Maintenance is one of the top water heater services we provide at Call the Whale. Annual service is essential to ensuring your water heater operates at peak performance and efficiency. However, it’s also important you know how to maintain a water heater between annual service calls. The unit is in constant use, so wear and tear can become an issue at any time. Let’s review a few types of water heater maintenance you can do without a professional.
- Inspect the Unit Every Couple of Months
- Test the Temperature/Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
- Inspect the Anode Rod
- Insulate the Water Heater and Pipes
- Adjust the Temperate Setting
- Check a Gas Water Heater’s Vent System
- Flush Sediment from the Tank
Inspect the Unit Every Couple of Months
A simple visual inspection can tell you a lot about your water heater. The most common issues to look for include corrosion on the water heater or the pipes connected to it, leaks from the bottom of the tank or a pipe, worn gaskets, or loose screws or fittings. Tighten any loose parts you find. But if your water heater is corroded and/or leaking, call a local contractor for help.
Test the Temperature/Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
The TPR valve opens when the tank pressure exceeds safe levels (it’s on the top or side of the tank). To test it, turn off the power to the water heater and close the cold-water supply valve. Locate the pipe connected to the TPR valve and place a bucket underneath it. Lift the tab on the valve briefly. Some water should flow out and then stop. If the water keeps flowing, have the valve replaced by a technician.
Inspect the Anode Rod
A sacrificial anode rod inside the water heater tank attracts corrosive compounds, protecting the tank lining. The same compounds corrode the anode rod. Therefore, it should be replaced roughly every three to five years (more frequently if you have hard water), especially if it’s more than half corroded.
To check the anode rod, attach a hose to the tank’s drain valve. Let out a few gallons of water. The rod is attached to the top of the water heater with a hex head. Use a 1 1/16-inch socket to unscrew and remove the rod so you can inspect it. Replace the anode rod if it’s severely deteriorated or coated in calcium deposits; this can delay the need for water heater replacement for some time.
Insulate the Water Heater and Pipes
While a contractor may do this during water heater installation, not all do and insulation can wear out. Insulating the water heater can reduce heat loss and help the unit run more efficiently. Water heater blankets are easy to find and install.
To insulate your water heater, cut the blanket to size and wrap it around the tank, fitting it around the pipes, TPR valve, and temperature control. Seal any cuts with foil tape. If you have a gas or oil water heater, do not cover the top. An electric unit can be capped with a large circle of insulation with its edge taped to the side of the tank.
To reduce heat loss from pipes, purchase ⅜-inch-thick foam pipe insulation. It should match the pipe’s diameter. Slide the self-sticking foam over hot and cold water pipes as far as possible, and then peel the tape. Apply pressure to adhere the insulation to the pipe. Use a 1-inch-thick unfaced fiberglass pipe wrap for pipe runs 6 inches or less from the flue.
Adjust the Temperate Setting
Check the owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting your water heater’s temperature setting. Ideally, it should be set to 120℉. If it’s 140℉ or higher, lower the temperature to avoid scalding, high energy usage, and strain on your water heater. You can save 5% in energy costs for every 10℉ you lower the temperature.
If you plan to be away for three days or more, adjust the thermostat to its lowest setting or turn the water heater off. Turn on the system’s “vacation mode” if it has one.
Check a Gas Water Heater’s Vent System
A clear vent prevents gas fumes from backing up into your home. Periodically check the vent system for issues such as unsealed vent connectors, damage, and poor clearance around the vent pipe. Call a professional to address any problems you find.
Flush Sediment from the Tank
When sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater will work less efficiently. Corrosion and damage can also occur. The water heater should be flushed once or twice a year. To do so, shut off the gas valve or electricity and connect a hose to the drain valve; make sure the hose leads outside or to a floor drain.
Open the valve and let the water drain until it’s clear and free of sediment. Let the tank refill and drain if the water is still dirty. Once the water is clear, close the valve and refill the tank before turning the system back on.
Call the Whale for Water Heater Services
We work with most brands, makes, and models of water heaters. Our licensed technicians install and service standard and on-demand tankless systems and provide members of our Comfort Assurance Plan with priority service. To schedule maintenance, repairs, or water heater installation or replacement, receive a quote, or learn about our whole-home water filtration solutions, contact us today.
