Water Heater Maintenance in 3 Steps
Water heaters are one of those appliances we rely upon every day. They really are ignored until there is a leak or you run out of hot water.
Whether gas or electric, they are generally very dependable and quiet. Water heaters typically last 10-15 years, but with these 3 simple steps you can extend the life of your water heater even further and save money on costly water heater repairs.
By following this easy, 3-step annual maintenance process, you can extend the life of your water heater:
Check the Temperature
Check your water heater thermostat setting: Go to the thermostat on your water heater. It will be a dial on the gas valve or a thermostat behind an electric water heater panel. Turn the thermostat down as low as you can .This lowered setting will protect the tank from working to hard and will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the water.
Operate the Safety Valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve is critical to safety. Its sol purpose is to prevent your water heater from becoming a bomb in your home. It’s a simple but important device and is supposed to be inspected annually.
To test the safety valve lift up on the lever, then let go and allow it to rapidly snap back. You should hear a rush of water as the valve allows some water to be released into the discharge piping.
If the T&P valve did nothing then it is bad and needs to be replaced immediately. If the valve continues to leak after testing then you will have to contact a plumber to change the valve.
Do a Partial Flush
Removing sediment from the bottom of the tank is important to pro-long the life of the tank. Although a full water heater tank draining and power flush is best, performing a full flush is a bit of work and can be costly. A partial flush works well, takes a fraction of the time and allows you to do it while the water heater is running:
Connect a hose to the drain valve.
A good water heater won’t have a handle on the drain valve. This is a safety feature so the valve can’t be accidentally turned on.
Turn the valve counter-clockwise to release a few gallons of water into the bucket. Close the valve by turning it clockwise and drain the bucket.
If you have any questions contact the pros at Absolute Plumbing & Boiler!