Simple Steps to Take to Prevent a Hot Water Heater Breakdown
Posted in Hot Water Heater Repairs , on October 15, 2024
From annoying water heater leaks to not having enough hot water and ice cold supply, water heater breakdowns can test your sanity and patience! Thankfully, simple heater maintenance steps can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and save precious dollar bills on avoidable hot water heater repair. Follow our water heater basics and keep calls to an emergency plumber in Boca Raton for emergencies only! Plus, you can always count on Broward Plumbing professionals for expert water heater maintenance, repairs, and installations. Here’s how routine maintenance and some water heater TLC can prevent disasters.
Maintenance 101
Regular visual inspections for leaks and corrosion, along with periodic maintenance, will keep your water heater in top shape. You’ll also stay ahead of any hot water heater repairs and not worry about replacement for years! Keep your heater sharp by
- Maintaining Temperature Settings: Your water heater temperature settings are usually set to 120°. But here’s the catch—you’ll save an incredible 5% on your heating bills if you keep it 10° lower! Experiment with lower temperature settings to find your “hot enough” temperature to save dollars and your appliance.
- Maintain Clearance: A safe clearance distance of around two feet on all sides of your water heater is a must. You can also check your owner or manufacturer manual for the recommended clearance and ensure there’s no clutter around your heating unit.
- Visual Inspection: Inspect your water heater for apparent rust, corrosion, or leakage signs. Prompt repairs will ensure safety and an undisturbed hot water supply through the winter months.
Contact Broward Plumbing for a seasoned emergency plumber in Boca Raton for suspected leaks or a malfunctioning unit.
Flushing the Tank
The heater tank is often damaged by unchecked sediment deposits. The various minerals in the water supply settle down at the tank bottom to form a thick layer over time. This sediment layer acts as a barrier between the heater rods and water, forcing your heater to run longer and harder to heat it. This extra work and heat gradually damage the heater tank, causing leaks and tank deterioration. Loud popping or knocking noises from your heater tank are cries for help! You need to immediately drain and flush the sediments from your heater.
Flushing the heater tank is not rocket science—it’s pretty DIY friendly. Mark your calendar for an annual water heater flushing. Here’s a quick heater tank flushing guide:
- Turn off the water heater from the circuit breaker and shut the valve.
- Let the tank and the water cool down. Prevent pressure formation by running a hot water tap in an adjacent bathroom.
- Attach a hose pipe to the tank’s drain valve and place the other end in a sink or bucket to collect the water.
- Next, twist the drain valve to release the water. Once all the water has drained, turn on the water valve again to thoroughly clean the tank of residual sediment.
- Now stop the water supply valve and close the tank drain valve.
Hesitant about a DIY flushing? Get a certified water heater specialist from Boward Plumbing to safely and conveniently flush the heater tank for you. A trained professional can also inspect and handle any complex maintenance or hot water heater repair work. We’ll remove the scale and flush the tank so your unit heats quickly and with less electricity usage. Contact Broward Plumbing for expert and emergency plumbers in Boca Raton.
Checking the Pressure Relief Valve
Your water heater’s temperature & pressure relief valve may look small, but it’s invaluable in preventing tank overpressure and damage. A functioning relief valve automatically switches on to release excess water pressure when sensing hazardous pressure levels. Unfortunately, these pressure safeguards can fail with wear and time. So be proactive and periodically check and test the valve every few months.
You’ll find the valve on the side or the top of the heater tank. Simply turn on the valve switch for a few seconds to check that it can release water. But beware—the water will be scalding! A regular water release indicates your T & P valve’s functioning correctly. If not, contact a Broward plumbing technician to replace the faulty valve and handle other hot water heater repair needs.
Insulating the Heater
The winter months have your water heater striving hard to heat the stored water. Insulating the water heater tank and the exposed supply pipes prevents the water from losing heat. Wrapping the pipes keeps the water supply at a moderate temperature so your heater will not use extra energy or work extra hard to heat the cold water. You can try self-sticking foam insulation for pipes (3-8” thickness) or get an insulation blanket for the heater tank. Or save yourself the bother and call a Broward Plumbing technician to put the insulation for you.
Water heating is a significant expense in American homes—an average of 14-18 % of your energy bill! Insulating your heater tank and pipes during the winter months can save you precious dollars and protect your unit from wear.
Water Heater Repair in Boca Raton
Preventive care and upkeep of your hot water heater can prevent unfortunate accidents and cold water days. Follow the above steps for a worry-free water heater and avoid costly breakdowns and hot water heater repair. Trust the Broward Plumbing experts for professional assistance with your water heater or any plumbing needs. Our certified and trained technicians undertake geyser maintenance, inspection, installation, and all plumbing repairs at affordable prices. Enjoy uninterrupted hot water bliss—Book your Broward Plumbing water heater inspection and flushing service in Boca Raton today!