Enhance Energy Efficiency with Regular Water Heater Maintenance
Posted in Hot Water Heater Repairs , on July 29, 2024
The water heater is a crucial part of every home. Whether for washing dishes, showering, or drinking, most people require hot water at some point in a given day. Given how important water heaters are, it it vital that you ensure it is working properly.
Regular maintenance can help ensure that your water heater remains efficient. However, they can be a bit finicky for some people since they are prone to buildup, leaks, and other damage. When they stop working, it can be very inconvenient for most people as it is difficult to bathe or clean anything for that matter. Having a maintenance schedule and conducting regular checks can help you catch problems early and avoid the need for a replacement.
Getting regular professional inspections can be a great maintenance practice, as experts are much better at diagnosing the root cause of water heater-related issues. However, flushing your tanks regularly, adjusting and checking the temperature and checking for leaks are all important practices as well. Being without hot water for even a few days means borrowing somebody else showers, sinks, etc, which is not ideal or convenient. To avoid this from happening, call in the experts at Broward Plumbing for a water heater repair if you notice any issues. We are professional plumbers in Boca Raton who deal with any and all plumbing, pipe, and leak-related issues. Contact us today to request a service!
Flush Your Tank
One of the most prominent water heater issues is a buildup of sediment. When water heats up, it is natural for calcium and magnesium buildup to form, causing a hard layer on the bottom of your tank. This can damage your tank and can make water heating a lot more difficult. If you notice any odd sounds coming from your water heater or notice your water gradually getting less hot, you may have sediment buildup.
In order to prevent this buildup, you need to regularly flush your water heater tank. Here are the steps to do so:
- Turn off the water supply which is usually located at the top of the heater
- Turn the power off
- Let the water cool for a while if you have the time to do so. This will just lower the risk of hot water burns. Just remember that you won't have any running water until this process is done.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve, which is normally found at the bottom of the tank.
- Put the other side of the hose wherever you want to drain the water. This can be outside, in a bathtub, or in the sink.
- Turn on a hot water tap somewhere in your house, besides the basement, in order to help create pressure for the water to leave.
- Open the drain valve and let all of the water escape.
- Turn on the cold water valve once everything has been drained, and continue releasing water until it runs clear. This will remove the residual sediment.
- Remove the hose, close the drain valve, and turn the heat back on.
Flushing out your water heater will help remove sediment from the bottom of your tank. You should do this twice a year to keep your water heater energy efficient. When sediment buildup occurs, your energy bills can increase because more energy is required to heat your water. So taking the initiative to do this twice a year can actually save you money as well.
Manual Checks
Taking time to physically check your water heater tank can make a huge difference when it comes to maintenance. The quicker you notice problems, the quicker you can solve them. There will also be a smaller chance that you’ll need extensive repairs when you catch things early.
Rust
One thing you should be looking for when inspecting your water heater tank is rust. Rust is usually orange, red, or brown in colour and can indicate some serious problems with your tank. Rust usually means that the tank is beginning to corrode. This normally happens when people do not regularly flush their tanks. When the metal tank begins to corrode, this can lead to leaks which can damage the surrounding area and result in the need for a water tank replacement. Periodically checking your heater for rust can ensure that it doesn’t progress to the point where it begins leaking. This way, you’ll likely only need a repair rather than a complete replacement.
Temperature
Checking the temperature of your water heater can help keep it energy efficient. The hotter you keep your tank, the more energy is required to maintain said temperature. Checking your temperature periodically and lowering it slightly can help you save money on your energy bill. Oftentimes, slightly lowering the temperature does not make a significant difference, so you can slowly lower it over time until you get to an ideal temperature. Checking your water heater thermostat regularly can also help you ensure that it is working properly.
Professional Inspections Make a Difference
When it comes to your water heater, being diligent in checking it yourself can help you catch problems early. Checking your water heater for rust can help you prevent corrosion and water leaks. Checking the temperature regularly can help you keep your water heating process more energy efficient. Flushing your water heater tank regularly is also a good practice to prevent scaling and sediment buildup. This buildup means your heater needs to work harder to warm up your water heater, making your energy bill more expensive. It can also cause damage to your heater. So, if you spot any physical damage to your water heater, contact the experts at Broward Plumbing immediately for a water heater repair. We have a team of expert plumbers in Boca Raton who can ensure that your water heater is working in optimum condition.
Contact us today to book a service!