Annual Water Heater Maintenance: How to Keep Your Water Heater Running Smoothly
Aug 22, 2024
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Your water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, providing hot water for showers, cleaning, and more. Like any major appliance, it requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to function efficiently and lasts as long as possible. Here’s a simple guide to help you take care of your water heater annually.
Check and Adjust the Temperature Setting
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your water heater is by regularly checking and adjusting the temperature setting. Your water heater’s thermostat should ideally be set to 120°F. This temperature is hot enough to provide all the hot water you need while also being energy-efficient. Keeping the temperature at 120°F helps prevent scalding accidents, particularly important if you have young children or elderly family members in the home.
Lowering the temperature from the default factory setting of 140°F to 120°F can also reduce your energy bill by up to 10%. Additionally, maintaining this temperature setting can help reduce the risk of mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater, which can prolong its lifespan. To adjust the temperature, locate the thermostat dial on your water heater, usually found behind an access panel. Turn the dial to your desired temperature, and always double-check with a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Regularly monitoring and adjusting the temperature ensures your water heater operates efficiently, keeps energy costs down, and extends the life of the appliance—all with just a simple annual check.
Inspect and Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve, also known as the T&P valve (temperature and pressure relief valve), is a critical safety feature of your water heater. Its purpose is to prevent excessive pressure from building up inside the tank, which could potentially cause the tank to explode or become damaged. Because of its importance, it’s essential to inspect and test this valve at least once a year to ensure it's functioning properly.
To test the pressure relief valve, start by placing a bucket under the discharge pipe connected to the valve. This pipe is usually found on the side or top of the water heater. Carefully lift the valve’s lever to allow a small amount of water to flow out. You should hear a rush of air or see some water and vapor exit through the discharge pipe. This indicates that the valve is working correctly, allowing pressure to escape from the tank when necessary.
If the valve does not open when you lift the lever or if it does not close properly after the test, it may be faulty and in need of replacement. A malfunctioning pressure relief valve can lead to dangerous pressure buildup inside the tank, so it’s crucial to address any issues immediately. Replacing the valve is relatively inexpensive and can be done by a professional to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.
Remember, the pressure relief valve is your water heater's last line of defense against high pressure. Keeping it in good working order is vital for both the safety of your home and the longevity of your water heater.
Drain the Tank to Remove Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment, minerals, and other debris can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank, particularly if you have hard water. This sediment buildup can reduce the efficiency of your water heater by insulating the water from the burner, causing the heater to work harder and use more energy to heat your water. In extreme cases, it can also lead to clogs, corrosion, and even premature failure of the unit. To prevent these issues, it’s important to drain and flush your water heater tank annually.
Here’s how you can do it:
Turn off the Water Heater: If you have an electric water heater, switch off the power at the circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, turn the thermostat to the “pilot” setting. This prevents the burner from igniting while you’re draining the tank.
Shut Off the Cold Water Supply: Locate the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank and turn it off. This prevents more water from entering the tank while you’re draining it.
Connect a Hose to the Drain Valve: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve, which is usually located near the bottom of the tank. Run the other end of the hose to a floor drain, sump pump, or outside to a safe drainage area.
Open the Drain Valve and Pressure Relief Valve: Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow out. To help the water drain faster, you can open the pressure relief valve or a hot water faucet in your home, which will allow air into the tank and prevent a vacuum from forming.
Flush the Tank: Once most of the water has drained out, briefly turn on the cold water supply to stir up any remaining sediment in the tank. Continue draining until the water runs clear and free of sediment.
Close Valves and Refill the Tank: After the water runs clear, close the drain valve and pressure relief valve, disconnect the hose, and turn the cold water supply back on to refill the tank. Once the tank is full, turn the power back on or reset the gas thermostat to its original setting.
Draining your water heater annually can help it run more efficiently, save on energy costs, and extend the lifespan of the unit. However, if you’re unsure about handling this process yourself, or if your water heater hasn’t been drained in several years and the sediment buildup is substantial, it’s best to call in a professional.
Inspect for Leaks and Signs of Corrosion
Regularly inspecting your water heater for leaks and signs of corrosion is an essential part of maintaining its health and ensuring it functions properly. Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage, increase your utility bills, and indicate larger problems with your water heater. By conducting a visual inspection at least once a year, you can catch potential issues early and address them before they turn into costly repairs.
What to Look For:
Check Around the Base: Start by examining the area around the base of your water heater. Look for any signs of standing water, dampness, or puddles. Even a small amount of water can indicate a leak in the tank or the fittings, which should be addressed immediately.
