Your home's water heater supplyies hot water to your home or business plumbing to be used in your showers, sinks, dishwasher, and washing machine. It also consumes the most energy in your home besides the HVAC system. It is important to have your water heater operating at peak efficiency or else you’ll experience a host of problems and disrupt the comfort of your home.
The following are some steps to ensure that your water heater runs smoothly:
- Check the pressure valve to see if it’s working properly. Shut the water and power to your water heater off and trip the valve, causing air, vapor, or water to discharge. If that doesn't happen, begin replacing the valve. If the tank is too-pressurized, a defective valve could lead to an explosion.
- Empty your tank. In order to clear out sediment or keep it clear, empty your tank at least annually. You could do this while completeing the first step, accomplishing two tasks at once. Disconnect the tank from the power and water, then connect a hose to the drain valve and position the opposite end someplace where the hot water can be discharged safely. Since the pressure valve remains open, open the drain valve and allow the water empty out. Finally, connect the heater water and test your faucets for hot water. Then, when water begins to flow into the sink before you turn on the power.
- Inspect the anode rod. The lifespan of the anode rod is about five years. It prevents corrosion in the tank and extends the equipment lifespan. You can inspect the tank when it is drained by undoing the hex head located near the top of the tank and extracting the rod. If it’s covered in sediment or it’s very thin, then it’s time to replace the anode rod. It’s best to inspect your anode rod once a year.
It’s imperative to be attentive when it comes to maintenance in order to reduce likelihood of an emergency installation or repair. If you feel that your inspection isn’t adequate enough, have a licensed plumber conduct a routine maintenance and perhaps extend the life expectancy of your water heater.
Contact Duran & Sons Universal Plumbing & Rooter and schedule your service with our San Fernando plumber!