Owning a home means regular maintenance throughout, and your home’s water heater is no exception. Tucked away in a utility closet or basement, it may be easy to forget about, but it too needs a little attention once in a while to continue performing as efficiently as possible over its lifespan.
A gas-powered water heater should work perfectly for at least 10 years - with an average lifespan of 15 years if well maintained - delivering an excellent return on your investment (electric tankless models can last up to 20 years!). Because they run so smoothly for so long, it’s easy to forget about them and the occasional maintenance they need for peak performance. A neglected water heater will usually continue to work, but its lifespan will be shortened, and it will use more and more energy as it struggles to perform its job.
Here are a few easy ways to keep your hot water tank running at its best, while reducing your energy costs.
How to Maintain a Water Heater
Adding Insulation – Adding insulation to your home’s water heater will significantly reduce heat loss. This one-time task will make a visible impact on your energy bill, paying dividends for years. You can insulate your hot water pipes with self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation to prevent heat loss. Insulating cold water pipes will help prevent condensation during the summer months. You can also insulate your tank with an insulating blanket made of rFOIL (Hi-performance reflective insulation) sold for these purposes. If you are unsure about correct placement, enlist the services of a licensed plumber who can get the job done right in a short time.
Setting the Temperature – Locate the temperature dial on the side of your water tank and take a few seconds to see where your water heater’s temperature is set to. You can save as much as 5% in energy costs by lowering the temperature by 10-degrees. If you live alone, you may not need it to be set to the highest setting, since a mid-range temperature should be enough for most people. Going on vacation? Turn the tank’s thermostat to its lowest setting or “vacation mode” if you plan to be away for three days or longer.
Flush the Tank – Sediment can build up in your water heater tank, reducing its energy efficiency and clogging water lines. Flushing sediment from your hot water tank will help it to perform better and for longer. This is a bigger and more complex task that might be better left in the hands of a professional.
Test the Valve – Locate the pressure relief valve on your water heater; it should be on the side or top of the unit. This is a safety valve that will open automatically should the pressure inside grow too high. Place a pail under the discharge pipe, and gently lift the valve lever. It should release water when you lift the lever. If it does not, the valve should be replaced.
Check the Anode Rod – This long rod made of aluminum or magnesium is an essential part of your water heater. Extending through the interior of your tank, it attracts the minerals found in your water (limestone, iron, and others) through an electrochemical process. As a result, this sacrificial anode rusts rather than the interior of your tank, extending your tank’s lifespan. The anode rod should be checked to ensure it is still viable and replaced if necessary. It should be at least ½ inch thick and not coated with calcium. While some DIY’ers can perform this task themselves, if you’re not experienced with plumbing, a licensed plumber can do this for you quickly and properly. A new anode rod is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the price of a new water heater.
The best way to look after your gas-powered or tankless water heater and protect your investment is to have it periodically serviced by a licensed plumber, who will thoroughly inspect it for leaks, rust and any other problems, test its components, flush the tank, and replace the anode rod. Left in the hands of a professional, you can feel secure that your water heater is performing at its absolute best and keeping your energy costs as low as possible.
With just a little time and effort, you can help to keep your gas or electric water heater running seamlessly for years to come. Schedule an appointment with a professional plumbing team specializing in water heater installation, repair, & maintenance who can help ensure the efficiency of your water heater, saving you a bundle in energy costs year after year.
