Here are some crucial water heater maintenance tips.
As the winter chill lingers on, ensuring your home’s water heater is in optimal condition becomes essential. With dropping temperatures, your heater works harder to deliver warm water for your daily needs. Neglecting maintenance during this season can lead to inefficiencies, breakdowns, and even potential safety hazards. To help you navigate through the winter months smoothly, here are some crucial water heater maintenance tips.
Flush the Tank
Over time, sediment buildup can occur in your tank, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. Flushing the tank helps remove sediment and mineral deposits, allowing your heater to operate more effectively. This should ideally be done annually, but it’s especially critical before winter sets in to ensure maximum heat transfer.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Cold temperatures can cause exposed pipes to freeze, leading to potential bursts and water damage. Insulating pipes with foam sleeves or heating tape can help prevent freezing and maintain water temperature as it travels from the heater to your taps. Pay particular attention to pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve’s a safety feature of your water heater, releasing excess pressure to prevent tank rupture. Test the valve by lifting its lever and allowing water to flow out. If the valve doesn’t operate smoothly or if it leaks afterward, it may need to be replaced by a professional plumber.
Adjust the Temperature
Lowering the temperature of your water heater by a few degrees during winter can help conserve energy without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, reducing the risk of scalding accidents, especially if you have young children or elderly family members, by setting the temperature to around 122 degrees Fahrenheit, which is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to prevent bacteria growth.
Consider a Tankless Heater
If you’re due for a water heater upgrade or experiencing frequent issues with your current unit, consider switching to a tankless water heater. These units heat water on-demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and providing endless hot water supply. While the initial investment may be greater, tankless heaters are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
For Water Heater Maintenance, Call Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100, or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!