How to Properly Maintain Your Water Heater
How to Properly Maintain Your Water Heater
01/31/2023
Property owners must install a water heater in their homes to get adequate hot water when they need it. The type of water heater defines what maintenance steps are required to maintain the appliance. Property owners have a choice between a tank or tankless water heater.
Plumbing specialists provide information about water heaters and present the homeowners with a full price list for all water heaters that could accommodate their hot water demand. The plumber will also explain what maintenance steps are necessary for the water heater, and they review the instructions outlined in the product warranty. The warranty provides the property owner with protection for their new appliance and replaces it if it becomes faulty before the end of the warranty term.
Adjusting the Temperature
When maintaining a water heater, the plumber will review the temperature setting for the appliance and ensure that it is set to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature setting. If the temperature is set too high, water will boil out of the top of the water heater, and it will flow all over the flooring. If the property owner notices a minor water leak, they should set up Plumbing repairs to manage the temperature and correct any damage.
Draining Out Sediment
When performing water heater maintenance, the plumbers will drain out the appliance and allow the sediment in the bottom of the tank to drain out, too. If they do not remove the sediment, it could damage the tank and allow rust to form. The sediment is minerals that have traveled in with the water through the water pipes, and it can increase the risk of permanent damage. If the tank becomes damaged, the property owner will need to set up a new installation to replace their existing water heater.
Insulate the Pipes
By inspecting the insulation around the pipes, the plumbers will determine if the water pipes connected to the water heater are protected adequately. If the water pipes are not insulated, they could freeze up and the water heater will not provide adequate hot water for the property owner and their family. Frozen pipes could also lead to damaged water pipes and increased costs for the property owner.
Check Insulation for the Heater
The heater must be insulated, too, to prevent it from freezing as the temperatures drop. It is necessary to assess the insulation and ensure that it is protected against dropping temperatures. The water heater must produce enough hot water for the property owner, and an assessment of the heater determines if it is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Relieving Pressure Inside the Tank
The pressure inside the tank could present some issues such as tank damage, and the property owner must set up routine maintenance to relieve the pressure inside the tank. Too much pressure could allow the tank to crack and become too damaged. The plumbers will review the pressure levels inside the tank and use the pressure release valve to decrease the risk of ruptures and cracking. If the property owner believes there is a pressure issue, they can contact their preferred plumber to evaluate the water heater promptly.
Schedule Inspection for the Water Heater
Property owners should set up an inspection at least once a year to determine if there are any existing problems with the water heater. The inspection shows the plumber if the water heater is performing as expected, or if it is time to replace the appliance altogether. The inspections are available at little to no cost for the property owner, and the plumbers will give them a complete estimate for any replacement systems and services the property owner needs. They can provide details about a variety of water heater models that will provide adequate hot water for the property owner and their family.
Inform the Service Provider If You See Rust in the Water
If they notice that there is any rust in their sink or tubs, the property owner must contact their service provider quickly. It could indicate that the water heater is no longer viable, or there is a serious problem with the plumbing system.
If the water heater is no longer viable, the property owner needs to determine what product is right for their home. These decisions start with either a tanked or tankless water heater installation, and the plumbers can explain all the great benefits of each product.
For example, a tankless water heater is installed in a small cabinet or on the wall in the basement. It will not take up a lot of room, and the water heater heats the water as it flows through the water pipes. With a tanked water heater, the tank will fill according to its size, and it could take longer for the property owner to get hot water. It is often installed in the basement or inside a small closet.
The choice is determined by how much hot water the property owner needs each day or night, and they will review the total price of the installation and the appliance itself. When buying a brand-new water heater, the property owner receives a full product warranty that covers the installation and its major components.
Where to Get Water Heater Help
Property owners should choose the correct water heater that will accommodate their hot water demands, and a plumbing specialist can provide the homeowner with information about each type of water heater. The appliance could come with a tank or be tankless, and the homeowner can compare the way the system operates to determine what choices are right for their homes.
Lavergne’s Plumbing provides residential property owners in northwest Washington with exceptional plumbing services. We offer a variety of services including inspections, routine maintenance, repairs, and new installations. We have a long history of excellence, and we guarantee all the services we provide. Property owners can learn more about maintaining a water heater by contacting Lavergne’s Plumbing for an appointment today.