Every home is equipped with multiple appliances and systems. One of the most used appliances in every home is that of the hot water heater. It is easy to overlook the maintenance of this very important appliance because more times than not its use is taken for granted. Whenever you need hot water, rest assured your heater delivers.
Just as is the case with all other appliances in your home, the water heater needs to be routinely and properly maintained. Here at Steve Mull Plumbing we want to share some insight with our clients on how to do just that.
Routine Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance most definitely adds to the overall efficiency of your heater as well as enhancing its life span. Here at Steve Mull Plumbing, our team of highly skilled specialists has put together some very useful steps you can take to ensure that your water heater is properly maintained and working at peak levels.
- Routine Inspections – Taking the time to perform a visual inspection and close up look of your heater is a surefire way of making certain that it is operating properly. During your visual inspection be on the lookout for water on the floor, any leaks in the tank, or the visible presence of rust on the bottom of the tank.
- Routinely check the temperature and pressure valve (also referred to as a T&P Valve) – A yearly inspection of your T&P valve is highly recommended by our team of experts. The T&P valve is located at the top or on the side of the heater. It is designed with a discharge tube that flows toward the bottom of the heater tank. It is a safety feature of your water heater and needs to be functioning at peak levels all the time. When inspecting this valve, we suggest you place a container under the discharge tube. Follow up by lifting the lever and opening the valve. The hot water contained in the tank should begin to flow through the discharge tube into the container. Hold the lever for a few seconds and then release it to shut the water off. Did the water shut off properly or did the valve leak? If the valve leaked, it may very well be time to replace the T&P valve.
- Check the Temperature of the Water – The ideal temperature of a water heater is typically 120 degrees, though some individuals like to set it higher. Be aware that the lower the temperature the more money and energy you can save. The higher the temperature is set, the harder the heater has to work.
- Make certain the heater is properly insulated – Much like hot water pipes in your home, it is important to insulate the water tank as well. There are insulation blankets that can be purchased to perform this rather simple task. Simply cover the heater and pipes with one of the blankets in your efforts to ensure the heater does not have to work too hard. Blankets can also contribute to energy efficiency and to the lifespan of the water heater
Bottom Line
Here at Steve Mull Plumbing, we are steadfast in our commitment to meet the individual needs of all our valued clients. We take pride in educating our clients on specific topics that help in the overall performance, safety and maintenance of their homes. For more information about how to maintain your hot water heater, or to schedule a service appointment here in Lebanon, be sure to reach out to one of our team members today. When it comes to all your plumbing needs, trust the pros here at Steve Mull Plumbing!
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