Many homeowners don’t schedule service for their water heaters until there’s a problem. That’s a mistake, especially in an area prone to water hardness. Routine maintenance performed at least once a year by a professional can provide many benefits. It can reduce the costs of running your water heater. Maintenance can also help avoid repairs and extend a system’s life span.

Adjust the Temperature

Many manufacturers ship their new water heaters set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. They do this to avoid bacteria in the water. That said, 140 degrees is overkill unless someone in the home is immunocompromised. The Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees instead. That temperature is comfortable while avoiding the risk of scalding. It will reduce your water heating costs and limit wear and tear on the system as well. Additionally, whenever you’ll be away from home for 48 hours or more, don’t forget to use the vacation mode. If your model doesn’t have a vacation mode, set it to the lowest available temperature.

Test the Thermostat

Malfunctioning thermostats lead to many water heater problems, including inconsistent temperatures and running out of hot water. That’s why it’s important to have a plumber check your thermostat each year. If there’s a problem, your plumber may be able to recalibrate it. In some cases, it will be necessary to replace the thermostat.

Keep You Water Heater Space Free of Clutter

Most homeowners will only need to schedule professional maintenance once a year. Still, it’s a good idea to check the device yourself at least once a month. Look for excess condensation, which is problematic. Dust the unit. Also, make sure that there’s no clutter around the water heater. This is important for proper airflow. If you have a fuel-burning unit, make sure there are no combustible materials nearby. Clear out the combustion chamber. Test any carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries and the detectors themselves as needed.

Inspect the Insulation and Replace It as Needed

All water heaters require some insulation. This is important during the cold months even in areas with relatively mild winters. You can otherwise lose a lot of heat from your water heater and cause your energy consumption to rise. At a bare minimum, have insulation on the hot water pipe. Replace it as soon as there are any signs of wear. If you have an electric tank water heater, you may benefit from additional insulation. That can include an insulated base and a water heater jacket.

Check the Sacrificial Anode Rod and Replace It as Needed

All tank water heaters have a sacrificial anode rod. It’s a metal rod that helps protect the water heater through electrolysis. The rod attracts minerals and metals. Through this attraction, the rod itself will corrode over time. When it fails, it can discolor your water and eventually lead to other problems. Your plumber should check the rod once a year. If it’s nearing the end of its life, your plumber will remove it and install a new one. The typical timeframe for the average home is every three to five years.

Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

Water volume and temperature can lead to high pressure in your tank. This is why all tank water heaters have a T&P valve. When the pressure gets too high, the T&P valve opens. It lets water out, which then drains from the home through a pipe. Your plumber will perform a thorough inspection once a year, but you should also inspect it once a month. Raise and lower the T&P valve three times. If no water comes out or it doesn’t drain efficiently or at all, schedule a service appointment.

Check All Other Valves

All water heaters will have additional valves. Those include a cold-water shutoff valve and a drain valve. Fuel-burning units will also have a gas valve. Check all the valves to ensure that they are clean and open and that they close easily and fully. For any of the water valves, make sure there’s no sign of moisture. The drain valve, in particular, is a leading cause of leaks.

Avoid Limescale Accumulation

Whether you have well or municipal water, it will have minerals like calcium and magnesium in it. Those minerals can form limescale, which is problematic for water heaters. Scale can:

  • Raise pressure in the tank
  • Reduce hot water pressure
  • Decrease energy efficiency
  • Increase operating costs and your carbon footprint
  • Shorten the system’s life

Flush the Tank

Limescale and sediment, such as dirt and silt, can build up in the tank over time. It can insulate water heater components. Eventually, it can compromise those components and the tank itself. No matter how soft your water, the industry recommendation is to flush the tank once a year. This will remove the substances and help to avoid any serious wear and tear. If you have hard water, it may be necessary to have a plumber flush the tank twice a year.

Descale Tankless Systems

Limescale affects tankless or on-demand water heaters as well. There’s no tank for it to accumulate in, but that can make matters worse. It can more quickly coat components and clog valves, tubes, and drains. To combat this, it’s necessary to descale the system. This is where a plumber uses a recirculating pump to cycle through a cleaning solution. For typical maintenance, a plumber will use vinegar and water. For repairs, a chemical agent may be necessary.

If you have soft water, you may only need to descale every several years or so. Those with moderately hard water need the service annually. If you have hard or very hard water, you may need descaling twice a year.

Install Additional Equipment

Homeowners with hard water should consider additional measures. Those measures will protect the system and limit how often you have to flush or descale. An anti-scale device is a local solution that will prevent scale forming in the water heater. A water softener is a point-of-entry solution for your home. It will protect your water heater but also your plumbing, fixtures, and water-using appliances.

Replace the Air Intake Filter

Tankless systems have an air filter. You should check it at least once a month and clean it if necessary. You should also replace it once or twice a year, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Test the Flow Rate

Water heater problems like limescale can lead to reduced hot water pressure. You can detect issues with a simple test long before the pressure drop is otherwise noticeable. Fill a gallon bucket with hot water only. If it takes more than 90 seconds, the flow rate isn’t high enough.

Professional Water Heater Maintenance in Glendale

AZ Family Plumbing is a plumbing contractor that serves homeowners in Glendale, AZ and throughout the surrounding areas with water heater services. Our company has over 25 years of industry experience in the region. Our licensed plumbers perform inspections, new installations, replacements, maintenance, and repairs. We’re available 24/7 if the repair is an emergency. You can count on us for drain cleaning, leak detection, sewer repair, and hydro jetting. We also install and service bathroom and kitchen fixtures, traditional and tankless water heaters, water softeners, and water treatment systems. Call today or contact us online to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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