Warm Showers Forever Water Heater Care Helps Keep Your Home Running Smoothly
The potential problems a broken water heater may cause are a significant concern for homeowners. Imagine 75 gallons of water flooding your basement or laundry room floor! In truth, water-heater crises don’t usually erupt with that much drama. More often, you’ll notice a pinhole leak in plenty of time to avert a tsunami. You could also notice your shower turns on cold in the morning and stays cold, or, worse yet, comes out rusty or discolored. In other cases, a broken pressure valve on your water heater or a gas leak (marked by a rotten egg or garlic smell) can create a serious safety hazard. To prevent failed showers, leaks, and safety hazards, use these tips to keep your water heater properly maintained and functioning optimally. Flush out the crud. One commonly overlooked maintenance task is removing the sediment and mineral buildup that accumulates at the bottom of your water heater tank. Neglected for too long, this crud can damage the tank and significantly reduce its useful life. Flushing the tank annually should prevent problems. Start by disconnecting the power supply and attaching a hose to the drain valve. Then, let the water flow until it runs clear. While you’re at it, unscrew the top of the water heater tank and take a look at the anode rod, which should be standing erect inside the tank. This nifty component functions as a lightning rod for corrosion. Made of magnesium or aluminum, the anode rod attracts corrosive elements that gradually eat it away. If the anode rod is heavily corroded or has been reduced to a diameter smaller than a half-inch, it’s time to replace it.
“Tending to these simple repairs can improve your water heater’s efficiency and save you money in the long run.”
Stop that leak. If you notice moisture accumulating on or around your water heater, inspect the drain valve, pressure relief valve, and connections. Tighten loose connections or replace a leaky valve as needed. However, if you see moisture or puddles arising from leaks in the tank itself, it may be time to call in a professional. Pay attention to noises. If your water heater is making a snapping or rumbling sound, it may be trying to tell you sediment is building up inside the tank. Also, loose heating elements can cause a humming sound. You can gauge the seriousness of this signal by flushing the tank (as mentioned) and tightening any loose parts on your water heater. If you’re lucky, those fixes will silence the noise. If your gas water heater starts up with a bang, the ignition may be delayed, signaling a need to remove the burner and clean it. If your water heater is still talking, it’s time to replace worn-out parts. Either way, tending to these simple repairs can improve your water heater’s efficiency and save you money in the long run. Save a little energy. Consider washing your laundry in cold water or spending a little less time in the shower to ease the demands on your water heater. Installing a timer to turn off your water heater during times of the day when it’s rarely needed can also reduce wear and tear. Wrapping the pipes and tank in an insulating material can reduce heat loss. These steps can help extend your water heater’s life beyond the average 8–10 years. Call in a pro. Even if you follow all the steps above correctly, it’s still smart to schedule regular professional inspections for your water heater. A technician can examine and test every component, spotting potential issues like gas leaks before they become serious. While annual inspections come with a cost, they can help your water heater run more efficiently and extend its lifespan.
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