It can be disappointing to find no hot water in the house due to a faulty water heater. As with other household appliances, the heater’s components can deteriorate with regular use. Here are maintenance tips to keep your water heater efficient and free from unexpected faults.
1. Check the Joints and Valves
Leaks are the most common cause of corrosion and water heater deterioration. If water is constantly spilling down or pooling around your equipment, it may wear out components. Leakages can not only incur unnecessary repair expenses, but they can also increase your water bills.
So, you shouldn’t wait to spot pools of water around your equipment. Check the temperature relief valve for water leakages. Test the water connections on the heater and ensure they are secure.
The temperature relief valve protects the system from high pressures. Replace the valve as soon as it is past its time. A regular plumbing inspection can unearth faults to keep your home safe.
2. Inspect the Anode Rod for Corrosion
The anode rod protects the heater’s tank through an electrochemical process. Also referred to as the sacrificial rod, it transfers the oxidative reaction to itself to prevent corrosion in the tank.
But as soon as the rod is covered in rust, corrosion will start spreading to the tank. Water heater experts from Curry Plumbing in Bryan recommend replacing the rod when it is no longer viable.
Depending on your model, you can check the anode rod by turning the screw at the top of the water heater. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for details on how to troubleshoot your system. However, some water heater models have a built-in rod that may require a professional to repair or replace.
3. Upgrade the Tank and Pipe Insulation
Ensure the cold and hot water pipes have adequate insulation. Insulation prevents condensation, which can cause corrosion during the warm, humid summers in Brazos County.
Consider insulating the tank if you have an older water heater model. Additional insulation can stop energy losses that may overwork your equipment. Schedule an inspection with an experienced professional for optimum system performance.
4. Clear Sediment Buildup From the Tank
Regularly draining your water heater is another way to protect your tank and enhance your system’s performance. The minerals from sediment buildup can impact the heat transfer process from the heating elements.
Some of the water in Bryan comes from underground sources, so the water in your home could be hard. Our plumbers recommend a few simple steps to clean out minerals from your water heating system.
Shut off your gas or electric water heater before draining the water. Attach a hose to the drain valve and let the water run out. Let more water drain from the cold water valve and repeat the process until the water is clean.
Sticking to your annual maintenance schedule is the best way to prevent unexpected repairs. Professionals can spot issues at their earliest stages before they become too costly to fix. Don’t hesitate to call Curry Plumbing for dependable and prompt water heater services in Bryan, TX.
