How to Keep Your Hot Water System in Top Running Condition

Your residential water heater performs the important task of providing hot water for your household needs. In order to keep it working reliably and efficiently throughout the year, you'll need to undertake a number of maintenance tasks.

Here's a look at some of the crucial tips for water heater maintenance.

Conduct Regular Inspections

Water heaters are like cars — they need to be regularly checked, even when they're not showing any signs of failure. Scheduling routine maintenance checks for your water heater can help identify and fix minor issues that may result in no hot water if left unchecked for a long time.

Flush Your Water Heater 

Generally, you should flush your residential water heater at least once a year. This task involves draining all of the water in your hot water tank to get rid of the sediment that accumulates at the bottom over time. This helps to improve the efficiency and lifespan of your hot water system.

If you don't flush out the tank regularly, the sediment buildup can calcify and become difficult to remove. This may result in a premature replacement of the tank. You may need to flush out your water heater more than once a year, depending on how fast sediment accumulates inside.

Ensure Proper Water Heater Temperature

Your water heater has a thermostat whose job is to regulate the temperature of the water coming out of your taps and water-using appliances. 

Setting your water heater at the correct temperature range is crucial to maximising energy savings while making sure the water is hot enough for the intended use. It also reduces the rate of mineral buildup and corrosion in your hot water system while keeping your water safe to use.

Periodically Check the Condition of the Anode Rod

All tank-type water heaters have an anode rod suspended inside the tank. The purpose of this rod is to prevent corrosion of the tank by acting as a sacrificial anode.

The anode rod is typically made of metals that are more susceptible to corrosion than the metal interior lining of your water heater tank. As a result, the rod will become corroded to protect the exposed metal in your tank.

Because anode rods get corroded, they need to be replaced over time. Keep tabs on the condition of your water heater anode rod so you can have it replaced in a timely manner.

For more information about keeping up with your hot water service, contact a local plumber.