Most people only think of their water heater when the hot showers turn into cold showers. A water heater is one of those things that is installed, then you don’t give it a second thought until it stops working properly. However, if you do preventative maintenance care on your water heater, you can reduce the number of repairs. A water heater’s lifespan can last from 8 to 10 years before you replace it. But of course, many factors will affect your water heater’s lifespan, including electricity irregularities, the quality of the water heater, and the mineral density in the water. If regularly maintained, your water heater could reduce your electric bill by functioning more efficiently.
One of the quickest ways to damage your water heater fast is to have mineral deposits build up in it. You can spend a lot of money replacing the heating element in your water heater. A healthy water heater is one that is insulated, clean, and without wiring faults. To help you start your preventative maintenance care on your water heater, we’ve come up with a few tips that you can follow.</p
Check the Anode Rod. The sacrificial anode rods are usually made of aluminum and magnesium. They keep your water heater tank from rusting, and they should be changed when the steel wire is showing. If your water heater has two anode rods be sure to check both regularly. But if the water in your water heater is aggressive, you will need to check your anode rods frequently. Try and check your anode rods on a semi-yearly basis.
Check the dip tube. The dip tubes in your water heater direct the incoming water to the base of the water heater for warming. Not all water heaters have dip tubes in them, but if your water heater has dip tubes, then you will want to check them every six months for corrosion or failure.
Flush your water. Each year, you should flush the water in your water heater. When you do this, it helps to wash out the sediment build up in the tank, and it preserves the life of your water heater and the heating element.
Drain your water. If you plan on going on a long vacation during the winter months then you should consider draining your water heater before you leave, to prevent flooding while you’re away. Make sure that you refill before turning the water heater back on.
Check your pipes. We recommend that you have an experienced licensed plumber check your pipes in your water heater, to inspect any water leaks or damage. Leaks can damage more than just your water heater. We know that it can be overwhelming and time-consuming to take on the task of caring for your water heater, but it’s important that you take preventative steps to maintain your water heater. If you don’t have time to take preventative care of your water heater, we recommend that you hire an experienced plumber to help you keep your water heater working properly.
Here at Best Home Services, we offer a range of plumbing solutions to maximize all your plumbing needs. Whether your concern is a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, we have the proper fix for you. If you’d like to learn more about how to keep your plumbing maintained in your house, give us a call at (239) 291-0860 .
