Water Heater Maintenance Checklist Every Homeowner Should Follow
Your water heater is one of our most relied-on home appliances. Although easily forgotten about when its working well, our lives can become inconvenienced when we encounter a water heater malfunction. The combination of cold showers and no hot water to rinse dishes can quickly cause your family’s mood to take a downward turn. The good news is that some routine water heater maintenance will significantly lower the risk of malfunctions while also improving efficiency. Here’s our comprehensive water heater maintenance checklist that every homeowner should follow.
1. Regular Leak Inspection
It’s recommended to check for water heater leaks and signs of corrosion every six months. Usually taking the form of a visual inspection, a plumbing professional will thoroughly inspect the water heater tank and all connections for any signs of corrosion. They’ll also check for any signs of moisture or rust, as this could highlight an early leak. Finally, they’ll also check around the base of your water heater for signs of water pooling, as even a small amount of pooling can point towards a leak.
2. Temperature And Pressure Valve Test
Your T&P valve performs an important safety function on your water heater. As water heaters rely on pressure, this valve helps to regulate pressure to prevent a possible tank explosion. These valves are tested by placing a bucket underneath the valve before lifting the lever. Once the lever is lifted, you should then hear a gurgling sound or be able to visibly see water dripping from the valve. If the valve won’t open, or if it keeps dripping once you close the lever, you may need to get your T&P valve fixed or replaced.
3. Routine Tank Flush
South Florida is notorious for its hard water. Over time, sediment from the mineral content of your water can collect at the bottom of your tank. Sediment buildup can reduce your water heater’s efficiency while also causing strange popping noises. To prevent these symptoms and premature deterioration of your tank, it’s best to do a tank flush up to twice a year. This involves turning off your water heater before connecting a hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of your tank. Once connected, your trusted plumber will drain the contents of your water heater within a safe area before refilling your tank and turning the heater back on.
4. Anode Rod Check
This metal rod inside your tank attracts corrosive substances and is designed to help prevent your tank from rusting. Over time, your anode rod will deteriorate and will lose its efficiency, which is why it’s good to conduct an anode rod inspection annually and replace the rod if necessary. If your rod is less than half an inch thick or is heavily corroded, it’s time to replace it. Failing to do this could result in minerals forming around the sides of your tank, leading to the increased likelihood of rust.
5. Thermostat Setting Adjustment
Your thermostat should always be set to a temperature that’s right for your needs. Your water heater temperature can often be set too high, which leads to increased energy bills when you don’t actually need the water so hot. Higher temperatures also increase the likelihood of occasional scalding or burning, which can be painful. If you don’t need extremely high water temperatures, ask your local plumber to set your thermometer to between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember too that if it’s set too low, there is a higher risk of bacteria formation in your tank.
6. Venting System Check For Gas Models
If you have a gas water heater, it will require proper venting to remove combustible gases. Your plumber will check for signs of corrosion and loose vent pipesto ensure the proper slope of the pipe. Faulty venting systems can lead to carbon monoxide buildup and pose serious health risks.
7. Tankless Maintenance Considerations
For those who have tankless water heaters, you’ll need to conduct specialized maintenance. This includes an air intake filter check. These help to prevent overheating and ensure proper airflow within the heating unit. Filters can usually be cleaned; however, if the polypropylene filter is showing signs of deterioration, it’s best to replace the filter entirely.
Your tankless water heater also requires periodic descaling to remove calcium buildup. Calcium buildup can be compared to the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries, which prevents blood from flowing through effectively, leading to serious complications. In the same way, calcium can either narrow or clog the passages in your water heater, causing it to either overheat or shut down entirely.
Prioritize Scheduled Water Heater Maintenance
Although you may be able to check some of these checklist items yourself, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to conduct a comprehensive plumbing inspection with the same level of detail provided by a professional plumber. Investing in scheduled water heater maintenance ensures that you’ll always have a reliable and clean source of hot water while ensuring that your water heater remains in excellent condition. A trusted South Florida plumber will conduct a comprehensive inspection, whereby all components are tested and cleaned. They will also perform a tank flush or descaling while bringing to light any underlying issues that may need further attention.
Water Heater Maintenance Services In South Florida
At Magical Plumbing, we offer comprehensive water heater maintenance services. We provide inspections with a thorough leak diagnosis. If your water heater requires further maintenance, we’ll update you accordingly and attempt to repair your existing water heater,unless a replacement is necessary.
As licensed and insured plumbers in Broward and Palm Beach counties, our experienced technicians offer personalized and professional service to every client. Our emergency 24/7 service provides our clients with the peace of mind that any water heater emergency will be taken care of quickly.
Extend the life of your water heater! Call us at 888-810-PIPE for all your water heater maintenance needs.
