Maintaining Your Water Heater
Keeping up on your water heater maintenance can help it last for a few extra years and will prevent that emergency phone call to your plumber.
There are certain luxuries of owning a home that you sometimes take for granted. When you wake up in the morning and get blasted by a cold shower, then you know that your water heater nears the top of that list. It’s not just for your warm shower, but also your water heater is the power behind your dishwasher and washing machine.
The simplest trick to maintaining your water heater is to check the temperature regularly. Some manufacturers have set the default temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is actually hotter than most homes need. Hotter temperatures won’t only be uncomfortable on your skin, but can lead to accelerated mineral buildup and corrosion in your pipes.
Lowery the temperature in your water heater might not make a huge difference in how warm your water feels, but can extend the life of your water heater. Setting the thermostat just 20 degrees lower, to 120 degrees F, can prevent tank damage, and will end up using less energy to heat your water.
You can drain away any sediment that has accumulated inside your water tank with another maintenance tip that you can take care of just a few times each year. Draining your tank to flush out just one-quarter of its volume can remove sediment, and will preserve the efficiency of your water heater. To do this, turn off your cold water supply, hook up a garden hose to the drain valve, and then run the water until it looks clear.
The pressure inside your water heater should remain nearly constant, and you can check that yourself. After you raise and then lower the test lever, your pressure release valve should release a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. If the valve does not let out a burst each time, it may be time to call on a professional for a repair.
You and your family rely on your home’s water heater more than you may realize. With proper maintenance, you can avoid most problems, and can keep your family comfortable. If you run into any problem that you cannot resolve yourself, then call Sunrise Heating and Plumbing at (616) 293-9326, and let our professionals handle any water heater issue you may have. We pride ourselves in providing nothing but exceptional customer service.