How To Keep Your Water Heater In Tip Top Condition

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think very much about how hard your water heater works to keep you comfortable. Your home’s water heater is perhaps the most demanding system in your entire living space, which can lead to general wear & tear on your system over the years. Luckily, there are several ways to help prolong the life of your water heater. Following these five water heater maintenance tips may help you extend your system lifespan, lower your energy bills, and minimize potential damage from leaks.

Over time, sediment, and debris can build up inside your tank water heater. This can cause corrosion and decreases your water heaters' efficiency. To prevent build-up from occurring drain & flush your tank at least once a year. Start by turning the temperature down to its lowest setting, then completely drain the tank. Next, turn the water back on with the drain open and let the water flow to remove any sediment that may have been left behind. Once your tank is full of water, turn the thermostat back to the desired temperature. If you are unsure how to drain your tank or don’t feel comfortable doing so, call in a professional!

If the temperature of your water heater is too high, it could affect the lifespan of your system. Higher temperatures can actually aid and speed up the sediment build-up process in the tank of your water heater! According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended temperature for your water heater is 120 degrees but most water heaters come automatically set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit which is higher than necessary. Keeping the water heater at the recommended temperature slows down mineral buildup and corrosion in containers and pipes!

Water heaters struggle with hard water because of how quickly limescale and sediment build up inside the tank, which creates an insulating layer inside. This makes it harder for heat to escape from the tank, meaning it will eventually overheat. That spikes pressure in the tank, causes leaks, damages the pressure expansion tank, and takes years off the life of the water heater.

Just like insulating your walls or roof, insulating your electric water heater is an easy and inexpensive way to improve the overall efficiency of your water and save you money each month. Many stores sell insulated blankets that fit most water heaters, but be sure to check your manual or call the professionals that installed your system to ensure it’s safe before purchasing!

Keeping up with annual professional water heater maintenance is VITAL to the overall health of your system. Annual water heater inspections are made to ensure that any water heater issues are detected early and resolved, keeping your water heater in perfect working condition for as long as possible. A plumbing professional can flush out any accumulated minerals, rust, or sediments, as part of the inspection, along with detecting any leaks or damage to your system!