Home maintenance tips aren’t always reliable, and they certainly aren’t always practical. But when it comes to annual water heater maintenance, there are some steps that you definitely shouldn’t ignore. If you’re looking to save money, extend the life of your water heater, and make sure that you have hot water when you need it this fall and winter, follow the steps for these five maintenance list items.
1 – Steps for Testing the Pressure Relief Valve
The TPR valve opens when the temperature and pressure inside the tank get dangerously high, and the release of pressure stabilizes the unit. To test the TPR valve:
- Place a bucket under the discharge pipe
- Raise the test lever
- Watch for water to shoot from the discharge pipe (this means the TPR valve is working)
- Replace the valve if no water (or only a trickle) came out of the pipe
2 – Steps for Checking the Anode Rod
The anode rod prevents the tank from rusting by attracting corrosive elements in the water to the rod instead of the tank. To inspect the rod for corrosion:
- Turn off the water and the power
- Turn on a hot water tap (this relieves pressure on the system)
- Open the bottom drain and let a few gallons of water flow into a bucket
- Loosen and unscrew the rod
- Inspect the rod for corrosion
- Replace a fully corroded rod with a new one, or put back the current rod if it still has uncorroded metal on it
- Turn the water and power back on
3 – Steps for Flushing the Tank
The flushing process removes mineral and sediment build up from the bottom of the tank, and this prevents rust and bacteria from growing. To flush the tank:
- Turn off the water and power
- Attach a hose to the bottom drain valve
- Open the TPR valve to release pressure, then open the drain valve and empty the tank
- Flush the system with fresh water
- Close the drain and the TPR valve
- Turn on the water and fill the tank
- Turn on the power
4 – Steps for Adjusting the Water Temperature
You can increase or decrease the temperature of the water in the tank by adjusting the thermostat or temperature setting. To do this:
- Gas: Turn the dial to adjust the temperature to warm or hot
- Electric: Turn off the water and the power
- Remove the access panels, the insulation, and the cover
- Turn the thermostat screw with a screwdriver to adjust the temperature
- Turn the water and power back on
5 – Steps for Insulating the Unit
Insulation is always a great way to increase the efficiency of a heating unit because it prevents energy loss and makes sure the water doesn’t lose heat as it sits in the tank or travels through the pipes to the taps. To insulate the tank and pipes:
- Measure the height of the tank and cut the insulating blanket to size
- Mark the location of any controls or panels on the blanket
- Cut out access holes in the blanket for the controls
- Wrap the blanket around the tank and secure it in place
- Measure the length of the pipes
- Cut the insulating sleeves to length
- Wrap the sleeves around the pipes and secure them with tape or wire
With these maintenance items, you can keep your water heater in top shape for many years, and you’ll get the longest life possible from your unit.
Follow these steps every year for warm and comfortable fall and winter seasons, and call Nixco Plumbing Inc, in Mason, OH at 513-445-5142 if you need help with any of these steps, or other household plumbing issues.