The water heater is a vital appliance that works hard throughout the winter to ensure a reliable hot water supply for various household purposes. Regardless of the type of water heater, proper seasonal maintenance is essential to ensure efficiency, prevent frequent breakdowns, minimize the risk of disruption, and prolong its lifespan.
Completing the necessary water heater maintenance ensures the water heater works optimally and maintains a proper hot water supply when the temperature drops. Here are the top maintenance tips every homeowner should follow to prepare the water heater for seasonal changes:
PERFORM REGULAR INSPECTIONS
It is essential to prioritize regular water heater inspections to catch potential issues on time and ensure its safe and efficient operation. Perform a visual inspection of all water heater parts for signs of wear and tear. Homeowners should consider hiring a professional water heater technician to perform routine inspections and safety checks to avoid major problems like water and gas leaks and prolong the unit’s lifespan.
CHECK AND REPLACE THE ANODE ROD
The anode rod is an aluminum, magnesium, or zinc component around a steel core. It protects the inside of the water heater tank from corrosion by attracting the corrosive elements in the water. Evaluate the anode rod for corrosion every few months as a part of routine maintenance and replace it if necessary to prevent damage to the tank and extend the water heater lifespan.
TEST THE TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The TPR valve is a critical safety mechanism in every hot water tank to prevent it from exploding. The valve automatically opens to release some pressure when there is excessive pressure and temperature buildup inside the heater. Test the TPR valve periodically by lifting the lever. If the valve works correctly, it will release a burst of water into the drainpipe. Call a professional to replace the valve if the water does not come out.
DRAIN THE TANK
Fitting the tank annually is the best and most effective way to keep the storage water heater functional for a long time. It helps remove the sediments accumulated over time. Doing so protects the tank from corrosion and improves the water heater’s efficiency. To do this:
- Shut off the power and cold water supply and let the heater cool for a few hours.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the unit’s bottom.
- Turn on a hot water faucet and leave it on for the entire flushing process.
- Turn on the spigot and drain the tank till the water runs clear.
- Turn on the cold water spigot and let it run to remove any residual sediment.
- In the end, close the drain valve, detach the hose, fill the tank, and turn the water heater on.
CHECK THE TEMPERATURE
Adjust the water heater temperature to 120 degrees when the temperature drops outdoors. Doing so helps prevent scalding, kills bacteria, and saves money on utility bills. When going out for an extended period, turn the temperature down further or switch the water heater to vacation mode to save energy.
ADD INSULATION
Increase the insulation on the pipes and the water heater tank to boost the unit’s efficiency. Insulation can help homeowners save significantly on their energy bills. It is one of the best seasonal maintenance tips to prevent freezing pipes and associated damages.
Contact a local water heater professional to learn more about seasonal water heater maintenance.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem, Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.