Maintaining your water heater can help reduce service calls, save money on water and heating bills, and protect the health of your family. It’t not difficult work, but it does require time and attention. Luckily there are some easy ways to maintain your water heater that don't require a plumber. There are also some tricks for keeping it running long term without having to replace it. Keeping your water heater clean and running efficiently will help you avoid the need for costly repairs and replacements down the road. The following are some of the easiest ways to maintain your water heater:
Thermostats can become dirty, corroded or otherwise faulty over time and may not be able to maintain the water temperature at the level you are comfortable with. This is especially true if you have a tankless water heater and are using only a portion of your water at any given time. To help maintain the proper temperature, change your thermostat every 3-5 years.Thermostats can be purchased at most hardware stores or online and are usually inexpensive. If you don’t have a thermostat already, this might be a good place to start.
One of the easiest ways to maintain your water heater is to keep a check on the water level. You should do this every few days. This can be done by using a device called a water level indicator. These devices are usually simple plastic containers that have markings on the side so you can see how much water is left in the tank.Some water heaters have a gauge that can be used to see the water level. If yours doesn’t have a gauge, you can use a bucket to check the water level.
Depending on the type of water heater you have (see below), you may have to clean and/or replace these pipes from time to time. Depending on how long your water heater has been in use and how your household faucets are used, you may want to do this more often than others.If you have a tank-style water heater, the drain pipes are usually made of copper. If you have a combination (or “hybrid”) water heater, the two pipes are usually made of copper and PVC, respectively. The vents are sometimes made of copper (again, depending on what type of water heater you have).
If your water heater is over 10 years old and you are still seeing frost in your water, it might be time to check for air leaks and/or water leaks. Air leaks can be caused by faulty pipes or faulty connections. If you find an air leak, you should fix it immediately to prevent further damage. If you find a water leak, you should repair it as soon as possible. These leaks can be difficult to find since they are often very small and can be hidden.To find these leaks, you will need a water-leak detection device. They are usually very small and can be used to find leaks in any part of your home.
If your water heater doesn’t have a timer, or if it’s not working properly, you can manually adjust the temperature as needed. But if your water heater has a timer, it can do all of the above while also being a convenient reminder to run the water only when it’s needed instead of letting it run constantly. If your timer is broken or not working properly though, you can replace the batteries. Many water heater timers have a battery backup mode that will keep the water flowing even if the power goes out.
Maintaining your water heater doesn't need to be difficult or time-consuming. By keeping an eye on your water level, cleaning and replacing the vents and cleaning out the drains, you can help your water heater last longer and run more efficiently. With the right maintenance, you can reduce the amount of water you are paying for each month and cut down on the amount of money you are spending on water and heating bills.