Water heaters are responsible for about 18% of the total energy consumption in a typical home in Normal, IL, making them one of the most crucial and costly home appliances. However, these appliances can fail without proper maintenance and require costly repairs. Fortunately, regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing frequent water heater repair and ensuring your hot water supply stays on and running. With a few simple steps, you can extend your water heater’s lifespan and save money on costly repairs. By performing basic maintenance tasks, such as checking for and replacing worn anodes, flushing the tank, and testing the temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve, you can extend the life of your water heater.
Maintenance Tips
Inspect Your Heater Regularly
Inspecting and examining your water heater regularly is crucial. Preventative checks like this can help you identify problems before they become severe.
Regular Inspection by a Professional
Any gas or electric water heater should be inspected by a professional at least once a year or after water heater repair. An expert water heater inspector will take note of any issues and provide recommendations for corrective action.
Yearly Flush
Your tank water heater should be flushed yearly. By doing so, you can remove sediment from the bottom of the tank and clean its interior. Sediment may not cause direct damage to a water heater, but it can significantly reduce the heater’s performance. It is essential to turn off the water supply and the power to the water heater before draining it. Next, hook up a hose to the water heater’s drain valve and empty the tank of any remaining water. Wait until the water has cooled down before this step. The tank can be refilled and turned back on once emptied and cleaned. Hold off on turning on the water heater until it has been completely refilled. Otherwise, the heater will overwork itself to heat water that isn’t there and could get damaged.
Add Insulation
There are numerous advantages to insulating your water heater’s tank. Not only will it save money on utility bills, but it may also extend your heater’s lifespan. The water heater will not work as hard to heat the water if the tank is well-insulated to prevent heat loss. Lower energy use means less money spent on power. In addition, the tank isn’t subjected to as much stress; therefore, it should last longer.
Insulating the pipes that lead to the water heater can be just as effective as insulating the tank. This is particularly crucial in the winter when freezing pipes can cause serious damage. Without proper insulation, water in the pipes could freeze and burst, causing extensive property damage and necessitating a call to the water heater repair company. Insulating these pipes is a simple task that can have far-reaching benefits for the safety of your entire home.
Lower the Temperature
Putting the water heater in a lower temperature setting is a simple way to save money on heating costs. If you turn down the temperature on your water heater by 10 degrees, you can cut your energy use and costs by about 5%. The perfect temperature setting is 120 degrees.
This task should be revisited each season and before any trip of three days or more. You can get by with a lower temperature setting in the summer, cutting down on energy expenses. If you want to save money on your utility bills, turn down the temperature on your water heater if you’re away for three days or more. This will reduce energy costs and help you avoid that costly call to a water heater repair company.
Replace the Anode Rod
A water heater’s anode rod should be replaced at regular intervals (approximately every five years) for optimal performance. Corrosive minerals in the water are drawn to the rod, where they can do their damage instead of damaging the tank itself. If this rod fails, the corrosive minerals in the tank could cause serious damage. Keeping an anode rod in good working order is critical to the safety of your water heater.
Replace the Air Intake Filter
This is an essential maintenance tip for everyone who owns a tankless water heater. Debris accumulates on the filter of tankless water heaters after some time has passed. A dirty filter will prevent your machine from working properly. Simply replacing the filter regularly can keep your tankless water heater operating smoothly and prevent costly water heater repair.
Check the Temperature Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
The temperature pressure relief valve should be tested often to ensure it is functioning properly. When pressure within a water heater becomes too high, this valve opens and lets the pressure out. Putting a bucket under the discharge line that leads from the TPR valve is one way to ensure it is properly functioning. You can raise the lever once you’ve put a bucket in place. If water flows out and stops when the lever is lowered, the temperature pressure relief valve is functioning correctly. However, if water is not flowing or there is severe leaking, you need to call a water heater repair expert to replace the valve.
Declutter the Space Around the Heater
Unless otherwise directed by the water heater’s manufacturer, you should leave at least two feet of space around the unit. If you’ve been using your water heater closet to store other things, you should consider reevaluating and reorganizing this space. Move your belongings to be at least two feet away from the air conditioner.
Know Your Water Heater
When buying a home in Normal, IL with an existing water heater, it’s important to find out exactly what model you’re getting. You should at least try to learn how many gallons it can hold and how old it is, as a water heater repair expert will require this information. It is also a good idea to look for warranty details. A sticker on the water heater tank typically provides this data. Evaluate the length of coverage against the age of the device. If your water heater is getting close to or has already passed the warranty’s expiration date, you should inspect it for signs of malfunction more frequently.
Let Us Repair Your Water Heater
When your water heater breaks down, it can cause major disruptions in your daily routine. Preventing these problems and keeping your water heater running efficiently can be accomplished through routine maintenance. Not only will this lower utility costs, but it will also reduce the chances of water heater repair or replacement. However, if you discover problems with your water heater, you should take fast action to get it back to normal.
Call Covenant Plumbing at (309) 603-1253 or schedule an appointment online if you need water heater repair in Normal, IL.
