When it comes to hot water, nobody wants to be reminded of its unpleasant side effects. If your neighbors are currently enjoying the benefits of unlimited hot water, thank your water heater. It’s what keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and it’s also responsible for keeping your bathing and laundry routines on schedule. However, if your water heater is in need of some TLC or has seen better days, its ability to provide hot water may be interrupted. If your current water heater isn’t up to snuff, there are a few things you can do to make sure things don’t get too messy (or even dangerous) for your home’s inhabitants. Keep reading for helpful insight on water heater repairs, replacements, and maintenance—and what you can do now to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.
The thermostat on your water heater should be set between 120° F and 140° F to produce safe, effective water at the temperatures your family needs. If your water heater’s thermostat is set lower than this, it will take longer to heat up enough water for your family, and it may not always reach the desired temperature. If the thermostat is set too high, your water heater will run out of hot water more quickly, and you may have to resort to using cold water during peak times (like when you’re doing laundry).
In addition to being responsible for heating up your water, water heaters also help remove harmful substances from your water supply, like magnesium and calcium. These substances can cause water to taste bad, smell bad, or even stain laundry and fixtures. To counteract these substances, water heaters employ an anode rod. An anode rod is a cylinder of lead or another metal that is installed inside the water heater and exposed to your water supply. The rod slowly corrodes, but it prevents harmful substances from entering the water heater and affecting your family’s water supply.
If your water heater is older than 10 years, you should have it tested by a professional to make sure it is working properly and can continue to provide you with hot water. Doing so will help you identify potential problems with your water heater before they cause too much damage. Depending on your location, you may be able to find a water testing company that offers home water testing, or you may want to hire a professional. Additionally, many insurance providers will cover the cost of water testing.
If you have a water filter installed in your home’s water supply, make sure you change it regularly to ensure it isn’t allowing contaminants to enter your water supply. If you have a well or a city water supply, you can find out how often you need to change your filter by visiting your local water utility’s website. If you have a filter installed in your home’s water supply, but you aren’t sure how often you need to change it, trust your instincts: if you start to notice a change in the taste or smell of your water, it may be time for a change.
If your water tastes like salt, it may be caused by the presence of minerals in your water supply. If this is the case, you may want to install a water softener to counteract the minerals in your water supply. A water softener works by attracting minerals in your water supply and removing them, which helps to reduce the amount of minerals in your water and improve its taste and quality.
If your water heater is leaking or otherwise not producing the results you’d like, you may want to inspect its connections and hoses to identify potential problems. If it’s leaking, you may be able to repair it by replacing the connection or hose. If you find that it’s leaking due to an issue with a particular material (like copper), you may want to replace it with a more durable alternative.
Whether you’re hoping to get more out of your water heater, or you’re simply ready for an upgrade, it’s important to know what needs to be addressed and what your options are. With the right information, you can make the best decision for your home’s plumbing and your family’s long-term needs. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear on your water heater, and don’t be afraid to get it checked out if you notice anything out of the ordinary. With a little TLC, your water heater can last for years to come.