Most homeowners don’t really pay much attention to their water heater until it breaks. The problem is that many of the things that go wrong could have been prevented with the right type of care. Even the highest quality water heaters will eventually lose efficiency, develop problems or fail sooner than they would otherwise, if not  maintained properly.

There’s good news though; many of the issues associated with water heaters can be avoided by performing regular maintenance. Proper care can also prolong the life of your system, improve its performance and ensure that you won’t experience a surprise failure.

Following these simple water heater tips and prevention tips can make all the difference over time. Here in this guide we will outline what to do to maintain your system so it runs well for years to come.

Why Water Heater Maintenance Is Important

Water heaters operate under constant heat and pressure which causes degradation of the internal components. When there is no routine water heater maintenance performed, minor issues can become expensive repairs.

One of the biggest issues facing owners of water heaters is sediment build-up within the tank. As minerals found in your local water source are deposited at the bottom of your tank, they form a layer that increases the amount of work your system has to do, thereby decreasing its efficiency.

Preventing sediment build-up through routine water heater maintenance removes sediment deposits from the tank and returns your system to peak efficiency. Routine maintenance also allows for detection of worn-out parts prior to complete failure. Following standard water heater tips can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life expectancy of your system.

Flush Your Tank Regularly

Flushing your tank is one of the most important prevention techniques for maintaining your water heater. Flushing your tank removes sediment that develops over time due to usage.

Industry professionals recommend flushing your tank annually. However, if you reside in an area where the water is “hard”, you may find that you need to flush your tank more frequently.

Removing sediment from your tank can improve the efficiency at which your system heats water. Additionally, removing sediment can decrease the overall strain placed on the system. Performing this simple technique will improve the performance of your system and assist in preventing long-term damage to your system.

If you’re unsure as to how to flush your tank, a professional can perform this function for you during your routine water heater maintenance visit.

Check Your Anode Rod

Your anode rod performs a critical function in preserving your tank. The anode rod attracts corrosive materials in the water and prevents them from contacting and damaging the interior lining of your tank.

As time passes, the anode rod degrades and needs to be replaced. If you neglect replacing your anode rod, corrosion begins developing within your tank resulting in leaks.

It is recommended that you inspect and replace your anode rod approximately every 5-10 years depending on water conditions. Replacing your anode rod is an example of how preventative measures can greatly extend the life expectancy of your system. This relatively inexpensive measure can potentially prevent the need for a total replacement of your system in the future.

Test Your T&P Valve

Your T&P valve is a critical safety device designed to release excessive pressure inside your tank. Testing this valve on a regular basis assures that it functions properly. Failure of this valve can result in extreme pressure building inside your tank creating potentially hazardous situations.

Testing the T&P valve requires simply lifting it slightly off of its seat allowing it to spring back down. Water should momentarily flow from the valve upon releasing pressure. If no water flows from the valve, it may require replacement.

Incorporating testing of this valve into your water heater maintenance routine provides assurance that your system remains safe and operational.

Set Correct Temperature

Setting correct temperatures not only enhances safety but also contributes significantly to improved efficiency of operation. Most new water heaters are typically shipped and installed at higher-than-optimal temperatures.

Typically, setting the temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for residential applications. This lower operating temperature minimizes unnecessary energy consumption while lessening burn hazard exposure.

Additionally, using lower temperatures slows down development of sediment deposits and scale buildup, making this one of the easier and simpler preventative measures available to you.

Adjusting the temperature control is quick and simple. Although it may seem insignificant, lowering the operating temperature of your system will contribute to enhanced performance and reduced wear-and-tear on your equipment.

Inspect for Leaks & Rust

Routine inspection allows you to catch issues early. Inspect for signs of leakage near the base of the unit. Also check for rust or corrosion on pipes and other connections.

Ignoring even minimal signs of leakages can cause serious problems later on, including significant expense for repairs and damage to surrounding structures.

When you observe signs of potential problems such as leaks or rust, address those issues immediately. Identifying problems early-on is a large factor in effective maintenance procedures for your water heater system.

Remaining proactive helps you avoid unforeseen emergency situations and maintain smooth operation of your system.