Proper water heater maintenance will allow for years of usage and save money over time. Some tips and information on managing the system and what to watch regarding the problems that may arise are listed below:
INSULATION
First, water storage tank heaters should be equipped with an insulating jacket. Insulation can reduce standby heat losses associated with water heaters, resulting in almost 10% savings in energy costs. Fiberglass insulation is often used for this type of insulation.
DRAIN THE TANK
Routine tank draining ensures that the waste or sludge deposits are discarded before enough sediment accumulates to become a problem. To clean the storage tank heaters, turn off the power, disconnect the cold water, and then use a hose to pump water into the tank through the drain valve using the temperature relief valve/pressure and the drainage outlet.
READ THE MANUAL
The instruction manual for a gas water heater teaches the proper method for turning it on and off. The instructions for this are usually included in the product documentation. Knowing how to turn it on and off again means the homeowner can shut the heater off during a vacation or when the home is empty for an extended time. If a home is empty for a long time and no one is using the water, it is wise to turn off the thermostat for the heater.
ROUTINE CHECKS FOR SAFETY AND WEAR
When gas water heaters are in the home, there should be frequent checks that the ventilation is working correctly.
Homeowners should check water heaters for rust by looking at the color of the water during the routine draining task.
Check the anode rod from time to time. Eventually, it may wear out and must be replaced due to corrosion that consumes it. A homeowner can check the corrosion level by draining water from the tank until the rod can be unscrewed and removed for a visual inspection.
If the water heater is old, have it checked by a professional expert. The life of a typical water heater is about a decade, and quite often, if these heaters are not maintained properly, they can eventually be compromised and flood the storage area.
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.