Your water heater works hard to ensure that you are always greeted with toasty hot water every time you switch it on. Hence, it is crucial that you take care of it and give it some TLC to ensure that it doesn’t ever give you unexpected icy showers.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a pro at plumbing to maintain your water heater. With just a basic understanding of how to maintain your hot water heater, you can ensure that it lasts for years to come and doesn’t prematurely give up on you.
Clueless about how to take care of your water heater? We have got you covered. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips that will help you maintain your water heater and reduce repair costs.
- Inspect Every Two Months
A general inspection of your water heater every two months will help you detect minor problems that can be easily fixed by you and evade major damages. Make sure that you check the pipes for leakage and see if there is any loose connection that needs to be tightened or fixed.
Another important thing to check for is corrosion. If your tank or pipes are corroded, take immediate action to fix them.
- Flush the Tank Once a Year
Over time, sediments gather at the bottom of your water heater. This sediment buildup can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and also lead to corrosion. Hence, it is critical that you flush your water heater yearly.
Simply shut off the power and attach a hose to the drain valve of your heater. Open the valve and let the water drain out. Next, refill the water heater and then turn the power back. Remember, you must never turn on a hot water heater that is empty.
- Insulate the Water Heater
You must insulate the tank and the connecting pipes, especially if your water heater is located in a cool place. This will prevent standby heat loss, save energy and reduce your power bill.
Not only that, it might also help to extend the shelf life of your water heater. This is because if you insulate your tank, it will lessen the strain on your water heater. The heated water will stay hot for a longer period and your heater won’t have to work too hard to deliver you crisp, hot water.
- Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod inside your water heater prevents corrosion. It is a metal rod that sacrifices itself, attracts corrosive elements towards it and corrodes itself instead of letting the tank corrode.
You must change this anode rod every 3-5 years to ensure that your water heater functions efficiently. A pro tip is to replace the anode rod if more than half of it is corroded.
- Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR valve) is a safety device that releases pressure inside the water heater if it gets very heated. It is important that you inspect this valve every few months to check if it is working properly.
To check if this valve is functioning, simply lift its lever and let the water come out. If the water doesn’t come out or too much water gushes out, it may be an indication that the valve needs to be replaced. If the water comes out normally and stops when you lower the valve, it means that the valve is working perfectly.
The Takeaway
Regular inspection and maintenance of your water heater is non-negotiable if you want to avoid dangerous or expensive water heater woes in the long run. If you are sceptical about inspecting your water heater on your own, you can call a plumber or schedule a water heater maintenance service to check if your water heater is working properly.
Shop for AO Smith Water Heaters
Investing in a high-quality hot water heater is the key to avoiding the hassle of frequent repairs and replacements of these appliances. Looking for a water heater that is reliable and will last you for years to come? Purchase AO Smith water heaters and enjoy a fuss-free, never-ending supply of hot water at your home.
AO Smith water heaters boast of contemporary and minimalist designs and cutting edge technology. No matter if you want to invest in traditional storage water heaters, instant water heaters, horizontal water heaters or instant geysers, we have them all and at the best prices ever.
Still not convinced why you must choose us for your hot water demands? You must have noticed that most water heater brands offer warranties only in cases of manufacturing defects. That is not the case with us. We at AO Smith offer a comprehensive warranty that covers filter replacement or issues with the machine itself. So, when are you upgrading your bathing experience with AO Smith water heaters?
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