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Water Heater Maintenance: Tips for Prolonging Your Heater's Lifespan

November 19, 2024

A water heater plays a key role in your home by providing hot water for daily activities like bathing, cooking, and cleaning. To keep it working well, regular maintenance is important. Taking simple steps can help your water heater last longer and avoid costly repairs. In this blog, we’ll cover easy tips for keeping your heater in good shape.

Check for Leaks

Leaks are a serious issue for water heaters. Water leaking from the tank can cause rust and water damage. It’s important to check the area around the heater for any signs of moisture. If you find a leak, contact a professional to fix it. Keeping the area dry helps maintain the heater's performance and prevents further damage.

Flush the Tank

Sediment can build up inside the tank over time, making the heater work harder. Flushing the tank helps remove this buildup and improves the heater’s efficiency. It’s a good idea to flush the tank at least once a year. This simple task reduces strain on the heater and saves energy.

Check the Temperature Setting

If your water heater is set to a high temperature, it could waste energy and increase wear on the unit. The recommended temperature for most households is 120°F. Lowering the temperature to this level cuts energy costs and helps the heater run more efficiently.

Insulate Your Heater

Insulation helps keep the water heater’s heat from escaping. It means the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain hot water. You can add an insulation blanket around the tank to keep it more efficient. Insulating the heater is especially useful in colder areas and can lower energy bills while also reducing wear and tear on the unit.

Perform Regular Inspections

Routine checks on your water heater can catch small problems before they become big issues. Inspect parts like the anode rod, which prevents rust inside the tank. If the rod is too worn out, replacing it can help extend the heater's lifespan. Regular inspections can help spot issues early and keep the unit running smoothly.

Hire a Professional for Annual Maintenance

Some maintenance tasks are best handled by a professional. Hiring a technician once a year for a full inspection can help spot hidden problems. A professional can also handle tasks like checking heating elements and valves. Annual professional maintenance helps keep your water heater in top condition and prevents major repairs.

Water heater maintenance is simple and doesn’t require much time. Regularly checking for leaks, flushing the tank, adjusting the temperature, insulating the heater, and scheduling professional inspections will help your heater run efficiently for years. Taking care of these small tasks helps avoid unexpected breakdowns and keeps your water heater in good shape for the long term.

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