Ask a Sacramento Plumber: 3 Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Published on January 8, 2014
Broken water heater? Well, that certainly is bad news, but are you ready to be even more frustrated? Your water heater troubles could most likely have been avoided with regular maintenance!
It’s a safe bet that most homeowners don’t give their water heaters much thought until the day they fail. Most of us use and rely on our water heaters every single day and a device used so frequently deserves our attention (at least occasionally).
Here are some maintenance tips that will help you avoid a costly and time consuming water heater problem down the road:
1. Check the T&P Valve
The T&P (temperature and pressure) valve functions to relieve excess pressure inside your water heater. Failing T&P valves are what often cause water heaters to burst, so it’s something that demands to be at least occasionally monitored. The valve is typically located near the top of the water heater where you should see a fairly obvious lever. To test, lift the lever enough to allow the valve to open, then release, and the valve should close. It’s a simple enough test to check for a freezing or improperly functioning valve.
2. Lower the temperature
Lowering the temperature on your water heater will naturally prevent overheating. However, it is also a great way to conserve energy and save money in the process. Temperature dials are easy to locate. Ideal temperatures range between 115 and 120 degrees.
3. Flush it
Occasionally flushing your water heater will help to remove rust and sediment deposits that may have collected over time. This will help improve overall system efficiency while ensuring cleaner, healthier water.
Be sure to take the utmost precautions while maintaining your water heater. Watch for hot water, stand at a safe distance, and use common sense. As always, it’s a smart idea to contact a Boyd Plumbing professional who can walk you through the correct procedures.
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