving the tank hot, so the unit doesn’t have to overexert. A simple effort like this will save costs but also extend the system’s lifespan.
Insulation is an effective, easy, and affordable maintenance task homeowners can handle. The tank is excellent for hold water but not so great when it comes to trapping the heat.
You can reduce standby heat loss by wrapping the tank in an insulation blanket and save on utility costs in the process. Go here to learn if you should repair or replace your unit.
Final Thought
In the same way your water heater works hard for you, it’s important to provide adequate care and upkeep for the unit to ensure it offers optimal energy efficiency and lasts for years.
If you want your equipment to operate at peak function and run properly, it’s wise to have routine inspections with a professional technician every few years. These experts are keenly aware of developing defects and present solutions to address problems before they escalate into major concerns.
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