Preventative water heater maintenance can extend your unit's life by up to 10-12 years for tank models and 20 years for tankless ones. This means less money spent on repairs and replacements. Plus, a well-maintained water heater works more efficiently, which can lower your energy bills.
We'll guide you through some easy steps to keep your water heater in perfect shape. From flushing out sediment to checking the anode rod, these tasks are doable for most homeowners if they have the correct tools.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Regular checks keep your water heater running smoothly and safely. We'll cover key steps to inspect and maintain your unit, from visual checks to testing important components.
Visual Inspection
Begin with a thorough water heater inspection, checking for rust, dents, or loose parts. Look at pipes and connections for signs of wear, and ensure the area around the heater is clear of items that could catch fire. Check that vents are not blocked as this helps prevent carbon monoxide buildup in gas heaters. Also, look at the burner flame in gas heaters - it should be blue, and a yellow flame means it needs cleaning.
Keep an eye on the temperature setting which should be at 120°F (49°C) for safety and energy savings. Higher temperatures can cause burns and waste energy, while lower temperatures may not kill harmful bacteria.
Inspect for Leaks
Check for leaks regularly as even small drips can lead to significant water damage and other issues. Look at the base of the tank for water puddles, check all pipe connections, and inspect valves for moisture. Water stains on walls or floors around the heater can also point to hidden leaks.
Feel around fittings and seams for wetness using a dry cloth to wipe areas you can't see well. If you find leaks, mark their location. Small leaks might just need tightening but bigger leaks may require part replacement or professional help.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
This valve is a key safety feature and should be tested regularly. First, find the valve on the side or top of the tank and put a bucket under the discharge pipe. Lift the valve's lever briefly. You should hear a rush of air or see water flow. If nothing happens, the valve may be stuck. This is dangerous and needs fixing right away. After testing, watch for leaks around the valve. If it keeps dripping, it may need replacement.
Always be careful when testing - the water can be very hot.
Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod fights rust inside your tank and should be checked every year or two. Turn off the power and water supply, drain some water from the tank, and unscrew the hex head on top of the heater to remove the rod.
Look at the rod closely and if it's less than 1/2 inch thick, coated in calcium, or there is exposed steel wire, it's time for a new one. A working rod is about 3/4 inch thick. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape when putting in a new rod as this helps prevent leaks.
Preventative Actions to Extend Life
Regular maintenance can add years to your water heater's life and these simple steps will keep your unit running efficiently and prevent costly repairs.
Drain and Flush the Tank
Drain and flush your water heater tank once a year to remove sediment that can reduce efficiency and cause damage.
To do this, turn off the power and water supply, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, and run it to a suitable drainage area. Open the valve and let the tank drain completely. Once empty, turn the water supply back on briefly to stir up any remaining sediment, and repeat this process until the water runs clear. After flushing, close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restore power.
Remove Sediment
Sediment buildup can cause many problems in your water heater, such as reducing efficiency, clogging valves, and creating hot spots that damage the tank.
To remove sediment, use a long, thin brush to scrub the inside of the tank after draining to loosen stubborn deposits. For tougher buildup, you can add a de-scaling solution to the tank before flushing. Let it sit for an hour, then flush as normal.
Adjusting the Temperature
Setting the right temperature saves energy and prevents scalding. We recommend 120°F (49°C) for most homes.
To adjust:
- Find the thermostat (usually behind a panel)
- Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the dial
- Wait a few hours, then check the water temperature
- Adjust as needed
Setting to Vacation Mode
When you're away for more than a few days you should set your water heater to vacation mode. This lowers the temperature to save energy while still preventing freezing.
For gas heaters, turn the thermostat to the "vacation" or "pilot" setting and for electric heaters, switch off the circuit breaker. Remember to turn it back on and let the tank heat up fully before using hot water when you return.
Additional Considerations
Proper water heater maintenance goes beyond basic upkeep. We'll explore ways to boost efficiency, handle mineral buildup, and know when expert help is needed.
Energy Efficient Options
- Insulating the tank and pipes reduces heat loss.
- Setting the temperature to 120°F (49°C) saves energy while still providing hot water.
- Installing low-flow fixtures cuts hot water use.
- Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can lower energy bills.
- Heat pump water heaters use less electricity than standard electric units.
- Tankless heaters only heat water on demand.
- Solar water heaters harness free energy from the sun.
Dealing With Hard Water
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium and these can form limescale buildup in water heaters. Limescale coats heating elements, reducing efficiency and shortening lifespan.
We can combat hard water issues in a few ways:
- Install a water softener to remove minerals before they enter the heater
- Use vinegar flushes to dissolve existing scale
- Add a scale inhibitor to the tank
- Replace the anode rod more often
If you have a tankless heater, flush it with vinegar every 6-12 months to prevent scale buildup.
When to Call a Professional
Some water heater issues need expert help and you should call a professional if you notice problems such as:
- No hot water
- Not enough hot water
- Strange noises from the tank
- Rusty or smelly water
- Visible leaks or moisture
- Low water pressure
A professional plumber can safely handle gas line issues, electrical problems, and tank replacements. They have the tools to diagnose complex problems. Remember, trying to fix some issues yourself can be dangerous or void the warranty.
Scheduling annual maintenance is recommended as a professional inspection can catch issues early. Get in touch to arrange an inspection of your water heater or to discuss an upgrade.
