My water heater died. It died a slow, drawn out death but because I paid no mind to it, I mean, who actually looks at their water heater? I had no idea and by the time I discovered it had serious issues; I had no hot water for days. Come to find out, a smart home owner does look at their hot heater about every six months.
Routine maintenance of systems and appliances keeps your home running smoothly. You can spot problems before they get too big to fix and in some cases prevent the problem from starting at all.
No one ever told me a water heater had to be maintained. I suppose I believed it to be a self sustaining system that would, of course, eventually need to be replaced due to age but not my own inadequacies as a home owner. Looking back at high school math, I see I really dont need to know too many equations or theorems but I sure wish somebody would have filled me in basic, bi-annual water heater maintenance.
My new rule is this: if it plugs in, is connected to a gas line and subsequently costs me money to maintain through one utility or another, it requires a bi-annual check-up of sorts. I will follow this rule come heck or high water or in my case, cold, very, very cold water.
To maintain your water heater begin by determining if it is gas or electric. Gas heaters will have a knob on the gas valve and electric heaters will have a thermostat behind a panel.
Turn down the heat. Most of keep our water heaters set too high. A temperature of 115-120 degrees is suitable and will save you money on your utility bill. Keeping the water any hotter is a waste of energy. Youre not making tea, here.
Next check you temperature and pressure release valve. This valve is very important in allowing your water heater to function safely and efficiently. If the temperature or pressure in your water heater tank gets too high this valve releases a small amount of water. If your temperature and pressure release valve is defective really bad things, including explosions can take place. To check it simply lift up the valve lever a bit and allow it to snap back into place. You will hear a gurgling sound as the valve releases a small amount of water into the drain tube. If it does not, consult a plumber who can replace the valve.
Sediment develops at the bottom of your water heater over time. It is important to remove it so it doesnt cause rust and corrosion to slowly eat away at your water heater tank. Water heaters have a drain valve near the bottom of the tank. Depending on the make and model of your water heater opening this valve may vary. Consult your owners manual (there is a reason to keep those pesky manuals, you know.) to see how to open this drain valve. Drain a few gallons into a bucket. At first the water may appear dirty. That is ok. The whole point of doing this routine maintenance is to get that dirty, sediment filled water out of the tank. Close the valve. Empty the bucket and give yourself a pat on the back. You have just fulfilled your duties as a home owner.
