There are few things more relaxing that a nice, warm shower to end a long and stressful day. So if you imagine stepping into a should-be hot shower only to be sprayed with cold water, you can see how frustrating it could be. When hot water ceases to flow from the taps in your home, it is likely due to an issue with your hot water heater. In today’s post we are covering some maintenance tips to keep your home’s hot water heater functioning perfectly all year-round.
Flush Your Water Heater Tank
One of the most beneficial maintenance services you can perform for any hot water heater is a simple flushing of the unit. Over time, as water flows into and out of the water heater tank, magnesium and calcium deposits begin to build up. Given enough time, these deposits can completey clog your water heater tank. A plugged up or clogged tank will eventually suffer from catasrophic failure. Typically, they explode due to the build up of extreme pressure. To avoid this costly plumbing disaster it is a good idea to drain your tank and then flush it out with cold water once a year.
Insulate The Unit & It’s Pipes
Even if a pipe has no pinholes, cracks, or other issues that may cause water to leak from them, they can still leak the heat energy that is present within the water. This is why insulating your water heater and it’s visible pipes is such a good idea. Properly insulated units will supply hot water for longer with reduced energy costs.
Repair Leaks
Water heater leaks are extremely important to fix but locating and repairing any plumbing leak should always be a priority! One slow dripping faucet can waste upwards of more than 1,000 gallons in a single month! When it comes to water heaters with leaky tanks or fittings this number can multiply many times over. Temperature & pressure gauges are a good starting point for identifyng leaky water heaters but visible signs of water are usually all the signs you will need. If you notice water pooling up around the base of your home’s water heater do not ignore it! Call on a licensed plumber to get the situation under control immediately.
Water Too Hot? Turn Down The Heat!
One all-too-common issue we see when servicing & repairing hot water heaters is the heat settings are typically wrong. Most folks have their water heater’s heat settings up way too high. Not only does this pose burning risks from scalding water, it also consumes a lot of energy, making your hot water heater work harder than it has too. To quickly & easily turn down your water heater’s water temperature, locate the thermosat and decrease the heat to 120 degrees MAX. Any hotter than 120 degrees and your heater will continuously have to work overtime to heat the water you need.
Test The Temperature Pressure Release Valve Annually
Contact Flow Plumbing
If you are experiencing issues with your home’s water heater give Flow Plumbing a call at (214) 388-8838 or contact us online to schedule service. We are the areas leading provider of hot water heater repair, service, & installation. To learn more about our water heater services view our water heater repair & water heater installation pages.