Water heaters are an essential part of keeping every home comfortable. Your water heater is the reason you can take long, hot showers, do your laundry and clean your dishes. Imagine if your hot water vanished one day due to a broken down water heater. You would have some major issues — cold showers being at the top of the list.
Typically, water heaters last just over 10 years. Without consistent maintenance, their lifetime may be shorter. But with proper maintenance, they may last longer than a decade! Here are the three steps for how to maintain a water heater.
- Check the Pressure Valve
Checking the pressure valve is key to preventing the build of debris. To do so, raise and lower the test lever on your heater. A functioning pressure relief valve will release a gush of hot water into the drain pipeline. If there’s no burst of water, we recommend calling a professional to install a new valve.
- Flush Your Tank
It’s important to flush out around one-quarter of the water in your water tank. Try to carry out this procedure a few times every year. Luckily, it’s both easy and quick. Just turn off your cold water supply and hook up a garden hose to your water heater’s drain valve. Run the water until it’s clear. Draining and flushing your tank clears away unwanted sediment and preserves heating efficient.
- Check the Temperature
Paying close attention to your water heater’s thermostat is key to keeping it up and running. We recommend setting your top water heater temperature to 120°F. If you find your default temperature is higher, you will want to lower it. Higher temperatures can increase mineral blockage and corrosion in your pipes and cause hot water scalding. Lowering your default setting will save you big time on money and losses of heat.
What to Do About Leaks and Drips
If you notice leaks or drips around your water heater, one of two things could be happening:
- There’s a Faulty Water Supply Connection: To ensure a secure connection, it’s important to make sure your water heater is installed correctly with the right materials. If you’re trying to fix this problem yourself, use compression fittings. Otherwise, contact professional plumbers to help you out.
- The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves Are Dripping: This means you might need to consider purchasing a thermal expansion tank.
Leggett, Inc. Is Here to Help
Water heaters are complicated fixtures that need regular maintenance and attention. If you run into an issue and are unsure how to solve it, it’s important to call a company who can help.
Since 1966, Leggett, Inc. has provided its customers with peace of mind, unparalleled customer service, professional consultation, upfront repair pricing and replacement systems. Our number one focus is on finding the best solution for your home and budget. We’re so dedicated to providing the best service possible that we offer a 24-month money back guarantee.
Get in Touch With Us Today
If you have questions about how to maintain your water heater, contact us today!
