Keep the Surroundings Clean
It is important to keep the area around the water heater clean. Crowding the space around the heater can damage the objects placed around the tank. Be careful and avoid placing any inflammable items or chemicals around the heater or this can lead to accidents.
Check the Flame
If you have a gas water heater, it is important to check if the flame is blue and steady. Anything other than blue and steady flame can be due to a faulty burner or pilot and result in inefficient water heating and gas leakages.
Flush the Tank
Draining and flushing the storage type water heater tank annually or every 9-10 months help in removing the scale build-ups and sediment deposits inside the tank. Flushing the tank also helps in restoring the quality and temperature of water obtained from the tank.
Test the Valve
The temperature-pressure relief valve is responsible for removing excess pressure and temperature from the water heater. Lift the handle of the valve and check if there are any leaks. If yes, replace the valve.
Check the Anode Rod
Unscrew the anode rod, take it out, and check it. If the rod is less than 1/2 inch thick or is coated with a whitish layer of calcium and magnesium, replace it with a new anode rod. Depleting sacrificial anode rod can affect the efficiency of the heater and quality of water.
Insulate the Tank
Insulating the tank prevents heat loss from the tank and helps in improving the efficiency of the tank. Heat loss from the tank can take more time to heat water and lead to higher utility bills. Insulate the tank with an insulating jacket that is available in the market.
Install Extra Components
Installing a water and gas safety valve can shut down the water heater when it senses a problem. Installing a thermal expansion tank can prevent the tank from getting damaged due to excessive pressure.
Turn Off When Going Out
It is important to turn off the cold water and energy supply to the water heater. Water heaters may consume energy even when they are not in use. Turning off the supplies lowers the energy consumption and also the utility bills. This also reduces the risk of flooding and other water heater issues that can occur when you are away.
In case you face any difficulty in maintaining your water heater, you can seek professional help from our Edmonton water heater experts.