Many of the most common water heater troubles are easily preventable through routine maintenance. Instead, homeowners often take a break-fix approach. Let’s explore some steps you can take to avoid these issues and lower your water heater costs over the long term.
Avoid Excessive Energy Consumption
The operating costs between a water heater that’s functioning well and one that’s not can be night and day. For starters, check your thermostat and reduce it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit if necessary. Many manufacturers set their units to the highest setting despite the recommendation of the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE advises 120 degrees because it’s safer and more efficient, and it can extend the life of the system. You should also put your water heater in vacation mode whenever you are away from home for two days or more. If you don’t have a vacation mode, simply lower the thermostat to the lowest setting.
Prevent Tank Corrosion
Another issue that causes higher operating costs is sediment buildup. An accumulation of limescale in the tank and on components, such as the heating element, also occurs. Over time, that limescale can undermine the inner tank wall and cause you to replace the unit after six to eight years. To avoid this problem, have a plumber flush your tank at least once a year. This will remove the sediment and limescale. Your plumber will also check the sacrificial anode rod and replace it as necessary. Anode rods typically last anywhere between three and five years. They attract the minerals and sediment in order to slow down the accumulation.
Avoid a Tank Rupture
A tank that corrodes will eventually leak. Water heater leaks can be small, but they can also become substantial suddenly and cause serious water damage. Another way you may experience serious water damage is a rupture. Tank explosions are uncommon with modern water heaters, but ruptures still occur. This happens when the pressure in the tank gets too high. To avoid this, water heaters have a temperature pressure relief valve. You should test the TPR valve each month by moving it up and down several times. Water should come out and drain through a PVC pipe. If water does not come out or the drainage pipe is clogged, you need repair service.
Prevent Burner Failure
If your water heater burns natural gas, fuel oil, or propane, check the pilot light regularly. It should never be any color other than blue. A pilot light shouldn’t normally go out. If it does, relight it, but if it goes out again, call a plumber. Once a year, you should also call a plumber to inspect the thermocouple and exhaust system and clean the pilot light and burner assemblies.
Call NCPD Service to help you prevent water heater issues in Asheville, NC or the neighboring areas today.
