As the New Year unfolds and you’re setting intentions for self-improvement, consider extending that thoughtfulness to your home. It’s a resolution that provides comfort and peace of mind. Here’s how to kick off the year with a proactive approach to water heater maintenance.
A Visual Checkup
It’s a good idea to start with a careful visual inspection of your water heater, much like a detective searching for clues. Grab a flashlight, and examine the tank itself for rust spots, corrosion, or any signs of leaks. Trace the pipes and connections, looking for drips or puddles. Don’t forget the pressure relief valve—make sure it’s operating correctly and is free of mineral buildup. A thorough visual inspection can reveal potential problems before they become major issues.
Performing Your Inspection Limited Visibility
If you have limited visibility because of the location of the water heater or for another reason, you can inspect your water heater with your hands. You can feel the tank for rust. It will feel rough and sort-of gritty to the touch. If water is leaking, you will feel the drip, and you can also search around the system for puddles. Check the pressure relief valve by opening it and feeling and listening to see if the steam escapes. Just don’t put your hand directly in front of the valve itself. Keep it off to the side to avoid getting burned by the steam that comes out.
Listen Closely
Sometimes, our ears can detect what our eyes might miss. Spend a few moments listening attentively to your water heater. Unusual sounds can provide valuable information. A hissing noise could indicate a leak, but a rumbling or popping sound might suggest sediment buildup or a problem with the heating element. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, it’s wise to consult a licensed plumber for their expert opinion.
The Annual Flush
Over time, sediment and minerals accumulate in the tank, and this significantly reduces efficiency and potentially causes damage. Flushing the tank involves draining some of the water to remove this buildup. It’s a simple task that can significantly extend the life of your water heater. It’s safest for you to hire a plumber to perform this task; one wrong move, and you will damage your property in the most severe way or cause significant injury to yourself and others nearby.
A Clean and Safe Space
Your water heater needs room to breathe! Make sure the area around the unit is clear of clutter and debris. This allows for proper ventilation and helps prevent overheating. Also, remember to keep flammable materials like paint thinner, gasoline, or cleaning products stored safely away from the water heater.
In addition to all these precautions, you need to schedule a professional inspection and maintenance visit. A licensed and experienced plumber will be able to catch things you will not, and they have the expertise to make necessary repairs before issues seriously get out of control.
Ideally, you should schedule this visit once each year. The holiday season is perfect for this because everyone will be home for when the plumber arrives. To show some love to this trusty and hard-working appliance, schedule water heater maintenance and inspection now by calling Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA.
