It is always better to carry out regular water heater maintenance. Instead of carrying out water tank repairs, if you regularly maintain the water heater you can increase its life.

Water tank repair is only necessary when there is a major fault in the system. You can regularly carry out water heater maintenance using the following important tips.

Watch For Problems
Repair the problems which are visible to the naked eye. Do not procrastinate and delay as they may culminate into bigger problems. Nip them in the bud. A small leak? Get it fixed. Water tank isn’t heating water properly? Call a hot water heater technician today to get that tank repaired. The longer you delay problems related to plumbing or heater maintenance, the more it’s going to cost you in the long run.

Clean The Area Around The Water Heater
There are several reasons why it's a good idea to give your water heater some space. A gas-fired unit needs a good supply of oxygen to burn the gas. If a water heater is smothered and can’t get enough oxygen, it can affect the efficiency of the unit as well as cause damage to the burner chamber and other water heater parts. It can also cause carbon monoxide leaks. If the unit starts to leak, you may not be able to detect it soon if the area is hidden from view. This has the potential to cause severe water damage and even waste energy as the water heater has to reheat the water more often. Storing items too close to the water heater can be a fire hazard.

Drain Your Water Heater
At least once a year, drain a few gallons out of your water heater using the drain valve. Use either a 5-gallon bucket or a garden hose and run it to a place where the hot water will not cause damage. (Do not drain it to your landscaping or lawn, as hot water may kill the grass.) If you notice a lot of sediment or debris, then a full flush is recommended. This is where you turn the temperature down and then completely drain the tank. You then turn the water back on while the drain is open and let the water flow for a minute or so to help remove any lingering sediment or debris. Once that is done and the tank has been refilled, turn the thermostat back to the desired setting

Annual Water Heater Inspection
Start with the top of your water heater and check for any corrosion on the pipes and valves. For gas water heaters, check the draft hood and make sure it is placed properly, with a few inches of air space between the tank and where it connects to the vent. Look for any corrosion or wear on the gas line and on the piping. Check the thermostat and the area below the thermostat, where the gas chamber is located.

With a few tools of your own and some basic knowledge, you can always maintain your water heater. Increase your knowledge related to water tank repair, with relation to plumbing. This will help you avoid things that cause damage and will help you lengthen the life of the water heater.

Hot water heater is the most essential piece of equipment that you have in your house, especially at the time of winter season. They make sure that they give you uninterrupted supply of hot water all season long, so that you can enjoy your bath and all the other activities where you require the use of hot water. Before the start of the winter season, it becomes essential that you get the water heater checked by,