Maintaining a hot water heater can save a lot of money and avoid inconvenient circumstances. There are many problems that can take place when a hot water heater is not properly maintained, like unheated water for showers, smelly water, strange noises, and rusty and foamy water. These are problems that cannot be ignored and for a lot of people who encounter these immediately hire a professional to check. When this happens a lot of money can be spent in paying for a plumber for an inspection or repair and when worse comes to worse replacement is needed. Installing a new hot water heater is costly and can also disrupt occupants’ usual activity in a household.
With knowing all of these troubles caused by an unmaintained hot water heater, the more that everyone should know on how to maintain a hot water heater. Maintenance for hot water heaters is not that complicated. It only takes an hour or so and once a year to increase the life of a hot water heater.
The following lists are tips on how to maintain a hot water heater. Usually with good use of the heater can properly operate as much as ten years, and can still be increased when proper maintenance is done.
Maintain 120 degrees temperature. 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safest and the most economical temperature setting for a hot water heater. It’s a safe temperature setting especially for children. Beyond 125 degrees temperature may actually burn a child’s hand in a 3rd or 2nd degree. 120 degrees temperature can work well when washing with soap and other detergents which can thoroughly wash away germs. Lower the temperature gradually for every 5 degrees this can lower the heating bills up to 10%.
Check anode rod periodically. The anode rod is an important part of a water heater it keeps the tank from corroding. Anode rods are attached to the top of the water heater commonly with a ¾ inch hex head screw. Replace an anode rod when there are signs of corrosion this will be less expensive and can avoid any further corrosion of the water heater. See to it to purchase the right kind of metal for the steel wire frame that is compatible with the water heater, this maybe aluminum, magnesium or zinc metal frames.
Regularly check for leaks. Usually leaks are caused by pressure release valves. These valves are supposed to keep pressure build-up inside the water heater. But when a valve is damaged it will continuously begin leaking. It is best to replace the leaking release valve immediately to put the system back in good working order.
Flush the tank. Sediments can build-up overtime inside a tank. To help eliminate these deposits, drain the water heater. Begin the draining process by first turning down the temperature to let the water in the tank cool off by a couple of hours. Then turn off the cold water supply and by attaching on end of a hose to the bottom drain valve, direct it outside the house. To release air into the tank, open one of the house’s hot water faucets then open the water tank’s drain valve. When everything is drained off from the tank, turn the cold water supply valve on and off for a few times. At first it may appear dark brown or gray but after awhile the water will eventually clear up. Then disconnect the hose and close the valve when the water has cleared. Before refilling, make sure that the faucets have been turned off and that the thermostat is turned back up.
With knowing all these simple tips in maintaining one’s hot water heater, there won’t be a need to call the plumber. It can save a lot of trouble and expense. But if something really goes out of hand it might be as well wiser to ask help from the experts. This can actually be an opportunity to watch and learn on how the system is handled. Then when one is already familiar on the process, he or she can now operate on the hot water heater on his or her own.