Whether you realize it or not, your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. When it’s working properly, you might forget it’s even there. But If your water heater isn’t working right, you’ll know it right away.
Regular maintenance of your home’s water heater will not only help prevent costly problems, but it can also help extend the life of your water heater. There are several things you need to do to maintain your water heater.
Lower Your Water Heater's Temperature
The default temperature setting on most new water heaters is 130 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you should consider keeping the temperature between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the temperature on your water heater has a number of benefits. Your water heater will not have to work as hard and will reduce the risk of you getting burned by hot water. Furthermore, reducing the temperature on your water heater can help you save money on your energy bill.
Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment has a tendency to build up in your water heater over time, cause corrosion, and can also reduce the efficiency of your water heater. That is why it is important to flush your water heater on a regular basis. The acidity and hardness of the water in your area will determine how often you need to flush the water heater.
Before you begin to flush your water heater, turn off the power first. Place a bucket underneath the drain valve and turn the drain valve counterclockwise. Empty one to two gallons of water, then turn the drain valve off by turning it clockwise. When you’re done, turn the power back on again.
Use An Insulated Blanket
Wrapping an insulated blanket around the water heater to help extend the life of your water heater by reducing the demand on it. It also helps reduce energy consumption since it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your water.
Professional Maintenance Your water heater should receive professional maintenance at least once a year. A professional will thoroughly inspect all of the parts of your water heater and make repairs if necessary. It’s always better to address a small problem while it’s still a small problem, rather than after it becomes a much larger issue.
