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Water heaters are among the most forgotten plumbing appliances. Their often discreet locations keep them out of sight and mind for most households. Once they need repair or replacement services, homeowners get expensive reminders of their existence and integral services.
The following hot water heater preventative maintenance checklist can help you avoid searching for “water heater repair services near me.” Our experienced team at Champion Plumbing developed it to prolong your water heater’s service life and prevent surprise expenses. Read on to learn how to take better care of your water heater.
#1 Learn More About Your Water Heater
A little curiosity can solve numerous problems. Dig up the old owner’s manual that came with your heater and thumb through it. You’ll learn the basics of hot water system care and pertinent component locations.
The diagrams will help you identify the parts you should examine closely. You can also use them to terminate operations should your water heater malfunction.
If you can’t find your owner’s manual in a junk drawer, visit the manufacturer’s website. You might find the complete manual alongside other helpful resources online.
#2 Inspect Your Water Heater Monthly
A monthly water heater inspection is one of the simplest and most essential tasks on the preventative maintenance checklist. When you routinely inspect your water heater, you’ll identify the signs of developing problems before they get out of hand. How should you conduct an inspection?
- Check the tank: As tanks age, they develop corroded areas that mottle the surface. The corrosion typically looks rusty.
- Listen for noises: As you consistently inspect your water heater, you’ll learn more about how it typically sounds when it operates. If the appliance makes jarring, punctuated noises, it often indicates a growing problem.
- The nose knows: Does your water heater produce a funky smell? Odors signify buildup, poor water quality, and other concerns.
- Examine connections: Sometimes, fittings loosen or develop corrosion. If any component shows signs of wear and tear, it may need a replacement part.
#3 Control the Heater Settings Accordingly
Adjusting the control settings occasionally can extend your heater’s lifespan and increase its efficiency. If you are unfamiliar with managing the heater settings, contact a professional to guide you. Below, you’ll find some simple solutions to common problems.
Regular Settings
Has the water flowing out of your shower ever felt too hot? Although warmer temperatures may not seem like immediate concerns, extended exposure to hot water can result in severe injuries and health issues. If your water feels uncomfortably warm, check the temperature settings. Change the temperature to protect yourself and your family.
Similarly, water that isn’t warm enough causes problems. Part of a comprehensive hot water heater preventative maintenance checklist involves keeping the temperature just hot enough. Otherwise, bacteria like legionella can flourish and pose significant health risks.
Maintain an overall water temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid these risks.
Vacation Settings
Did you know most water heaters feature vacation settings? When you leave your home for extended periods, you can switch your water heater to vacation mode. This setting gives the appliance a rest while saving energy and money in the process.
#4 Declutter the Area Surrounding Your Tank
Water heater maintenance also involves removing all clutter and debris inside your tank enclosure and placing it elsewhere. Some homeowners temporarily store yard equipment and other tools in their water heater closets. They often forget these items, leaving them surrounding the tank.
This can inhibit proper ventilation. A crowded enclosure inhibits your water heater functions and sometimes your home. You can declutter the space during your monthly inspections.
#5 Explore Filtration Solutions
Do you live in a region with excessively hard water? Filtration systems may provide a worthy water heater lifespan extension. They can also improve other areas of your household, including:
- Faucets, appliances, and other plumbing components
- The taste of your water
- Clothing and dish cleanliness
- Hygiene habits
Solutions, like tankless water heaters, don’t collect minerals as readily as traditional heating appliances.
#6 Winterize Your Tank
During an inspection, cover your water heater in an insulation jacket or blanket. These products consist of materials that keep the tank at an optimal temperature all winter long. They can improve your energy efficiency and help you save money.
#7 Schedule Professional Maintenance Services
Finally, book services with a trusted local plumber once or twice annually. They’ll complete a whole list of maintenance tasks for water heaters that only professionals should perform. Some of their to-dos include:
- Tank flushes: Minerals separate from the water during each heating process. They collect on the tank’s lining, leaving less room for water. A plumber can flush your tank to eliminate the mineral buildup.
- Component tests: Most plumbers check other connections to ensure each part’s security and condition.
- Anode rod replacement: Your plumber should replace the anode rod every three years. They should inspect it during each maintenance visit.
- Water quality assessments: Finally, your plumber may occasionally test a water sample for bacteria and mineral content. If they discover microbes affecting your water quality, they may recommend other solutions.
Benefits of the Hot Water Heater Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Although water heater preventative maintenance adds a few more tasks to your plate, you will appreciate the benefits you reap from your extra care. Consistent appliance maintenance often results in the following advantages:
- Fewer repair services
- Extended service life
- Increased energy efficiency
- Lower utility bills
- Warranty preservation
Maintenance allows you to get the best service out of your water heater and other plumbing appliances.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance with Champion Plumbing
Ready to make the tasks on this hot water heater preventative maintenance checklist a habit? Let Champion Plumbing assist by draining your water heater, evaluating the fittings, and providing other pertinent plumbing services to improve your household.
Shopping for a water filtration system to your home? Call 405-342-3571 to learn more about Champion Plumbing’s filtration services.
