Keeping your water heater in good, running condition is a big deal for all homeowners.
A water heater in your home is one of the most important investments you’ll make as a homeowner. Water heaters are responsible for hot showers, fresh laundry, and clean dishes, so needless to say, without it, there would be some serious issues. On average, water heaters last about 11 years, but in order to last that long, they need proper maintenance and care. Water heaters are quite complex and do require regular attention, occasionally you’ll run into a problem you can’t solve yourself, so be sure to call a professional plumber when that happens. However, there are a few things you can do easily on your own to care for your water heater so it needs less professional maintenance and keep your water hot!
Check the Temperature Regularly
Some manufacturers pre-set your water heater temperature at 140F by default, however, that’s hotter than most homes need. There are also a few disadvantages for a water heater that is too hot, including scalding during a shower and accelerated mineral buildup which can cause corrosion in your pipes. For good maintenance, setting your water heater thermostat at 120F is recommended.
Drain the Tank
About once a season, you should flush out about a quarter of the water in your water heater tank. Draining your tank by a quarter will clear away sediment and improve the efficiency of your water heater. To drain your tank, you can turn off the cold water supply and hook up a regular garden hose to your drain valve.The water coming out of your water heater will have sediment in it at first, so don’t be surprised if it appears cloudy. Keep running the water out of your water heater until it runs clear–it’s as easy as that!
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
Raise and lower your test lever, and if you get a burst of hot water into the drainpipe, you have a working pressure relief valve! Your valve should let out a big burst each time you raise and lower the test lever, so if you test it three times and it only happens once, you should call a professional plumber to get a new one installed on your water heater. Testing your pressure relief valve regularly will clear our debris and keep your water heater running smoothly.
Get in Touch With Mahon Plumbing
Mahon Plumbing has been serving the Baltimore region’s plumbing needs since 1994. We’re ready to offer quality plumbing services and gas installation for both commercial and residential uses. Our tracks and employees are ready to handle the toughest of jobs.
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