There are a lot of things you need to maintain around your home, and your water heater is no exception. Buying a new water heater can be quite a costly investment, which is why it’s important that you work to maintain your water heater and have it last as long as possible. At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we’ve helped homeowners maintain their water heaters for years. We wanted to take some time today to talk about some different ways you can maintain your home’s water heater.
Have it Regularly Inspected
The best way to ensure your water heater will be running smoothly for years to come is to have it regularly inspected by an experienced plumber. During these regular inspections, any issues that could potentially arise will be caught and fixed before they get worse. We recommend having your water heater inspected at least once a year. As you learn more about how your water heater operates, you’ll also be able to perform cursory inspections yourself.
Flush Your Tank
Regularly flushing the tank of your water heater will go a long way in terms of maintenance. Over time, sediment will build up within your tank, which will keep your water heater from running as efficiently as possible. Draining your tank will remove this sediment. To drain a tank, first, you need to make sure you turn off the power or gas running to the water heater, then you’ll attach a hose to the drain valve. Open up the valve and let the water run out until it becomes clear. We recommend you flush your tank at least once a year.
Lower Your Tank’s Temperature
Most water heaters are set pretty high, usually set to 140 degrees. However, you really don’t need to have it set that high, and doing so can actually cause more wear on your water heater. Lowering the temperature on your water heater will help it last longer and will help you save some on your energy bill, as less energy is needed to heat the water up.
Replace Your Air Intake Filter
This only applies to tankless water heaters. If you have a tankless water heater, it is a really good idea to regularly change your air intake filter. The air intake filter captures dust, dirt, and other contaminants, which otherwise would go into the water heater and cause it to overheat and shut down. You should look to replace your air intake filter annually or bi-annually.
Consult With an Experienced Plumbing Company
Are you interested in learning more about how you can maintain the water heater in your home? You want your water heater to last as long as possible, but the only way to do that is to properly maintain it over the years. At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we employ a team of expert plumbers with years of experience. If you have any questions about how you can maintain your home’s water heater, reach out to us. We look forward to working with you!