Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, and it is important to ensure that you properly maintain it. Water heater repairs can cost you hundreds of dollars, and the cost of having the appliance replaced could reach into the thousands. Here are a few of the most important water heater maintenance tips to keep in mind.
Regularly Flush the Tank
Remember to flush the tank of your water heater once or twice a year. This involves draining the tank and cleaning it. A full flush will allow you to remove corrosion, extending the lifespan of your water heater. In addition, it can help to increase your system’s efficiency, which can reduce your electric bill.
Regular Inspections are Essential
Regular inspections of your water heater will allow you to identify problems before they become serious and expensive to repair. Here are some areas of the heater that will be examined during an inspection:
- The tank
- The anode rod
- Inflow and outflow lines
- The system’s valves
- The system’s wiring
Know How to Identify Problems
Usually, you will notice issues with your hot water heater well before it completely stops working. Here are a few of the most common warning signs of trouble down the road:
- Unusually cool water
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Leaks
- Metallic odors in water
- Strange sounds
- Excessive running
Keep Pipes Well Insulated
Temperatures can dip below zero during winter months, which is cold enough to penetrate into outside walls. This can potentially cause pipes to freeze, and this means that it is important to ensure that all pipes are wrapped with their own layer of insulation. Foam insulation is highly effective for insulating lines coming from your hot water heater.
Use a Lower Water Temperature
Keeping the water temperature relatively low can help to increase the efficiency of your system. An ideal temperature is around 120 degrees.
Examine the Anode Rod
An anode rod is designed to protect the lining of your hot water heater’s tank. If this part fails, you could find yourself facing a costly repair of the lining. Luckily, the anode rod is always examined during a routine inspection.
Give Us a Call Today!
We offer affordable, convenient water heater maintenance and have many satisfied customers. So, if you live in Farmington, Maine and need water heater services, get in touch with A-1 Plumbing & Heating today!