Inspect All Visible Pipes and Connections: Carefully inspect the pipes connected to your water heater, including the cold water inlet, hot water outlet, and any valves. Look for any moisture, rust, or corrosion on the pipes and fittings. Corrosion is a sign that metal parts are breaking down, which could eventually lead to leaks. If you notice rust, it's a good idea to have these components inspected and possibly replaced by a professional.
Check the Top of the Tank: Don’t forget to look at the top of the water heater where the pipes enter the tank. Sometimes leaks can develop at the connections or where the pipes meet the tank. Ensure that there are no drips or signs of water damage around these areas.
Look for Rust and Corrosion: Besides checking the pipes and connections, inspect the exterior of the tank itself. Rust on the outside of the tank is a warning sign that the interior might also be corroding, which can lead to tank failure. While some minor surface rust might not be a cause for immediate concern, significant rust or bubbling of the tank’s surface could indicate that the water heater is nearing the end of its life.
Taking Action:
If you discover any leaks, rust, or signs of corrosion during your inspection, it’s important to take action right away. Minor leaks might be fixable by tightening connections or replacing worn-out parts, but more severe issues could indicate the need for professional repair or even water heater replacement.
Call TruRight Services for Peace of Mind
Identifying and fixing leaks or corrosion can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with water heater systems. That’s where TruRight Services comes in. Our skilled technicians can perform a thorough inspection of your water heater, diagnose any issues, and recommend the best course of action. Whether it’s a simple repair or a full replacement, we’re here to ensure your water heater remains in top condition, providing reliable hot water for years to come.
Schedule your inspection with TruRight Services today and protect your home from the costly consequences of water heater leaks and corrosion.
Check and Replace the Anode Rod
The anode rod is one of the most critical components in your water heater when it comes to preventing rust and corrosion. Often referred to as the “sacrificial” anode rod, this metal rod is designed to attract corrosive elements in the water, thereby protecting the interior lining of your water heater tank from rust. Over time, the anode rod itself will corrode, and once it’s significantly worn down, it can no longer protect the tank. That’s why it’s essential to check and replace the anode rod as part of your annual water heater maintenance.
What to Do:
Locate the Anode Rod: The anode rod is typically found on the top of the water heater and looks like a long metal rod. You may need to consult your water heater’s manual to find its exact location.
Inspect the Rod: To inspect the anode rod, start by turning off the power or gas supply to your water heater. Shut off the cold water supply and relieve the tank pressure by briefly opening a hot water faucet. Next, use a socket wrench to unscrew and remove the anode rod from the tank.
Once removed, examine the rod closely. If it’s less than ½ inch thick, heavily corroded, or covered in calcium deposits, it’s time to replace it. The rod should ideally have a solid metal core, but over time, it will corrode away as it does its job. If you find that the rod is mostly gone or very thin, replace it as soon as possible.
Choose the Right Replacement: Anode rods come in different materials, including aluminum, magnesium, and zinc. Magnesium rods are generally more effective at protecting the tank but may not last as long in areas with hard water. Aluminum rods, while less effective, tend to last longer and are more suitable for hard water conditions. If you’re unsure which type of rod is best for your water heater, consult a professional.
Install the New Anode Rod: Installing a new anode rod is relatively simple. After purchasing the correct replacement, insert the rod into the tank and tighten it securely with a socket wrench. Be sure to restore the power or gas supply and turn the cold water back on once you’re done.
Why It’s Important:
Replacing the anode rod before it completely corrodes can extend the life of your water heater by several years. It’s a small investment of time and money that can prevent major issues like leaks, corrosion, and tank failure.
Let TruRight Services Handle It
If you’re not comfortable checking or replacing the anode rod yourself, or if it’s been several years since it was last inspected, it’s a good idea to call in the professionals. At TruRight Services, we can inspect your water heater’s anode rod and replace it if necessary, ensuring your water heater continues to operate efficiently and reliably. Regular maintenance like this is key to avoiding costly repairs and extending the lifespan of your appliance.
Contact TruRight Services today to schedule your water heater maintenance, and let us take care of the details so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is in good hands.
Need Professional Help?
While these maintenance steps are straightforward, some homeowners may prefer to have a professional handle the job, especially when it comes to more technical tasks like anode rod replacement or pressure relief valve testing. At TruRight Services, we offer comprehensive water heater maintenance services to ensure your unit is running smoothly and efficiently. Our team of experts can help extend the life of your water heater and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Contact us today to schedule your annual water heater maintenance. Trust TruRight Services to keep your home’s plumbing in top shape—because when it comes to your water heater, preventive care is the key to long-term savings. Call us today 479-966-9410