How to Maintain a Water Heater

One of the most important parts of your home is your water heater. It provides hot showers, clean dishes, and fresh laundry, so if it breaks on you, it could create some big issues. The average lifespan of a water heater is about 11 years, but without proper maintenance it might not make it that long. Here are some things you can do to keep it working for as long as possible:

Check the Temperature

Pay attention to your water heater’s thermostat. A lot of manufacturers set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit by default, which is hotter than most households need. This can cause scalding, as well as accelerated mineral buildup and corrosion in the pipes. To help prevent you tank from damage, a recommended setting for water heater maintenance is no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Perform a Mini Flush on Your Tank

It is a good idea to flush out about one-quarter of the tank in your water heater a few times each year. This can easily be done by turning off the cold-water supply, hooking up a garden hose to the drain valve and then running the water until it looks clear. Draining the tank will help clear away sediment and maintain the heating efficiency of your water heater.

If this isn’t something you’ve ever done, or feel comfortable doing, call the professionals at Eastern Plumbing to help – but our first tip is to make sure you turn off the power or gas supply for safety before beginning.

Test the Pressure Relief Valve

A pressure relief valve that is working properly should release a burst of hot water into the drainpipe after you raise and then lower the test lever. This should be done regularly to check the pressure and to clear out debris.  If the valve isn’t letting out a big burst each time, then you need to call a professional plumber to get a new one installed.

Water heaters are complex and require regular maintenance. If you have any problems that you cannot solve yourself, call Eastern Plumbing and let us take care of it for you.