Too many people forget to take care of their water heater until it’s too late.
Like your furnace, water heaters need routine maintenance to keep performing their best. If you’ve been neglecting yours, now is the time to add these chores to your routine.
Check the Pilot Light
If you have a gas water heater, you’ll need to check to pilot light occasionally to make sure it is working. If you see a weak flame, a yellow flame, or a split flame with two peaks, it is time to get your pilot light adjusted or repaired.
Adjust the Thermostat
Keeping the thermostat adjusted to 120 degrees won’t just save you money. It will also mean your showers won’t surprise you by suddenly being far too hot when you get in. It is worth checking every six months to make sure.
Replace Your Sacrificial Anode Rod
Anode rods are designed to attract minerals, but they break down over time. They’re easy enough to replace and will need to be checked every three years.
Just turn off your water heater’s power source, open the top, and make sure that the anode rod isn’t too covered in sediment or otherwise looking worn out.
If it is it’s time to replace it, just buy a new one and pop it in. You should find them at most hardware stores.
Check The Dip Tubes
While not all water heaters have dip tubes, if yours does, it’s best to check them every six months. Look for any signs the tubes have gotten shorter, and any corrosion that might have occurred.
Test Pressure Release Valves
Every few months you should test your temperature pressure release valves. Just release a little steam from the valve 3 or 4 times, and then check to make sure no small leaks appear around the valve. If they do, it’s probably time to have a bit of work done.
Do a Water Heater Maintenance Flush
One of the downsides of not having a tankless water heater is that sediment tends to build up in tanks over time. To prevent this from ruining your tank, we recommend that you do a full flush once a year.
You’ll need to first shut off the electricity or gas, then attach a hose to the drain valve. Find somewhere the water can safely drain, like a bathtub or an outdoor ditch. Place a colander at the end of the hose to safely catch the sediments and prevent clogs.
Once everything is secured, you will need to turn on the hot water tap somewhere in your house and wait for the water to start draining clear. Be sure to keep an eye out for drain clogs.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can always hire a professional to help you keep your water heater running great.
Is It Too Late?
If your water heater hasn’t been maintained for years, now would be a great time to give us a call.
We at Aire One Heating & Cooling provide water heater checks for Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph areas. We can also get you set up with a new, easier to maintain water heater. Please contact us today.