Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. You count on it for enough hot water to complete many of your daily tasks. That’s why it’s so important to do all you can to extend its life span. Try these summer tips to get the most out of your water heater.
Lower the Temperature
When you heat your water above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, minerals from hard water will deposit faster. This lowers efficiency and causes overheating, eventually leading to a tank failure. High temperatures also speed up corrosion in the tank and pipes. By lowering the setting on your water heater, the heating element and burner will operate less frequently. This reduces wear and tear. Even the anode rod can benefit from lower temperatures, as it will be consumed more slowly.
Flush the Tank
You should have your water heater’s tank flushed annually. Doing this each summer will lead to a longer life span. When sediment builds up in the tank, it restricts heat transfer. By removing this debris, the heating element in an electric model or the burner in a gas model won’t have to run for extended lengths of time. This reduces stress on the system. Furthermore, as mineral deposits settle at the bottom of the tank, they trap water and cause it to become highly corrosive. This damages the tank’s inner lining.
Annual flushing reduces component failure, too. A buildup of sediment may cause cracking and failure of the electrical components and the burner. Once the tank is sediment-free, the water heater will heat water faster, be more effective, and use less energy.
Test the Pressure Relief Valve
Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve each summer to ensure it’s functioning properly. The pressure relief valve is an important safety device. It’s designed to open if the temperature goes above 210 degrees Fahrenheit or the pressure reaches 150 PSI. If it sticks, then the pressure continues to build within the tank. This puts stress on the tank walls and connections.
In addition, preventing pressure from building up helps you avoid a catastrophic rupture or explosion. Regular testing will let you know if you have a faulty or leaking valve so that you can have it replaced before this happens.
These tips are all a part of annual water heater maintenance. Staying on top of them will keep your water heater operating effectively and efficiently while helping to extend the unit’s life span for as long as possible. If you have concerns or require water heater services, contact Sioux Falls Plumbing in Sioux Falls, SD.
