Important Maintenance Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Hot Water Unit

If you are like the vast majority of people with a water heater installed in their home, you love your hot showers and definitely don't want anything to get in the way of your hot water supply. It is not enough to wish for an uninterrupted supply of hot water, though — you have to take action to make it happen.

Like other domestic plumbing appliances, your hot water unit requires regular maintenance to remain in good working condition. Aside from keeping your water heater running smoothly, regular upkeep minimises the need for costly repairs, which may be required if repair issues aren't discovered early enough. It is also critical to prolonging the lifespan of your water heating unit.

Here are some important hot water unit maintenance tips you should practise.

Set Your Water Heater at the Right Temperature

For you to get the most out of your hot water system, the temperature has to be set at the "right" temperature. The right temperature setting for water heaters varies from household to household, depending on the demand for hot water. Generally, smaller households aim for a lower temperature while larger families aim for a higher temperature setting in the acceptable temperature range.

It is worth noting that if the water is too hot, it can cause scalding but also wear down your water heater faster. An experienced residential plumber can assess your household demand for hot water and help you choose the best temperature setting for your water heater.

Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment that is dissolved in your water collects at the bottom of your water heater tank, reducing the efficiency of your hot water system. Scheduling to have your water heating unit flushed once every year is an effective way to keep your hot water supply steady throughout the year. 

Owing to its high mineral content, hard water accelerates the rate of sediment buildup in water heater tanks. Hence, you might need to flush your hot water unit more frequently if you use hard water in your home.

As a homeowner with a hot water system, staying on top of your water heater maintenance should be a top priority. Make sure your water heating unit is maintained by a qualified residential plumber to avoid unpleasant surprises during normal operation. A little maintenance will go a long way in ensuring you enjoy reliable and efficient service from your hot water unit for an extended time period.  

For more information or to schedule a hot water service, contact a plumber.