Increase your Water Heater’s Life with These Tips

Ahh! Is there anything more refreshing than a hot shower after a long day? Your water heater provides luxury and cleanliness to your family. You might take for granted hot water’s daily role in your life until something goes wrong. To prevent a surprising malfunction, there are good maintenance practices that should prolong the life of your water heater. If you develop a consistent water heater maintenance schedule, your unit should run for 15 years or more.

Your Water Heater Maintenance Schedule at a Glance:

1. Check the temperature relief valve once a year.
2. Preform a water heater flush about every 4 months.
3. Swap your anode rod every 3-5 years.
4. Clean your tank once a year.
5. (For gas water heaters) Check the burner each year.
6. Reference the owner’s manual or website for details about your specific machine.

 Maintenance Checks: Check your water heater for leaks or damage frequently. Examine joints for any cracks or leakage. Remember, even a tiny leak can turn into a flooded basement! If you discover a leak, make sure to call your team at Mike’s Plumbing.

Maintenance Flush: Sediment naturally builds up in your water heater’s tank. Unfortunately, damage can occur when sediment builds. This is because your water heater has to work harder to heat the water. In addition, the sediment corrodes the tank walls and causes leakage and cracks. When you preform water heater maintenance flush, it rids your tank of these harmful sediments. Call Mike’s Plumbing to do this important maintenance flush. 

• Pressure Valve Checks: Both gas and electric water heaters contain a safety feature called: the temperature pressure relief valve. This safety valve opens when pressure builds and prevents damage to the unit. Extra buildup of residue and sediment can block the valve’s opening, which can damage the valve. This valve needs to be checked a few times a year so check out your manufacturer’s tips to evaluate its performance.

• Anode Rod: A metal rod that attracts minerals, like calcium, in your water heater is called the anode rod. The rod guards the unit because it attracts minerals that could become sentiment and damage the tank. When your anode rod wears out you are at greater risk of having minerals in your tank causing it to leak. Be sure to inspect the anode rod every year and replace it every as needed, usually around 4 years. Doing this should greatly extend the life of your water heater. Ensure the gas or electric is off when you are checking the rod. To be on the safe side, call Mike’s Plumbing for this check.
  

• Call Mike’s Plumbing: As part of your water heater maintenance plan, call Mike’s plumbing today. Maintenance isn’t always a quick DIY project. It is safer and easier to leave it to the experts. After all, your water heater consists of steam and hot water and safety is of utmost importance. Call today at 219-808-1073 or email: Mike@nwi-plumbing.com.