5 Practical Maintenance Tips for Water Heaters in Fall and Winter

As the temperatures begin to really drop as we move from fall into winter, it is an excellent time to attend to your annual water heater maintenance.

There are a few tips and tricks that will both extend the life of your tank and give your system some extra endurance through the cold weather.

1 - Check the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is the mechanism that opens to release pressure that builds up when the temperature increases. It’s very important that this is working correctly because it can prevent an explosion. Over time, the valve can become corroded because of minerals or salt in the water. To test it, lift the end of the valve. If hot water comes out, it’s working well. If it trickles out, it needs to be replaced.

2 - Check Out the Anode Rod

The anode rod functions to protect your tank from rust. To check, pull it out and see if it’s mostly intact. If not, it’s time to replace it, just to be safe. It’s an easy DIY job, but you can also call in professional help as well.

3 - Flush the Tank

Flushing the tank rids it of sediment that accumulates over time. Doing so will allow your tank to run more efficiently, which will translate into cost savings. Flushing the tank on a regular basis can also help to extend the life of the tank, which is even more cost savings.

4 - Adjust the Temperature

Your water temperature isn’t just about your comfort when you are in the shower; it has to do with the quality of the water and how effective it is for your needs. Generally the recommendation is to set it at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have an unpleasant odor, it might be because there are bacteria in your water that could be eliminated if you turn the temperature up.

5 - If Expecting Colder Temps, Insulate Pipes and Heater Tank

You insulate the walls and roof of your home to protect against heat loss. Use the same principle with your hot water tank. Many newer tanks come insulated. If you have an older tank, or if you want to be even more energy efficient, get a hot water tank jacket.

Insulating your pipes can actually raise the water temperature by a couple of degrees, vs. water in non-insulated pipes, so is a good energy efficiency step as well. Additionally, this can be a good way to keep pipes from freezing in the winter.

Questions about your water heater? The trained technicians of Laney's Inc, in Fargo, ND are always happy to hear from you. Call us at (701)-237-0543.