A water heater is one of the most essential appliances in the home. This is due to the fact that it keeps the house warm and clean by providing hot water whenever you need it. However, even the best water heaters develop cracks over time as well as other problems. If left unchecked, these issues can lead to leaks and other serious problems. Fortunately, you can address these issues and keep your water heater in good working order by following a few simple steps. The purpose of this blog post is to give you some useful information on how to properly maintain your water heater so that it lasts longer and works as efficiently as possible during all seasons of the year. Let’s take a look at some of the most important things you should know about your water heater so you can keep it in good condition for many more years to come.

How to maintain a water heater

The first step towards maintaining your water heater is to determine which type of water heater you currently own. There are two main types of water heaters: - A conventional water heater - An electric water heater

Check for signs of damage

One of the first things you should do when maintaining your water heater is to check for signs of damage. You can do this by inspecting the tank and the surrounding area for any cracks, discoloration, or other imperfections. If you see anything suspicious, schedule a professional repair as soon as possible. Cracks will only grow larger over time and could ultimately lead to a pipe leak or other serious problems. If you notice that water is coming out of the spigot or the faucet appears to be leaking, this is a sign that something is wrong. If you have a conventional water heater, it is important to note that corrosion could develop if you do not use an anti-scalp on the inside of the tank. In this case, it is recommended that you install a new anti-scalp.

Change the water filter regularly

Another important aspect of maintaining your water heater is to change the water filter regularly. Not only does this reduce the amount of contaminants in the water, but it also extends the life of the water heater. This can also help prevent the growth of bacteria and other organisms that can cause illness. You can purchase a water filter for your water heater at most major stores. Some of the most common types of water filters are carbon, sand, and copper. It is important to note that these filters should be changed regularly to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria and other organisms.

Change the pilot light occasionally

Another important aspect of maintaining your water heater is to change the pilot light occasionally. Although most water heaters have an electric or gas flame as their pilot light, it can be manually adjusted from time to time. This may be necessary if you have a large family, as the flame is used to regulate the amount of water being heated. If the flame has not been used for a long time, it may not be able to regulate the water temperature. This could pose a risk to your family, particularly if you have young children. This is why it is important to change the pilot light occasionally. You should also make sure that the pilot light is clean and unobstructed. If the flame is not clean, it could cause your water to smell bad, and you could even risk an explosion.

Check for leaks

One of the most common problems with water heaters is leaks. If left unchecked, leaks can lead to major water damage and even cause the house to be condemned. To detect leaks early on, it is recommended that you wait until the end of the water bill cycle to check your water heater. This will give you a good idea of where any leaks may be developing. You can also purchase a water detection tool to help you determine if there are any leaks in your plumbing. If you notice any signs of leaks, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible. Leaking water can also cause damage to your floors, walls, and other areas of your home.

Conclusion

Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, so it is important to maintain it properly. You should make sure to change the water filter regularly, change the pilot light occasionally, and check for leaks. These few things will help you keep your water heater in good working order and prevent leaks from developing.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.