There is no denying that hot water is an absolute necessity in any home. If you’re still not convinced, picture starting your day or taking a shower in cold weather! This is why appropriate cleaning and maintenance of your water heater is critical to ensure that it is in good operating order and will not bury you in suds beneath a shower of icy water. Water heaters, however, do not last forever. The elements will eventually burn and rust, and the tank will corrode. What can you do to safeguard the environment and your cash by extending its lifespan? As your trusted plumber Napa CA company, we’ll look at this post to maximize the life of your water heater.
Maintenance Checks
Regularly inspect your water heater for leaks or damage. Examine the joints for gaps or water leaks, as well as the body for fractures. It is critical to act on any leaks that you notice right away because even a minor leak can create flooding in your basement and damage to neighboring goods if not addressed soon. Tightening the pipes may be all that is required to repair a leak, or it may be that a damaged pipe or item requires complete replacement. If the tank itself is fractured, the water heater must be replaced.
Check the Pressure Valve
Your water heater (whether gas or electric) has a safety device known as the temperature-pressure relief valve, sometimes known as the TPR valve or the T&P valve. This valve opens to prevent machine damage or dangerous explosions. Debris or dirt obstructs the valve opening. For best results, check it twice a year. Close the valve several times after turning off the gas or electricity. Maintain a close eye on the drainpipe water flow. Replace the TPR valve if no water is discharged. Water heater maintenance is far less expensive than purchasing a new unit, and having a plumber Napa CA expert who can do routine maintenance saves money!
Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod prevents rusting in the tank. As a result, the anode rod is vital to your water heater’s operation. Anode rods should be inspected annually. The hot water inside the tank soon corrodes if the rod is missing or broken. This shortens its lifespan. Using the drain cock, drain a few liters of water from the tank. Install a one 1/16-inch socket on the rod’s hex head on the water heater. It’s also under the water heater’s top plate. Once discovered, unscrew the rod.
Replace it if it’s calcium-coated and less than half an inch thick. Wrap the rod’s threads in Teflon tape and replace them in the tank. Use a segmented rod if the headroom above the tank is limited.
Flush the Tank
Once every 6-12 months, drain a few gallons of water from your water heater into a bucket to check the water quality of the water. If the water is dirty and debris-filled, you should thoroughly clean the water heater. Debris in the water heater tank can dramatically diminish efficiency and raise energy expenses. Some new self-cleaning water heaters remove sediment automatically, but you should still flush and clean the tank every three years or so.
Inspect Gas Lines
If your water heater is connected to gas lines, these must also be inspected. These pipes must be repaired as quickly as possible if they have cracks or corrosion. If you believe that gas is escaping from a gas line, take all necessary precautions because this can be quite dangerous.
Add an Expansion Tank
Water expands when heated quickly. If your water heater is closed, and there is no backflow into the water main, the water expands. Rapid pressure variations caused by temperature changes put a water heater under a lot of stress. By installing an expansion tank, you provide an exit for the water and save wear and tear on the water heater.
Keep in Touch With Your Local Water Heater Maintenance Company
Before hiring a local water heater contractor, do your homework and discover everything you can about them. Having a contractor you know and trust on your contact list can be a lifesaver, especially in a 24-hour emergency! When it comes to maintaining any household item, especially your water heater, safety always comes first.
At Gray Plumbing, keeping your water heater in proper working order is our top priority. We’re proud to be here for you when it matters most and we take great care to ensure your system is operating safely.
