Your water heater is a crucial part of your home’s plumbing system, ensuring you always have hot water when you need it. To keep your water heater running efficiently and to extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is essential. Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc. offers a few simple tips to help you maintain your water heater, reduce energy costs, and prevent expensive repairs.
1. Flush the Tank Regularly
Over time, sediment and minerals from the water can build up at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This buildup can reduce efficiency, cause corrosion, and shorten the lifespan of the unit. To avoid this, it’s important to flush your tank once a year. Draining the tank helps remove sediment and ensures that the water heater operates at peak efficiency. If you’re unsure how to do this, call Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc. at (586) 929-8980, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
2. Check the Temperature Setting
The temperature setting on your water heater plays a big role in both efficiency and safety. Ideally, your water heater should be set to 120°F. This temperature is hot enough to provide comfortable hot water but not so high that it increases your energy bills or poses a scalding risk. If the temperature is set too high, it can lead to excess energy consumption, while too low a setting may not provide sufficient hot water.
3. Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod inside your water heater is designed to prevent rust and corrosion by attracting corrosive elements in the water. However, over time, the rod will degrade and need replacement. If the anode rod is worn out, your water heater will be more susceptible to rust and damage. To ensure the longevity of your water heater, inspect the anode rod regularly. If it’s too corroded or needs replacing, our team at Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc. can help.
4. Insulate the Tank and Pipes
To improve energy efficiency, consider insulating your water heater and the pipes connected to it. Insulation helps to retain the heat inside the tank, reducing the amount of energy needed to keep the water at your desired temperature. This is especially important in colder months when your water heater works harder to maintain heat. Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc. can offer recommendations on insulation and install it for you if needed.
5. Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature of your water heater. It helps to release excess pressure from the tank to prevent dangerous situations. To test the valve, lift the lever and let some water flow through. If the valve doesn’t release water or the water flow is weak, it may need to be replaced. It’s essential to perform this test annually to ensure your water heater’s safety.
6. Watch for Leaks
Regularly check around your water heater for signs of leaks, puddles, or moisture buildup. Even a small leak can cause significant damage over time if left untreated. If you notice any water pooling near the unit or signs of leakage, contact Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc. right away to address the issue before it becomes more serious.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
While there are a number of maintenance tasks homeowners can perform themselves, it’s also a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your water heater annually. Our team at Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc. can provide a comprehensive maintenance check to ensure your water heater is running efficiently and catch any potential issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Why Choose Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc.?
At Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc., we specialize in maintaining water heaters and other plumbing systems to keep your home running smoothly. We offer expert services, from flushing your water heater to performing in-depth inspections. Contact us today at (586) 929-8980 to schedule your water heater maintenance, or visit our website at https://grossepointeplumbing.com for more information. You can also visit us at our office located at 20315 Mack Ave. Grosse Pointe MI 48236.
By following these simple water heater maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your water heater, improve energy efficiency, and avoid costly repairs down the road. Let Frost & Kretsch Plumbing Inc. help you keep your water heater in top condition all year long!
