A Simple Water Heater Maintenance Guide

Hot water systems are an essential component of nearly every home. In addition to providing warm baths, they facilitate various other household activities including cleaning of clothes and dishes. As such, it's imperative to make sure that it's properly maintained and working efficiently.  There are several maintenance procedures that you can undertake to make sure that your system is working accordingly at all times. Below are some of the common maintenance tips that will help keep your hot water system in perfect condition.

Flush and Clean your Hot Water Tank

Due to continuous water flow, minerals, debris and sediment will build up in your water tank, clogging your outlet and pipes. This will affect the pressure with which the hot water flows. Therefore, you should clean the inside of your hot water tank regularly to avoid such buildup.  Cleaning your tank is easy. Drain your tank, scrub the inside with a brush and clean water, and then flush it by opening the main water supply.  Do not wait until the water in your taps start trickling slowly to clean your tank. You may conduct this procedure annually or as frequently as you prefer.

Test the Temperature-Pressure Release Valve

The TPR valves are usually located on the top or side of your water tank. They are designed to release pressure in case of any buildup. Continuous pressure buildup with no release may cause your water heater to explode, which is very dangerous. Therefore, you need to make sure that it's working accordingly. To test the TPR, switch off the main power and water supply. Place a vessel under the pipe leaving the TPR valve, and lift the valve shortly. If the valve is working correctly, the water will stop flowing after you release it.

Check the Thermostat and Anode

To avoid your water system from having inconsistent temperatures, always check your thermostat to make sure it is in good condition and at the required temperature. The thermostat is charged with controlling the temperature at which your water is being heated. On the other hand, the anode protects your heating elements and tank from rusting. When the tank is filled up, the anode decomposes gradually to prevent your steel parts from corroding. Therefore, always check if your anodes are still operational, and replace them when you notice they are worn off.

Insulation

Finally, insulate your hot water tank and outlet pipes to save on energy costs. This helps keep your water hot as it flows through the system to your taps and helps avoid condensation during warmer seasons.

By conducting regular and proper maintenance on your hot water system, it will go for years without any undue breakdowns. However, always take extreme caution during maintenance. Schedule a visit by your local plumber for more information on how to maintain your hot water system properly, repairs and even installation.