Your water heater is an appliance that you may not give much thought to – until one day you find yourself without hot water. We rely on hot water throughout the home for things such as showering and bathing, clean clothes, and dishwashing. With some regular maintenance your water heater will service you for years, so read on for 5 tips to maintain your appliance and avoid costly repairs.
- Insulate your water heater. The colder weather we experience during the Winter months can cause water pipes anywhere in your home to freeze. Frozen water pipes can burst and result in expensive repairs, including the purchase of a new water heater. Insulating the tank itself helps keep water warm throughout the day and stops pipes from freezing.
- Change your Anode Rod. You may not know what an anode rod is, or may not be aware that it prevents your heater from corroding. Through a process called electrolysis the anode rod attracts calcium and mineral buildup and keeps the water heater from rusting inside.
- Adjust the temperature setting. The temperature of hot water is very much a seasonal preference, as most people prefer it hotter during cold winter months. During summer months, using a lower setting will not be as hard on the tank and as a bonus you’ll save some money.
- Check your TPR valve. The temperature release valve is there to prevent the water from becoming too hot by releasing some water to relieve pressure inside the tank. Simply place a bucket under the valve, open and close it once, and if the tank continues to drain the valve need replacing.
- Clean the tank. Even if your Anode Rod is doing its job it doesn’t hurt to flush the tank periodically. To clean the tank, open and close the water supply continuously until the water runs clear. Follow by opening the water supply to refill the tank and turn the power back on.
By carrying out the above maintenance suggestions, you can certainly extend the life of your water heater. Eventually your water heater will need replacing or you may require the services of a plumbing contractor in Victoria BC. Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, so it’s reassuring to know the professionals at Goodsense Plumbing and Drain are there 24/7 for you.