< Return to Blog

Posted: Feb 17, 2012

Let’s face it; we all tend to take our water heaters for granted. When we turn on the shower or the faucet, we simply expect hot water to be available. Only when it isn’t, do we consider the appliance that heats our water.

You can avoid running into costly water heater problems down the road by making the conscious decision to perform regular maintenance on your water heater. Here are five easy tips to help you avoid potential problems and increase your system’s efficiency.

1. Lower the temperature setting on your water heater.
Water heaters are typically installed at a default setting of 130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Most professional plumbers recommend a temperature setting of about 115-120 degrees. Lowering this setting will reduce the chance of your water heater overheating and save you up to 5% on your energy bills.

2. Inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve).
The T&P valve is the safety valve on your water heater. It protects your water heater from exploding by releasing excess pressure. Therefore, an inoperable T&P valve is dangerous.

Inspect the valve in three easy steps:

• Lift up on the T&P lever partway and allow it to snap back into place.
• The result should be a gurgling noise as the valve sends some water to the drain.
• If the T&P valve did nothing, contact a professional for a replacement valve.

3. Perform a mini-flush on your water heater.
All water contains dissolved minerals and sediment. As your water heater performs its regular function, sediment builds up in your tank. This buildup can corrode your tank and decrease your water heater’s efficiency. Flushing your water heater minimizes these problems.

How to flush your water heater:

• If you have an electric water heater, shut off the power for safety reasons.
• Place a bucket under the drain valve or connect a hose that runs to a safe place outside.
• Carefully open your water heater’s drain valve by turning it counter-clockwise.
• WARNING: water will be scalding hot. Be extremely careful to avoid burns.
• After you have emptied 1 to 2 gallons, shut the valve off by turning it clockwise.
• Remember to turn the power back on if you previously turned it off.

WARNING: The drain valve may be corroded and unable to operate properly on water heaters that have not been regularly maintained. If you are unsure of the condition of your water heater or uncomfortable performing this procedure, you should contact a professional plumber.

4. Wrap your water heater tank in an insulating blanket.
In order to reduce energy consumption and decrease the amount of standby heat loss, you should wrap your water heater tank with an insulating blanket. It is also a good idea to insulate any other exposed pipes. This extends the life of your water heater by lowering the amount of time it is running due to heat loss.

5. Get an annual professional water heater inspection/tune-up.
Much like your car, your water heater will benefit from regular maintenance performed by certified, trained professionals. Professional plumbers will be able to inspect parts of your water heater that you are unable to access.

For example, a professional plumber will:

• Inspect/clean burner assembly
• Inspect/repair exhaust flue (gas & oil models only)
• Check for leaks/corrosion
• Recommend replacement of anode rod on older models

It may make be cheaper in the long term to purchase a newer, more efficient tankless water heater than to continually pay high maintenance and energy costs on an old water heater. A professional plumber will be able to help you make that decision and estimate any cost savings.

Schedule water heater maintenance with Hardin Service Group today or contact us online for more information.