The right water heater provides plenty of hot water for your entire household. When choosing a water heater, it’s necessary to get the right size. If you don’t, you’ll experience long delays when you need hot water. After you’ve found the right water heater, you should schedule annual maintenance to extend its life span. Here are some of the maintenance tasks plumbers perform.
Manage Sediment in Your Tank
All tanked water heaters require sediment removal at least once a year. Over time, sediment will build up inside the tank, causing a myriad of problems. Sediment can make the tank rust and crack prematurely.
Professional plumbers will drain the entire tank and flush out the sediment. They’ll also look for signs of rust inside the tank. Once the sediment is removed, your water heater should heat more efficiently.
Assess the Surrounding Pipes
The water lines that connect to your water heater are vital for delivering hot water. Plumbers will look for leaks and pipe corrosion. They’ll recommend replacements if any water pipes or water heater connections are damaged.
Check Connections
All connections should be secure to prevent electrical or plumbing damage. Loose connections can also allow water to leak and damage your flooring or walls. Plumbers will check all nuts and screws to ensure everything is connected securely.
Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve
First, plumbers will check for pressure buildup. They’ll then lift the lever and determine if the valve is releasing water as expected. If water isn’t moving into the drainpipe, the pressure relief valve could be faulty.
Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod safeguards the water heater’s tank against corrosion. Plumbers should test the anode rod at least once a year. The core wire shouldn’t be exposed by more than six inches. Plumbers will also determine if the heated water is rust-colored or has a metallic taste. These steps determine if your anode rod is faulty.
Evaluate the Temperature Setting
Plumbers will determine if the thermostat is set at the appropriate temperature. It shouldn’t be over 120 degrees. If it’s higher, scalding risks go up, and you’ll see a serious increase in water and power costs. Higher temperatures can also cause the tank to rust prematurely.
Inspect the Insulation
Where your water heater is installed determines how much insulation is needed. Plumbers will inspect the insulation and ensure it’s intact. Torn or damaged insulation causes unwanted water heater problems. It could experience heat loss, for instance. The insulation should also offer ample ventilation. Proper ventilation is necessary for all water heaters.
Water heaters are a vital component for every household. They keep water heated and ready when you need it. After you’ve found the right water heater, don’t forget to schedule annual maintenance. Contact Lesco Plumbing, Heating & Cooling and schedule water heater maintenance services today in Caldwell, NJ.
