Water heaters, when in top condition, work efficiently to heat hot water for you and your family. If ill-maintained, a water heater will prematurely wear out due to an excessive workload. Excess workloads can put additional stress on components through overuse, sediment build-up, faulty internal components, and other factors. You can avoid frequent water heater repair in Normal, IL by catching these issues early and considering the following tips.
Tips to Avoid Your Water Heater Wearing Out
Water heaters typically have a life expectancy of between 8 and 12 years. Leaks, corrosion, and component failures can cause the unit to operate beyond its capabilities. This can significantly decrease the lifespan of your water heater. You can prolong the life of your device by taking good care and maintenance. You can extend the device’s service life by 3 to 5 additional years this way. Trust a professional water heater repair team to thoroughly inspect your water heater and make timely repairs.
Regularly Check the Pressure Valve
As a safety measure, water heaters have a temperature-pressure relief device. When excessive heat or pressure builds up in the unit, the valve opens. This prevents water heater damage and protects against dangerous explosions.
To ensure it works properly, make sure you check your pressure valve on a regular basis. The valve’s function may be affected by sediment or residue build-up. Your water heater will experience damage if you frequently use too much heat and pressure.
To prevent frequent water heater repair, check the valve on a regular basis. Make sure to switch off any electricity or gas. You must replace the valve if it does not release water. To have a new pressure valve installed, call a plumbing company.
Examine the Anode Rod
Your water heater’s anode rod attracts minerals such as calcium through its electrochemical reactions. It prevents corrosion by keeping these minerals from getting into the heater’s walls. With a fully functioning anode rod, the unit doesn’t have to deal with sediment accumulation or work harder.
To prevent corrosion and leaks, ensure that the anode rod is not worn out. It is best to inspect the anode rod at least once a year. It can be replaced early if it is damaged. Even well-maintained water heaters should have the anode rod replaced every 3 to 5 years to maintain a working water heater.
Reliable water heater repair services can inspect and replace the anode rod. A professional can also verify if your water heater can hold two rods to improve function.
Flush the Tank
Over time, a water heater tank can become clogged with sediment, which causes it to consume more energy. Hard water tends to lead to more sediment accumulation because it contains many minerals. Water heaters that are subject to thick magnesium and calcium layers will have to work harder to heat water and maintain its temperature.
Flushing the tank regularly can remove any sediment. The sediment should be drained through a hose into the floor drain or the bathroom drain. Call a water heater repair service if the sediment builds up and performance is affected. During a professional service, the unit is cleaned without causing any damage to its internal components. Once complete, your water heater will stop consuming additional energy, which can help you save money on your energy bills.
Install an Expansion Tank
When water is heated rapidly, it tends to expand. This puts extra strain on your water heater, and it soon starts to wear down. To prevent excessive pressure, you can ask your local water heater repair company to install an expansion tank.
An alternative water outlet is provided by expansion water tanks. The tank expands to take on additional water flow. This helps maintain consistent pressure in the water tank, which protects your water heater.
Install a Water Softener
Installing a water softener will prevent mineral build up. To protect your unit, a water heater repair service recommends a water softener.
You can reduce your water heater’s workload by using a water softener to help prevent mineral accumulation in the tank. It also protects your pipes and other internal components like the thermostats and heating elements.
Perform Preventive Maintenance
It is important to conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure your water heater doesn’t wear out. It is easier to identify signs of damage such as cracks, corrosion and faulty internal parts if regularly inspected. A local water heater repair company can undertake comprehensive inspections for you. Plumbers with experience can identify hidden problems and take preventative steps, such as:
- Testing the pressure release valve
- Checking gas burners
- Replacing defective components
- Flushing the water heater
- Tank cleaning
- Thermostat recalibration
Set the Thermostat Correctly
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), your water heater should be set no higher than 120 degrees. This temperature is sufficient to heat water for both showers and appliances that use it. Your water heater thermostat may not be set correctly, which could cause your water to stop heating up enough.
When setting the thermostat, the outside temperature is something to take into consideration. Winter nights in Normal, IL It can get very cold and the ground temperature can drop significantly below freezing. The temperature of the water entering your home can drop up to 25 degrees when it’s very cold, this can make it more difficult for the water to heat up in the tank and you may wish to alter your thermostat to compensate.
Choose a Professional Repair Company
Covenant Plumbing in Normal, IL offers local, fully licensed plumbers who can install, maintain, and repair a variety of water heaters. Since 2006, our water heater repair services have continuously helped our customers to get their water heater back up and running. Our quality workmanship and honest, reliable advice are backed by experienced, licensed plumbers, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you’re seeing symptoms that indicate your water heater needs a professional inspection, book a repair service through our website, or call us to discuss.
