Regularly cleaning your water heater is one of the easiest ways to extend its lifespan. Over time, minerals and other deposits can build up in your water heater and result in poor-quality water that’s more expensive to heat. Additionally, water heaters are often installed in a crawlspace, attic or other out-of-sight location making it difficult to maintain on a regular basis.Fortunately, there are many proactive ways to maintain your water heater so that it can keep providing you with high-quality drinking water for many more years to come. Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal:
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that water heaters need to be flushed on a regular basis to keep them operating efficiently.Water heaters have a tank that is designed to store hot water, and that tank also holds minerals and other deposits that can build up over time. That’s why it’s necessary to clean out the tank once a year to prevent these substances from affecting your water.When you clean out your water heater, you’ll have an opportunity to inspect the tank and all of the components that make up the system. This inspection can alert you to any issues that may need to be addressed.
If you notice that the water coming out of your faucet is cooler than it should be, that can be an indication that your water heater needs to be flushed. A water heater’s thermostat can get stuck in one position, which can lead to the water temperature being too high. This can be a sign that something needs to be cleaned out of the tank, since the water will be traveling through the tank before it reaches your faucet.
While you’re cleaning out the tank and inspecting the components, you should also look for any signs of leaks. Once you’ve determined that there are no leaks, you can replace the worn-out components to extend the life of your water heater.There are many different parts of the water heating system that can wear out, so be sure to inspect each one throughout the year to determine when it’s time to replace it.
Some water source areas have higher mineral content that can cause poor water quality and affect the taste of your water. If your water has a high mineral content, a water softener or reverse osmosis system can help purify the water to improve its taste and quality.Water softeners and RO systems can be installed on the property of an individual home, or at a community or municipal water system.
If you’re using more hot water in the winter than you do in the summer, a programmable thermostat can help you save energy and money by adjusting the temperature of the water coming out of your water heater.A programmable thermostat can be programmed to increase the temperature of the water by a few degrees when the weather is warmer. This can help you conserve energy by keeping the water temperature at a lower level when you’re not using it as frequently.
Keeping an eye on your water heater can help you avoid costly repairs and save money on your water and energy bill. Regularly cleaning out your water heater and inspecting the components can help you catch potential issues before they become more severe and lead to costly repairs.If you keep your water heater in good condition, you can be sure that it will provide you with high-quality water for many more years to come.