A water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home. It’s the only appliance that not only provides hot water for your daily needs but also is capable of keeping it that way for up to 90 days without the need for electricity. However, just like any other appliance, it’s prone to breakdowns and other problems. When something breaks down unexpectedly, it can be inconvenient and even put your health at risk. Luckily, there are some preventative maintenance measures that you can take to keep your water heater operating smoothly for longer. Whether you own a conventional or electric water heater, there are steps you can take to keep things running smoothly both now and in the future.
The first thing you can do for your water heater is to maintain proper cold water storage. Most water heaters have a cold-water storage tank that holds water to be used during periods of low demand. However, if you run the water for a long period of time, this cold water will lose its effectiveness, which could cause the water to be less-than-ideal for certain purposes.To help avoid this, keep the tank full whenever possible. If you live in a part of the country where the water is chilly, you can use an electric water chiller to keep the water at a more moderate temperature. If you live in a warmer climate, an air-conditioner will be necessary.
Next, you can make sure to check the temperature of the water in the tank frequently. This will help to ensure that the water is at the proper temperature for both your household and the water supply itself. If the water is too hot, it can cause scalding or scald risks. If it’s too cold, it can cause serious problems with appliances such as the washing machine and dishwasher as well as damage to the pipes and other appliances.You can check the water temperature in the tank by using a thermometer or by running a bucket of water from the spigot and testing it with your hand or wrist.
If you own a water storage tank and it has a filter attached, you should change it out on a regular basis. The filter removes sediment and other contaminants from the water. While these contaminants won’t be harmful to you, they can damage the tank, which could cause it to break down more quickly.
If you have an electric water heater, you may have a small electric oil burner instead of a gas burner. If this is the case, you’ll need to change the oil out about once a year, in addition to the filter and the air filter. This will help to keep the burner operating smoothly and help prevent it from breaking down too soon.
If you have an electric water heater with an electric outlet, you should change the outlet cover out on a regular basis, especially if you have young children or pets that spend a lot of time around the water heater. The cover will help to protect the outlet from damage and will also keep animals (and even people!) from getting too close to it.
If you have a water storage tank or a large hot water tank, you may have a large pipe attached to the bottom of the tank. This pipe is called a "strainer" and can break down over time. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the entire pipe. This can be an expensive repair, but it’s one that you can’t ignore.If you have a large water heater that’s connected to your house, you should inspect the piping system every year. This will help to ensure that the system is in good shape and is ready for any upcoming repairs.
Water heaters can be a great investment for any home, but they can break down just like any other appliance. If something happens and you don’t have a backup, it can be inconvenient (and even dangerous) for you and your family. Luckily, there are some maintenance strategies that you can use to keep your water heater running smoothly for years to come.