How to Properly Maintain Your Hot Water Heater

The plumbing team from Powerhouse Plumbers deals with a variety of plumbing emergencies every day, one of the most common is broken and malfunctioning hot water heaters.

Most homes rely on water heaters for use in various areas, including the bathroom and the kitchen. Having a hot water system that functions properly is important for the smooth running of activities, and for that to happen, you need to take certain maintenance measures. Something most residential owners tend to forget is that the daily use of hot water systems subjects them to wear and tear. Consider it as if you were maintaining a home appliance to avoid unforeseen malfunctions and save money. Ensure that the water heater is emptied at least once every six months if you want it to serve you for a long time. Most water heaters serve for about 12 years, but only when constantly monitored. The water heater’s longevity can be extended with a straightforward three-step annual service regimen.

Conduct a Mini-Flush

Mini-flushes are one of the most underestimated maintenance techniques. By eliminating deposits from the bottom of the tank, the procedure helps avoid rust and corrosion while also improving the system’s energy consumption. While a thorough flush is preferable, it can be challenging because it requires shutting down the entire system, which professionals best do. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a professional; a mini-flush will suffice, and the best part is that it can be done while the water heater is still turned on. To conduct the mini-flush;

Position a bucket beneath the tank’s drain valve at the bottom.
To drain 1-2 liters of water, rotate the valve anticlockwise. The water will be boiling, so take care not to burn yourself.
Rotate the valve clockwise to shut it off, and your mini-flush will be complete.

Check the Temperature and Pressure Valve

The temperature and pressure safety valve is a crucial safety component of a water heater that automatically controls these two byproducts. It opens to release harmful pressure accumulation or too high temperature within the water heater tank. The tank is at risk of exploding if it does not have an operable temperature and pressure regulator. It is good to check your temperature and pressure regulator at least once per year. To conduct the test;

Position a pail underneath the discharge pipe and mechanically open the valve by lifting the handle. Avoid coming into direct touch with the liquid since it could be hot.
After a couple of seconds of water flow, release the handle, enabling it to spring back into position, turning off the water.
The regulator has to be changed if the temperature and pressure cannot open and discharge or if it spills after testing.

Reduce the Temperature

Heating systems are usually adjusted to a temperature of 550 C to 600 C when installed. The US Department of Energy, on the other hand, advises a temperature of 49 C for most houses, calculating that this will save more than 5% in energy bills for heating systems. Lowering the temperature lessens the risk of scorching and slows the buildup of mineral debris in your tank. If you have a gas water heater, set the temperature on the gas regulator to 490 C. Most electric water heaters are installed with upper and lower thermostats. In such a case, rotate the lower thermostat to match the upper thermostat.

Following these easy steps will help extend the longevity of your water heater while simultaneously saving on costs. If possible, hire plumbing professionals to help with proper maintenance, as some things are always better when handled by experts.