Water heating can represent up to 20% of the average household’s annual energy consumption. That’s a significant amount, and what’s worse, many homeowners spend unnecessarily due to inadequate water heater maintenance. With that in mind, let’s explore some relatively small water heater maintenance tasks that can save you big.

Monthly Spot Checks

Avoid the mistake of not thinking about your water heater until there’s a problem. Schedule professional water heater maintenance at least once per year. Each month, inspect your water heater and its surrounding area, especially if it’s in a closet or mudroom. Look for any signs of excess condensation or leakage. Clean any dust from the water heater, and remove any clutter from the surrounding areas. Check insulation, earthquake straps, valves, and so forth.

Check the Temperature

Manufacturers generally ship water heaters from the factory already set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason they do this has to do with health concerns for immunocompromised people. That said, most people don’t need it nearly that high. The Department of Energy recommends setting the water heater to 120 degrees instead. At that temperature, the water will be comfortable, you’ll save big, and there will be no chance of scalding. During your annual professional inspection, your plumber will test your thermostats to ensure accurate readings.

Replacing Worn Insulation

All water heaters need insulation at least along the hot water pipe. Good insulation can lower energy bills by around 15% due to minimize standby heat losses. Replace any foam insulation as soon as you notice signs of deterioration. How often you need to replace it will depend on the environment. Foam insulation and water heater jackets can last the life of the system in the right conditions and with the proper maintenance.

Testing and Replacing Valves

Call a plumber if you notice any loose or dripping valves. The valve that you should test monthly is the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. Lift and lower the T&P relief valve three times. Water should flow out of the valve and into the drain pipe. If no water comes out or if it has difficulty draining, contact a plumber to replace it.

Annual Tank Flushing

Sediment will build up in your tank over time, which will reduce efficiency and shorten the life of the tank. During annual maintenance, a plumber will use the drain line to flush all the dirt, limescale, rust, and other debris from the tank.

Periodic Anode Rod Replacement

The anode rod slows the rate at which scale and rust accumulate in the tank. Your plumber will check it every year and replace it as needed. Replacing it is as simple as cutting a rod to size and inserting it in the designated compartment.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is the local and trusted choice for water heater maintenance in Cedar Rapids, IA. To schedule an appointment, call today or contact us online.