Routine maintenance on your water heater is essential to keeping the unit in good working order and running for many years. Some maintenance and repair tasks are complicated and require an experienced professional. However, if you keep an eye out for signs of potential problems, you can do certain basic maintenance tasks by yourself.
Signs of Problems
- The water coming out of your pipes should always be clear. If it’s brown, this could be a sign of rusting within the water heater. Unfortunately, this usually means it’s time to replace the whole unit.
- Check the pan under your heater for any moisture. If you find any water collected there, it’s a sign of one of two issues. Either the tank itself is leaking, or the pressure relief valve is being triggered by excessive water pressure in the tank.
Maintenance Tips
- Keep your water hot but not too hot: it is expensive to keep your water heater running at excessive temperatures and it can also cause premature wear and tear on the unit.
- Check the sacrificial anode. This can be found under a hex screw. If the rod is less than 1/2” thick or calcified, you can replace it yourself for less than $20.
- Drain the tank once a year. Sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, causing a number of problems. First, shut the water pump off and turn off power to the heater. Then you can attach a standard garden hose to the connector at the bottom and drain the tank completely.
Smoak’s Comfort Control
Are you unsure of how to maintain your water heater or think you’re ready for a new installation? Contact Smoak’s Comfort Control today.