A water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. If it breaks, repairs may take a long time or cost a lot of money. However, regular maintenance can help you avoid those problems. A water heater has an average lifespan of about 10 years, although it can last longer if you’re using it for space heating. It’s important to maintain your water heater by using it regularly and cleaning it on an as-needed basis. Doing these things can help it last longer and save you money in the long run. Keep reading to learn more about how to care for your water heater so it lasts as long as possible without problems.
The best way to avoid problems with your water heater is to take action before they start. Start by regularly checking your water heater to make sure it’s not running on the “economy” setting. Most people don’t realize how quickly their water bills can increase if they’re running on the economy setting. It can cause a significant spike in your water bill each month, which can make it harder to save money on other bills. If you have a programmable water heater, you should also change the setting to the correct temperature. Many water heaters are set at a lower temperature than recommended to save energy and money, but it can cause problems if it isn’t raised when you have a large family or high-demand appliances.
A pressure relief valve is there to protect your water heater from being overfilled. If the pressure inside of your water heater is above the recommended limit, the relief valve will open and release excess pressure. It’s important to make sure the relief valve is working properly so it doesn’t fail and cause an accident or serious damage to your home. If you need to repair the relief valve, it’s important to call a plumber and not try to do it yourself. The relief valve is connected to the water flowing into the water heater, which means it can be very dangerous to work on if you don’t know what you’re doing.
A water filter can help reduce the amount of chemicals and other materials that are found in your tap water. However, it won’t be able to remove everything, and it will need to be changed regularly to help keep your water clean and safe. Some filters can be expensive to replace, so you might want to change your water filter less frequently if your water is clean enough. If you’re on a budget and can’t afford to change your filter every few months, you can use fewer chemicals in the water to extend the filter life. Some chemicals will still be in your water, however, so you should still be cautious of what you’re drinking.
Leaking water is not only annoying, but it can also lead to major damage in your home. If you’re not sure if a leak is coming from your water heater, you can use a water leak detection kit to find the source. If you’re not sure if a repair is necessary, it’s best to leave it alone and call a plumber instead. You can also use plastic sheeting to cover the leak, which can help contain the damage until the repair is made.
Regularly cleaning your water heater, checking for leaks and replacing the filter can help keep it working properly for years. If you notice any problems with your water heater, don’t hesitate to call a professional to get it fixed. If you don’t take care of your water heater now, you might end up spending a lot of money on repairs in the future.