Spring cleaning is a common practice once the weather starts to get warmer. Typically, this involves tasks such as dusting off shelves and sweeping the floors of your home. One other part of your house that you won’t want to ignore is your water heater. While your water heater may not be the first thing on your mind during spring cleaning, there are still many reasons to tend to it.
Clear Out Sediment Buildup
As time passes, sediment will accumulate along the bottom of the tank of your water heater. The more sediment that piles up, the less efficient your water heater becomes. This can cause your energy bill to go up considerably, and hot water could take more time to heat up. By draining the tank and clearing out the sediment, you can optimize your water heater’s efficiency for the foreseeable future.
See If There are Leaks or Corrosion
While you’re getting spring cleaning done, check your water heater to see if it’s corroding or has leaks anywhere. Observe the base of the tank to inspect the pipes properly. If water heaters have corrosion, the tank can weaken, which can cause big problems down the road. Leaks can bring water damage over time as well. Because of this, you should call a plumber whenever you notice any wet spots or rusting around your water heater. This way, you can address problems while they’re smaller and more manageable, which can be a big time and money saver.
Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod is used to keep the tank protected against corrosion. It does this by drawing in corrosive elements from the water. As time goes on, the rod will start corroding instead of the tank. That’s why you should inspect the anode rod every couple of years. If most of the rod is gone, you’ll want to get it replaced. This helps to prevent rust, which lets your water heater last longer.
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!