A water heater is something most homeowners don’t think about until there is no hot water! But paying attention to your water heater’s well-being now is one of the best things you can do to ensure it lasts for decades. Take these steps to keep your investment running smoothly for years to come!

If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, you’re due for preventative maintenance, or you think your appliance could benefit from flushing, give CW Service Pros a call at 972-395-2597. Taking care of your water heater now can save you money and headaches in the long run.

1. Do Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is perhaps the most important aspect of caring for any part of your plumbing system, and that includes your hot water heater. Water heater maintenance involves a quick visit from a licensed Texas plumber once a year to give your water heater a thorough inspection, making sure there are no minor problems that are about to become worse. They can also double-check:

• The temperature setting on the thermostat
• Gas supply and burner assembly
• Signs of corrosion on the tank or water lines
• Anode rod and dip tube functioning
• Expansion tank is present and properly pressured

And most importantly identify for repair any leaks that may have gone unnoticed.

2. Flush Your Water Heater

Another must in water heater maintenance is flushing. Sometimes it is something you can do on your own if you feel comfortable, otherwise, call a professional to help. Over time, minerals can collect as sediment deposits in your tank, causing your water heater to become less efficient. Flushing rids you and your tank of this issue. Similarly, in a tankless heater, sediment can materialize on the heating element and not only decrease the efficiency of the unit but also take years off of the life of the system.

DIY-Flushing a tank style water heater

If you’re planning on DIYing this task, it’s important to first turn off the electricity or gas to your water heater, along with your water supply. Then follow these steps to flush your appliance:

1. Connect a garden hose to your tank’s drain valve.
2. Place the end of the garden hose in an area outside that won’t be harmed by hot water.
3. Open the drain valve and wait for all the water to drain out of your tank.
4. Remove the garden hose.
5. Close the drain valve.
6. Turn the power, gas, and water back on and set the thermostat to 120 degrees.
7. Give your water heater time to fill back up.

If you don’t feel comfortable flushing your water heater on your own or you’re not absolutely sure what to do, call a professional.

3. Add an Anode Rod, and Check It Regularly

Water and metal inevitably lead to rust, but an anode rod can help extend your water heater’s life. It attracts any corrosive elements within the water to help your water heater’s lining last longer.

Over time, just like many helpful household items, this rod may need to be replaced. When you call your plumber for annual maintenance, ask them to check it’s current condition…over time this will save you money and extend the life of your unit.

4. Keep Your Heater Energy-Efficient

If you’ve looked at your water bill and aren’t happy with what you see, you may be considering replacing your water heater for a more energy-efficient one. Before you start your research, it may be possible to improve your current heater in terms of the energy it uses and your water bills.

Many homes set the temperature of their water heaters too high and don’t realize they’re wasting energy! Keep your home’s water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than 140 degrees.

Adding insulation to your tank can also keep heat in, greatly improving your water heater’s efficiency.

How to Tell If Something Is Wrong with Your Water Heater

There are plenty of signs that point to your water heater needing a little maintenance. One of the most obvious ones is a lack of hot water or the water heater leaking into the garage, outside, or from the upstairs to the downstairs. But there are other signs of issues that can appear even before this.

Watch out for these things:

• Banging or other noises coming from your water heater
• Water around your water heater of in the pan
• Wet carpet or flooring around the tank
• Rusty or off-colored water in your sink or tub
• Rust around the water heater or pipes
• Hot water running out quickly
• Poor water pressure
• Odd odors, like rotten eggs, coming from your water heater or water

If you notice your water isn’t hot enough or any of these other signs, it’s time to call a professional. It could potentially point to one of these problems with your water heater:

• Your water heater is too small for your home’s needs.
• The temperature is set incorrectly.
• There is a leak.
• Your water heater is older than 10 years and may need to be replaced.
• There is a sediment build-up.
• There are loose connections.
• You have a broken heating element.
• The gas control valve needs to be replaced.
• The anode rod or dip tube needs changed out.

Failing to maintain your water heater can cause issues serious including:

• Damages to your home and property
• Burns by scalding water, should it begin leaking
• Higher-than-normal gas or electric bills
• Not enough or no hot water in your home
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Low water pressure
• Higher than needed utility bills

Your hot water heater works hard for you! Preventative maintenance is essential to its long, healthy lifespan. Performing these simple tasks and calling your plumber at least once a year for an inspection can help you save thousands of dollars in potential repair and replacement.

If you aren’t sure about the status of your water heater, consider contacting knowledge of hot water heaters and will be happy to do a routine inspection of the system. Call us at 972-395-2597!