Spring has arrived, and that means it’s time to perform some important maintenance tasks on your water heater.
Spring is approaching, and with it comes the promise of pleasant weather and longer days. However, this season can take a toll on your water heater if you don’t take proper care of it. To avoid any issues, it’s essential to follow our spring water heater maintenance tips and tricks.
To ensure your home is well-maintained, it’s best to tackle this task quickly and take care of your water heater as soon as you can. So, before you get caught up in seasonal festivities like checking out the cherry blossoms, let’s get started!
Flush the Tank
To properly maintain your water heater in the spring, the first step is to flush the tank (if you have a tank water heater). To accomplish this task, follow these steps: Turn off the water heater and cold water valve, allow the hot water in the tank to cool for a few hours, attach a hose to the drain valve on the side of the tank, place the other end of the hose in a large bucket or drain, turn on a few hot water faucets in your home, and drain the tank by turning the valve.
Once the tank has been emptied you can remove the hose. After that, simply dispose of the water, close the valve, and turn the water supply and water heater back on and you’re done!
Inspect Insulation
In addition to flushing the tank, it’s important to check the insulation on both the water heater tank and the hot water pipes connected to it. Without proper insulation, you could be wasting energy and money heating water that could have been kept warm with less energy. To check the insulation, visually inspect both the tank and pipes. If you notice any significant damage or wear and tear, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Contact us, and we’ll take care of the issue for you.
Turn Temps Down
As experts in water heaters, we recommend taking a counterintuitive step this spring: lowering your water heater’s temperature by about ten degrees. With increased water usage during the warmer months, even a small decrease in temperature can lead to significant energy savings. Most people won’t even notice a ten-degree difference in water temperature. However, it’s crucial to keep the temperature within a safe range between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid the risk of water-borne pathogens or burns and scalds. So, remember to adjust your water heater temperature within this range to achieve maximum efficiency and safety.
Check/Replace Anode Rod
The anode rod in your water heater is responsible for attracting and removing the chemical elements that cause rust and mineral buildup inside the tank. However, like any other filter or conditioning system, anode rods can eventually fail. It’s essential to replace your anode rod every six years or so to ensure your water heater’s optimal performance. If it’s been a while since your anode rod was inspected or replaced, it’s best to contact us to schedule a maintenance appointment. We’ll assess your water heater and replace the anode rod if necessary to keep it in top condition.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.