Nothing is worse than running out of hot water in the middle of your shower. A functional water heater provides the water you need for showers, dishwashing, and laundry.
Overlooking regular heater maintenance leads to reduced efficiency, higher bills, and early replacement.
This article will discuss the types of water heaters and basic water heater maintenance tips for homeowners.
Understanding Water Heater Types
Let’s briefly explore the main types of water heaters:
- Tank Water Heaters: Tank water heaters have a heating element and insulated tanks that store hot water until needed. These heaters are mainly electric- or gas-powered, but some models may use liquid propane or oil.
- Tankless Water Heaters: The tankless options quickly heat cold water on demand, offering an endless hot water supply. These heaters are fueled by natural gas or electricity, but the former type is more efficient. Tankless water heater maintenance cost can also be more expensive.
- Point-of-Use Water Heaters: These heaters provide hot water to one plumbing fixture (such as a sink). There are tanked (but limited capacity) and tankless (or on-demand) options.
- Solar Water Heaters: These units collect energy from the sun using panels and convert it to electricity to heat the water. They use large insulated tanks to store the water. Although these heaters use solar power, they also have a gas or electric backup for a steady hot water supply.
- Hybrid Water Heaters: Hybrid heaters rely on a heat pump system to extract geothermal energy from the ground and air to heat your water. While these units are more expensive to install, they use less power than traditional tank water heaters.
- Combination Boiler Water Heaters: This heater is a single unit used to heat your home and supply hot water to various plumbing fixtures. The boiler’s network distributes hot water through baseboard radiators or underfloor radiant systems.
- Condensing Water Heaters: This heater runs on the gas fumes generated from your home’s natural gas system. As your furnace burns natural gas, the heated waste gas goes into a coil at the base of your heater’s tank to heat your water supply.
Preventative Maintenance on a Hot Water Heater
Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your water heater and safeguarding your hot water supply:
Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
Much like a pressure cooker valve, the TPR valve releases pressure from the heater if it gets too high within the tank. Here are the steps to test your TPR:
- Place a container below the discharge pipe connected to the valve.
- Raise the tab on the valve to release some water.
- If the water flows well and stops when you close the tab, your TPR valve is in good working order.
- If no water comes out or it keeps running after you close the tab, you must replace the TPR valve.
You can replace this valve by first draining the tank halfway. Then you use a pipe wrench to unscrew the valve and install a new one. Alternatively, you can contact us to replace your TPR valve.
Check the Anode Rod
Tank water heaters contain anode rods. These rods attract elements (like minerals and sediments) from the water to prevent corrosion of the tank’s inner surface.
This anode rod is located either at the top of the heater or underneath its top plate. You can use a 1 1/16-inch socket to unscrew the rod to inspect it.
If the rod is less than ½-inch thick or covered in calcium deposits, you need to replace it. Use Teflon tape to wrap the new rod then install it in your heater.
Remember: Replacing the anode rod is cheaper than buying a new water heater!
Call Us to Flush Your Tank
Flushing the tank is a crucial step in the preventive maintenance of a hot water heater. Sediment accumulation will adversely impact your heater’s performance.
Inspect All Heater Components
Sometimes maintenance for a water heater comes down to being aware of your unit. Always inspect your heater for leaks and corrosion. Check the burner for rust, brush away the debris, and rinse the burner with warm water. Also, check and clean the flue pipe, air intake, and vents.
Look to see if the electrical connections are loose and tighten them (turn off the power supply before you do this). Ensure that there is no wear or tear.
Also, check the insulation wrap or blanket around your water heater to ensure energy efficiency.
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Adjust the Heater’s Temperature Settings
The right temperature enhances your heater’s efficiency while keeping your household safe.
You can find the temperature dial on the side of your tank (use a flathead screwdriver to change the dial). For every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, you can save up to 5% in energy costs.
NOTE: Turn off your water heater (or place it on the lowest setting) if you won’t be home for more than three days.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance
Here are some indicators that you need hot water heater maintenance:
Visible Issues
If you notice rust-colored water, it could mean a rusty anode rod that needs replacing or tank corrosion.
A sulfur smell could point to bacteria in the tank. Flushing the tank with a chlorine solution could resolve the issue.
Check your water heater for cracks in the tank which often means a heater replacement. Address all leaks as they can significantly damage your system.
Water Temperature Problems
Water temperature issues may indicate that you need heater maintenance.
A fluctuating water temperature could arise from a failing heating element or a faulty thermostat. Also, running out of hot water faster than the norm may signify water heater servicing or replacement.
Strange Noises
The last place you want to hear sounds is from your water heater. Rumbling and popping noises may point to sediment accumulation in your tank. Flushing your tank should resolve this issue. If the sounds persist afterward, contact us for a closer look at your unit.
Get Expert Hot Water Heater Maintenance
If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, that’s fine. We’ll do all the hard work for you! Whether you need gas hot water heater maintenance, electric, plumbing, or something completely different – Contact Beach Plumbing Services for your water heater maintenance and uninterrupted hot water supply.
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