Extending the Life of Your Water Heater
A water heater maintenance is critical to getting the most out of your appliance. Lets be honest, heaters are expensive. So it makes sense to put time into keeping it in top shape to avoid costly and preventable failures. Beach Plumbing has a few helpful tasks you can do to extend the life of your water heater, keep on reading!
Regular inspections can let you know when a problem exists, just like a yearly health exam. This gives you a chance to do something about it before a small problem becomes a big problem. Our experienced plumbers know what to look for when performing an inspection. We also have a special pump to pull most of the sediment out for you. Call us today to schedule a yearly water heater maintenance plan or one-time inspection at (480) 433-8182. Service areas include Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert and more. Check out reviews from happy customers by clicking on this link to the Beach Plumbing Review page.
4 Steps to longer lasting water heaters
Check the pressure relief valve
This is usually found on the side or top of the heater. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe and carefully lift the lever. If water is not released, the valve needs to be replaced. You can find these at most hardware supply stores. The purpose of the valve is to prevent excess pressure from causing the tank to explode. If the pressure gets too high, the valve should open automatically, releasing water and preventing the tank from exploding. If the valve is leaking, it needs to be replaced.
Check the anode rod
A water heater anode rod is vital for preventing corrosion in water tanks. Made of materials like aluminum or magnesium, it sacrificially corrodes through electrolysis, protecting the tank from rust. This process preserves heating efficiency, and extends the water heater’s lifespan. Regular inspection and replacement are necessary for ongoing functionality and to prevent damage to the heater. Not up for the task? Give us a call at (480) 433-8182 and check out the other services we offer by looking through our plumbing services page.
Clean out (drain) your water heater tank
Over time sediment builds up inside water heater tanks. This sediment buildup can decrease the amount of water it is the tank is able to hold since the sediment build-up takes up space. This means your tank will hold less and less hot water as time passes. The water heater will work harder and more often because the amount of space to hold water has been reduced by the sediment.
Keep the top of your water heater clean
This will make it easier to notice any water dripping from pipes above, indicating a ball valve leak or water heater flex line leak due to corrosion. Looking at the top of your heater and noting if there is corrosion present will make it easier to notice any changes over time. If you notice this, call us at (480) 433-8182 to schedule a water heater maintenance appointment today!
