How to Prepare Your Water Heater for Seasonal Changes and Extreme Weather
Posted in Hot Water Heater Repairs , on September 11, 2024
With the cold season around the corner, your trusty workhorse of a water heater is in for busy times! Seasonal changes and extreme weather can put your heater in a tizzy. The changing demands and stress can lead to malfunctioning units and unexpected water heater repairs in Fort Lauderdale. While Broward Plumbing’s expert plumbers in Fort Lauderdale are always at hand, it’s sensible to prep your water heater for fall and winter. Here’s the ultimate Broward Plumbing guide to smoothly steer your water heater through the seasonal upheavals. Thank us later for the savings on costly repairs and plumbing headaches!
Inspecting the Water Heater
Regular heater inspections can help spot problems in time and ensure safe and smooth operation. Examine your water heater and its essential components for signs of wear and possible issues at the start of every season. A professional safety check and inspection from a certified plumber in Fort Lauderdale will help avert major problems like leaks, wear, and sediment buildup.
Flushing the Heater
Flush your water heater unit annually or twice a year to keep excess calcium buildup and sedimentation at bay. It will also streamline its heating efficiency—much needed during the colder months!
- Turn Off the Water & Power Supply: Safety first! Switch off the water and power supply to your heater before starting the flushing routine. This protects you from the risk of electrical shocks while working the unit. Switching off the cold water supply prevents fresh water from flowing into the heater tank while you’re flushing it.
- Connect a Hose: Attach a hose to the heater tank’s drain valve and keep the outlet in a tub or suitable drainage area. NEVER drain the heater with hot water inside—let the water cool before beginning the flushing process.
- Drain & Flush the Heater Tank: Drain the water by opening the drain valve at the tank base. Once empty, restore the water supply to flush out any residual sediments. Repeat till the water is clear and sediment-free. Now, close the drain outlet and remove the hose. Your hot water tank is all flushed and ready!
You can also save yourself the bother by getting an experienced Broward Plumbing technician to flush the tank. They’ll also look over your unit so you can save on unnecessary water heater repairs in Fort Lauderdale. Book your Broward Plumbing service call here!
Adjusting Your Water Heater’s Temperature Settings
Just before the change in season is the ideal time to make adjustments to your water heater’s temperature settings. The heater temperature needs to be set to mildly hot or moderate during spring and summer. However, you’ll need higher temperature settings for the colder winter months. Just take care not to crank up the heating too high—you might overuse and wear down your heating unit. Maintaining a moderate temperature also ensures sensible energy consumption with savings on your carbon footprint and energy bills!
Insulating the Water Heater
Insulating your water heater prevents precious heat loss through exposure to cold air. Insulation jackets and blankets for your heater tank will ensure some extra savings on your heating bill. You can also wrap the exposed hot water piping in heating insulation tape or pipe sleeves. Insulating the piping will keep the pipe water at a reasonable temperature and also require less energy to heat. The water also stays warm as it transfers from the heater tank to your faucets. Consider insulation for all outdoor heating units in winter.
Checking for Leaks & Inspecting the Pipes
Don’t forget the ABC thumb rule—Always Be Checking…for moisture signs and leaks. Get a seasoned plumber in Fort Lauderdale to fix pesky leaks before they become damaging disasters. You’ll not only avoid water damage but also prevent energy loss.
Ensuring Correct Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation in gas-powered water heaters can cause dangerous combustion exhaust buildup. Install your water heater with proper ventilation and adequate airflow for complete and clean combustion. Different gas water heaters require specific ventilation like direct vents, natural draft, etc. Proper ventilation ensures your gas water heater burns the fuel cleanly and effectively. Select the correct venting option based on your local climactic conditions, heater type, and heater location. A certified HVAC plumber in Fort Lauderdale can help with the accurate sizing and venting installation.
Broward Plumbing: Skilled Water Heater Professionals for Installation, Repairs, & Upgrades
Prepping your hot water heater for seasonal changes and extreme weather conditions can prevent mishaps and avoidable water heater repair in Fort Lauderdale. Seasonal water heater inspection and essential tune-ups ensure year-round hot water, minus the hassles! Minor maintenance is easy enough, but always engage a professional plumber in Fort Lauderdale for serious water heater trouble! Broward Plumbing’s expert water heater professionals are always on call for your upgrade, repair, and heater maintenance needs. Call now for a Broward Plumbing water heater maintenance or inspection service!